Do I Have A Shellfish Allergy?

Did your symptoms occur within minutes to an hour of eating shellfish?

Do you have hives, itching or eczema?

Do you have swelling of your lips, face, tongue and throat, or other parts of your body?

Do you have tingling in your mouth?

Do you have nasal congestion (stuffy nose)?

Do you have trouble breathing or wheezing?

Do you have nausea or vomiting?

Do you have abdominal pain or diarrhea?

Do you have dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting spells?

Do you have a rapid pulse?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a shellfish allergy. A shellfish allergy occurs when the immune system makes a mistake and identifies a certain type of shellfish protein as a harmful substance. The immune system provokes the production of antibodies to that protein, so the next time your immune system comes in contact with that specific protein, it will release histamine to fight it. The histamine will trigger various allergy symptoms. There are several types of shellfish and each type contains different proteins. Some people are allergic to all shellfish, while others are allergic to only one type and can eat others.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a shellfish allergy. A shellfish allergy may develop at any time during a person’s life, but it is the more common in adults, especially women. It is estimated that about 6.5 million Americans have this type of allergy. A shellfish allergy can be unpredictable and you can become allergic to any type of shellfish you have eaten before without any problems. Also, an allergic reaction can become more serious each time you eat a shellfish again. A diagnosis is based on your symptoms that appear soon after exposure to shellfish, skin tests and blood tests.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have a shellfish allergy. A shellfish allergy is a common food allergy. In the shellfish category, the largest number of allergic reactions is caused by shrimps, lobsters and crabs. Some people are allergic to only one type of shellfish; however, it is recommended to avoid all types, as shellfish are often stored together in markets and cross-contamination is possible. A mild allergic reaction can be treated with medications called antihistamines, while a severe allergic reaction requires an urgent injection of epinephrine. People prone to serious reactions must always have injectable epinephrine with them.