Shellfish Allergies - Symptoms and Treatments Help

Shellfish Allergies - Symptoms and Treatments Help
by Pat Keenan

America, and they are more likely than most other allergies to manifest for the first
time in adults.

For some people, even a tiny amount of shellfish can cause a serious reaction.
Shellfish includes animals with shells, such as clams, lobster and shrimp, as well as
octopus and squid. Shellfish includes animals with shells, such as clams, lobster and
shrimp, as well as octopus and squid.

Does Iodine Allergy Also Mean a Shellfish Allergy Too?

Although certain shellfish are rich in iodine, there is no evidence that this will increase
the risk of an iodine allergy, nor that people with shellfish allergies need to take
precautions to avoid iodine when undergoing medical tests. Iodine is not related to
the protein that causes shellfish allergies.

For some reason certain allergies get linked together even though they may be
totally unrelated. This is what has happened with iodine and shellfish. There is no
actual relationship between iodine allergy and the various seafood allergies.

Symptoms

The symptoms are different from having a reaction caused by toxins or bacteria. This
type of food poisoning is common and can cause problems similar to a shellfish
allergy. The difference being, it does not involve the immune system and only occurs
when you eat food that has been contaminated.

Although symptoms can range from hives, vomiting or nasal congestion to more-
severe and even life-threatening symptoms it is a major cause of anaphylactic shock.
People have even been known to go into anaphylactic shock after breathing in
airborne particles of shellfish or fish allergen in open fish markets.

The most common symptoms are:

Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, or other parts of the body.
Wheezing, nasal congestion or even trouble breathing.
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.
Hives, itching or eczema.
Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting.
Tingling in the mouth may also occur.

The proteins that are most likely to cause a reaction are not found in the shell, and
recent studies have indicated that glucosamine is safe for people with shellfish
allergies; however, if you are concerned, you can try vegetarian glucosamine.

Role Of The FDA

Because shellfish are one of the eight most common allergens in the United States,
they are covered by FALCPA the FDA's Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer
Protection Act . This requires that the presence of shellfish be listed on labels in clear
English, either in bold type or following the list of ingredients after the word "Contains
" However, FALCPA only refers to crustaceans, and not to mollusks. Shellfish are
relatively easier to avoid in the diet than most of the other most common allergens.

Cross-Reactivity

Different types of shellfish have high rates of cross-reactions with other types of
shellfish, as noted above. The protein that most commonly causes problems,
tropomyosin is also found in dust mites and cockroaches as well, and there is some
evidence of cross-reactivity between shellfish and some insects.

If the same pair of tongs is used to handle different types of fish and shellfish, or if
you suspect one type of fish or shellfish may have spilled over and had contact with
another, you should avoid buying or consuming.

Freshwater Shellfish Dangers

If you're like me, those of you out there with shellfish allergies may also need to
avoid freshwater shellfish. Just be very careful because many things at restaurants
are contaminated by shellfish cooking on the same grill.

How To Protect Yourself

Beyond not eating at some restaurants, the greatest challenge in living with this
problem is likely the fact that shellfish allergies pose a greater risk of anaphylactic
shock than many other food allergies. If you suffer from this, strictly avoiding shellfish
and food containing shellfish is the only way to prevent a reaction.

If your doctor is able to identify exactly which type causes your allergies, then you
need to eliminate that type of shellfish from your diet.

The fish and shellfish allergy necessitates not eating in seafood restaurants at a very
minimum. This may include not eating where fried foods are prepared if fish and
shellfish are on the menu. For the shellfish allergic, stay away from all shelled fish-
crab, lobster, shrimp and snails.

Also, keep in mind that imitation shell fish may still contain shellfish as many
manufactures add shellfish for flavoring Before you use it, read the label to be sure.

About The Author

Pat Keenan

This article about can be found on my
along with many other allergy articles and information I'm sure you
will find useful.

Shellfish allergies are caused by two
classes of foods- mollusks which
include clams, mussels, and oysters
and crustaceans which include
shrimp, lobster, and crabs. This also
includes things lobster and shrimp, as
well as octopus and squid. So, many
people who are allergic to any
shellfish are advised to avoid all
shellfish.

Along with nuts, this is the next most
common food cause of anaphylaxis.

Shellfish allergies are the most
common type among adults in

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.