Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Shellfish Allergy: What You Need To Know

By Tonci Vulin


Shellfish allergy is the most common food allergy among adults in the United States. Approximately two percent of American adults have a shellfish allergy, and 0.1 percent of children have a shellfish allergy.

Unlike numerous food allergic reactions, shellfish allergy is more likely to develop in adulthood than in early childhood. Shellfish allergies tend to be serious, lifelong food allergic reactions.

What are the Common Signs and Symptoms of Shellfish Allergy Just a few minutes or few hours after eating shellfish, symptoms may then be noticed. Symptoms can include: Hives and eczema are a few of the typical skin allergic reactions. Allergic conjunctivitis: Itchy, red, watery eyes. Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea may also occur. Wheezing, runny nose and coughing are also respiratory symptoms that are caused by allergy.

Your lips will swell and also your tongue and face. These symptoms are called angioedema. Severe anaphylaxis is the severe symptom of shellfish allergy. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that needs immediate medical treatment. Shellfish allergy is the most frequent causes of Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis, in which the combination of eating a food allergen and working out triggers anaphylaxis. What's with Shellfish that Causes Allergies

Mollusks and Crustaceans are two primary families of the shellfish origin. Oysters, squids and clams are under the family of mollusks. While lobsters, shrimps and crayfish are under the family of crustaceans. Shellfish can live both on land and water (fresh or salt).

Individuals who are allergic to one form of crustacean, such as shrimp, are often allergic to all other crustaceans. If you are allergic to crustaceans, you may or may not be able to eat mollusks like clams or oysters. Allergy testing is the safest method to determine which shellfish, if any, you will be able to eat.

The allergenic protein in shellfish (tropomyosin) isn't just found in sea creatures. Individuals with shellfish allergies may also have reactions to land snails, dust mites, cockroaches, or other insects.

Living With a Shellfish Allergy You need to avoid shellfish or make preparations just before allergic reactions because there is no identified remedy for shellfish allergy to date. If you have been diagnosed with a serious shellfish allergy, your physician will recommend an epinephrine auto-injector (commonly called an Epi-Pen) that you will have to carry with you at all times. Keep in mind that food allergens can be contained in almost all food items. You will need to learn to read labels to prevent shellfish, and learn to ask questions when you eat in dining places. The Labelling Laws for Shellfish Products The Food Allergy Labeling Law (FALCPA) defines crustacean shellfish as one of the big eight allergens, but not mollusks. This means that manufacturers are not needed to list the presence of clams, oysters, mussels, scallops or other mollusks in ingredient lists.

Mollusks have wide variety of shellfish types so if you are allergic to crustacean shellfish, its likely to be allergic to other kinds. Allergy testing can help you determine if mollusks are safe for you to eat.

You should always read ingredient labels carefully if you have shellfish allergies. Allergy to Iodine Products and Shellfish A lot of medical sources wrongfully document that there is a cross-reactivity between iodine/contrast allergy and shellfish allergy. If you are allergic to shellfish, you do not have to refrain from iodine or radiocontrast material. Shellfish allergies aren't linked to the iodine allergy or radiocontrast substances so cross-reactions are not something you must worry about.

Shellfish Poisoning The symptoms of shellfish poisoning (also known as paralytic shellfish poisoning and red tide) usually happen within 30 minutes of eating tainted shellfish, and may be confused with an allergic reaction. Shellfish poisoning is caused by a really strong toxin called saxitoxin that is unveiled by algae-like organisms that live in two-shelled mollusks, like clams and oysters. Mollusks are the ones that have the toxin and not the lobsters and fishes. Symptoms may include tingling or burning in the mouth or extremities, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Shellfish poisoning is something that must not be ignored because this could lead to life-threatening circumstances. If you encounter any of these symptoms after eating shellfish, get emergency medical care.




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