Once a shellfish allergy is identified, the best management is to avoid the food. You need to carefully check ingredient labels of food products. You should learn other names for the foods you need to avoid to be sure not to eat them. You must be extra-careful when you eat out. Vapors may carry small particles of shellfish protein, so being close to where food is being prepared can potentially cause a dangerous reaction in sensitive individuals. Shellfish may be found in fish stock, seafood flavoring for example, crab extract , sushi and surimi.
Crustacean shellfish is one of the eight allergens that fall under the labeling requirements of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of This means that manufacturers of packaged food items sold in the United States and containing crustacean shellfish or a crustacean shellfish-based ingredient must state, in clear language, the presence of crustacean shellfish in the product.
Note: Those regulations apply only to crustacean shellfish, such as shrimp, lobster and crab, and not to mollusks, such as oysters, scallops and clams.
Anyone with a food allergy must understand how to read ingredient labels and practice avoidance measures. Your allergist can direct you to helpful resources, such as special cookbooks, patient support groups and registered dietitians, who can help you plan your meals.
Many people with food allergies wonder if their condition is permanent. There is no clear-cut answer. Over time, allergies to milk, eggs and soy may disappear. Allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish typically last a lifetime. About one-third of children and adults with a food allergy eventually outgrow the allergy.
But rates of naturally outgrowing food allergies will vary depending on the specific food allergen and the person. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis , a severe whole-body allergic reaction that causes symptoms, including tightening of the airway. Anaphylaxis can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to the allergen, can worsen quickly, and can be deadly. Once a food allergy diagnosis is made, your allergist likely will prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector and teach you how to use it.
Check the expiration date of your auto-injector, note the expiration date on your calendar and ask your pharmacy about reminder services for prescription renewals. Be sure to have two doses available, as the severe reaction may recur. Epinephrine should be used immediately if you experience severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, repetitive coughing, weak pulse, generalized hives, tightness in the throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a combination of symptoms from different body areas such as hives, rashes or swelling on the skin coupled with vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain.
Repeated doses of epinephrine may be necessary. If you are uncertain whether a reaction requires epinephrine, use it right away, because the benefits of epinephrine far outweigh the risk that a dose may not have been necessary. Common side effects of epinephrine may include temporary anxiety, restlessness, dizziness and shakiness.
Rarely, the medication can lead to an abnormal heart rate or rhythm, a heart attack, a sharp increase in blood pressure and fluid buildup in the lungs, but these adverse effects are generally caused by errors in dosing which is unlikely to occur with use of epinephrine autoinjectors.
Some people with certain pre-existing conditions might be at higher risk for adverse effects and should speak to their allergist about epinephrine use. Your allergist will provide you with a written emergency treatment plan that outlines which medications should be administered and when note that between 10 and 20 percent of life-threatening severe allergic reactions have no skin symptoms. Be sure you understand how to properly and promptly use an epinephrine auto-injector.
Among children, shellfish allergy is more common in boys. In severe cases, shellfish allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, a dangerous allergic reaction marked by a swollen throat airway constriction , rapid pulse, shock, and dizziness or lightheadedness.
Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. Anaphylaxis can be treated with an emergency injection of epinephrine adrenaline. If you are at risk of having a severe allergic reaction to shellfish, you always should carry injectable epinephrine EpiPen, Adrenaclick, others. If you have a shellfish allergy, the only way to avoid an allergic reaction is to avoid all shellfish and products that contain shellfish.
Even trace amounts of shellfish can cause a severe reaction in some people. Read labels. Cross-contamination can occur in stores where other food is processed or displayed near shellfish and during manufacturing.
Read food labels carefully. Shellfish is rarely a hidden ingredient, but it may be in fish stock or seafood flavoring. Companies are required to label any product that contains shellfish or other foods that often cause allergic reactions, but the regulations don't apply to mollusks, such as clams, oysters and scallops. If you have a shellfish allergy, talk with your doctor about carrying emergency epinephrine. Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or necklace that lets others know you have a food allergy.
One thing you don't need to worry about is if you'll also be allergic to iodine or radiocontrast dye that's used in some imaging tests. Even though shellfish contain small amounts of iodine, shellfish allergy is unrelated to the reactions some people have to radiocontrast material or iodine.
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But various myths and fallacies are associated with shellfish and seafood allergies. Though it's true that people with seafood allergies must be extremely careful about their exposure, they also need to know what myths are in fact, myths. Seafood allergies are nothing to take lightly; it's always better to err on the side of caution rather than risk having a severe allergic reaction from coming into contact with shellfish.
Knowing the facts about these food allergies can help make them just a bit easier to deal with, as you will be more certain of your possible risk. Learn more in the Everyday Health Allergy Center. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Reviewed: April 27, Medically Reviewed. Here's the truth about shellfish and seafood allergies: Shellfish allergy can occur any time in life. Adults and young adults may suddenly develop a shellfish allergy; it can appear at any age.
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