How to Know Shellfish Allergy Symptoms
Much to the disappointment of lobster and shrimp enthusiasts across the nation, shellfish allergy is not only the most common allergy in adults but also likely to develop suddenly in adulthood. Dealing with a shellfish allergy goes beyond just avoiding seafood dinners and clambakes. Since shellfish allergy has a high likelihood of causing a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, people with shellfish allergies need to know and recognize the symptoms.
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Instructions
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Seek immediate medical assistance if your mouth begins to itch and tingle or your lips begin to swell after you ingest, handle or inhale the cooking vapors of shellfish. Known as "oral allergy syndrome," these symptoms are extremely common to shellfish allergy and are often a precursor to anaphylactic shock, a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction.
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Ask to be tested for shellfish allergy if you know you have an allergy to dust mites, cockroaches or other insects. The allergenic protein found in shellfish, tropomyosin, is found in these as well. It's likely that if you are allergic to one of them, you will be allergic to them all.
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Check on your dinner mates. If your whole dinner party is experiencing similar symptoms, it's more likely that you are suffering from a type of toxic food poisoning than a lifelong allergy. Though you (and your friends) will still need medical attention, you can rest assured that you aren't suffering from a shellfish allergy.
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Avoid ingesting all crustaceans. They all contain the allergenic protein that causes symptoms. Foods to avoid include: clams, crab, crayfish, lobster, oysters, abalone, shrimp, scallops, mussels and sea urchin.
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Be careful when eating fried foods at a seafood restaurant. Many establishments use the same oil to cook french fries as they do to fry shrimp and clams. When in doubt, check with your server, making sure to let them know clearly and specifically that you have an allergy. Other foods, such as Worcestershire sauce, imitation shellfish and salad dressings, often contain shellfish for flavoring so you should avoid these as well.
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Read labels carefully. Since shellfish allergy is one of the eight most common in the United States, the FDA requires food labels to clearly indicate whether the product contains shellfish.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider talking to your doctor about carrying a prepared dose of epinephrine with you for emergencies. With a severe allergy, the adrenaline shot can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.
There is speculation that the dietary supplement glucosamine can cause symptoms in people with shellfish allergy. Check with your doctor before taking the supplement.
