How to Know Fish Allergy Symptoms

Among food allergies, fish allergy is one that has some of the most severe and dangerous symptoms. Though it is sometimes difficult to determine whether a patient is having symptoms due to an allergy to fish or due to food poisoning, it's extremely important to explore and know the cause of the symptoms.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Epipen
• Medical alert bracelet

1. Seek medical attention if, within 2 hours of eating, handling or inhaling the cooking fumes of fish, your mouth begins to itch or tingle. These symptoms are part of a syndrome known as "oral allergy syndrome," which is extremely common with fish allergy. The concern is that, without treatment, the tingling itch can progress to severe swelling in the oral tissues, making breathing difficult.

2. Ask to be tested for fish allergy if you know you have an allergy to other types of seafood. There is a strong link between allergies to crustaceaus seafood (shellfish) and other fish, such as cod. Increased exposure to the allergenic proteins found in fish can cause or increase the severity of asthma.

3. Know whether anybody else in your dining party has fallen ill. There are occasionally toxins and parasites in fish, such as those found in a "Red Tides," that can cause a type of food poisoning whose symptoms mimic those of fish allergy. Though this is still a serious condition that requires medical assistance, it's unlikely to require you to make significant changes in your eating habits for the rest of your life.

4. Regard delayed stomach upsets, hives and skin rashes as part of a constellation of fish allergy symptoms. Though most people with the allergy experience the immediate respiratory signs, a person with a lesser sensitivity to seafood may have other symptoms later on. Keep a journal of these symptoms so that you and your doctor can look for a pattern related to seafood consumption.

5. Avoid foods cooked with fish or those containing fish products if you have a suspected or confirmed allergy. This will require increased diligence on your part at restaurants since so many foods are cooked on the same dishes or using the same utensils. Ask for your food to be cooked separately and avoid ordering foods with Worcestershire sauce, imitation seafood or roe. You will also have to give up Caesar salad and caviar.

Tips & Warnings

• Anaphylaxis, a condition in which massive amounts of histamine flood the body causing overall swelling and the possible shut down of vital organs, is a very real threat for people with fish allergy. Wear a medical alert bracelet and always carry a (prescribed) dose of epinephrine with you.

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