Allergies to shellfish and fish are more common in adults and adolescents than in young children. A recent study estimated that one in every 100 people has a seafood allergy. Food allergies can be life-threatening. It is always better to be aware than sorry.
Every person’s immune system is different, and fish allergies can cause diverse symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Many food allergies do not cause severe symptoms, but they can be life-threatening in some people and should be taken seriously.
Causes of Fish Allergy
For all allergies, the immune system reacts to specific allergy triggers (allergens). Your immune system produces antibodies that detect the allergen and cause inflammatory reactions and the release of a chemical called histamine. Histamine causes hives, hay fever, and other allergic symptoms. Here is a list of fishes that cause allergies are:
- barramundi
- cod
- flake
- salmon
- snapper
- trout
- tuna
- whiting
Symptoms of Fish Allergy
Fish and shellfish allergic reactions can occur after eating seafood, but you can also have symptoms after touching seafood or inhaling fumes from shellfish or fish while they are being cooked or processed in a factory.
Milder allergic symptoms that can occur before a severe allergic reaction include:
- raised red bumps of skin – hives (urticaria)
- swelling of the lips
- tingling of the throat and mouth
- itchy skin and rash
- runny nose
- tightening of the throat
- digestive symptoms – cramps, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Diagnosis of Fish Allergy
f you have allergic symptoms, visit your family doctor, who will ask some questions about your allergic reactions. You can also discuss your record of symptoms. To diagnose your allergy, your doctor may refer you to a specialist doctor known as an allergist or clinical immunologist.
