Shellfish allergy

1. Overview

Shellfish allergy is a condition that causes an allergic reaction to crustaceans such as shrimp, crabs, and lobsters. It can cause one of the most severe food allergies, and is particularly common in adults. Once a shellfish allergy develops, it often lasts a lifetime, so care must be taken.

2. Symptoms

Shellfish allergy symptoms appear within minutes to hours of ingestion.

1. Skin reactions: hives, itchy skin, rash

2. Gastrointestinal symptoms: nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea

3. Respiratory symptoms: stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, asthma

4. Systemic symptoms: headache, dizziness

5. Severe reactions: Anaphylactic shock (difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness)

Anaphylactic shock is a life-threatening emergency that requires rapid response.

3. Solutions

Treatment for shellfish allergies can be divided into prevention of allergic reactions and emergency response.

prevention

1. Check food labels: Always check food labels to avoid foods that contain shellfish.

2. Check when eating out: When eating at a restaurant, check to see if the food contains shellfish.

3. Prevent cross-contamination: Prevent cross-contamination of cooking utensils and areas.

Emergency response

1. Carry epinephrine: In an emergency, use an epinephrine autoinjector (such as EpiPen).

2. Seek medical attention: If anaphylactic shock occurs, seek medical attention immediately.

4. To improve quality of life

1. Education and Awareness: Educate and understand yourself, your family and friends about allergies.

2. Support groups: Exchange information through interactions with people who have the same allergies.

3. Regular medical check-ups: See an allergist for proper management.

Learn in 1 minute! ~Trivia about shellfish allergies~

1. Heating is ineffective

What many people don't know is that shellfish allergens are not neutralized by cooking, so even cooked shellfish can cause an allergic reaction.

2. Difference between shellfish and fish

Shellfish and fish have different allergens, so people with shellfish allergies may be able to safely eat fish, but because each individual allergic reaction is different, it is important to consult a specialist.

3. Early signs of anaphylaxis

Early signs of anaphylactic shock include itching of the mouth and throat, swelling of the lips, and chest tightness. If these symptoms appear, epinephrine should be administered immediately and an ambulance should be called.

List of references

(n.d.). Shellfish Allergy . Johns Hopkins Medicine.

https://www.foodallergy.org/living-food-allergies/food-allergy-essentials/common-allergens/shellfish?gad

(n.d.). Shellfish Allergy: Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shellfish-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20377503

(nd). Shellfish Allergy . American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI). https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/food/shellfish/

(nd). Anaphylaxis Guidelines . Japanese Society of Allergology. https://www.jsaweb.jp/uploads/files/Web_AnaGL_2023_0301.pdf