Many doctors also recommend that people with shellfish allergies carry epinephrine EpiPen , Auvi-Q , or Adrenaclick for self-administration in case you accidentally ingest any. Epinephrine adrenalin is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. For mild reactions such as a rash or itchiness, taking an antihistamine such as Benadryl may be recommended by your doctor. Shop for Benadryl products. Most doctors agree that someone who has both a shellfish allergy and asthma should have an epinephrine pen on hand in case of an emergency.
If ingesting shellfish results in a mild reaction such as a rash or itchy skin, taking an antihistamine to see if it helps with the symptoms is recommended. However, if the symptoms do no improve, seek immediate medical advice or go to the emergency room. Iodine is an element found throughout the body and is essential to the production of thyroid hormones and various amino acids. There has been some confusion in recent years regarding the relationship between shellfish allergy and iodine.
Many people falsely believe that iodine may trigger an allergic reaction in people with a shellfish allergy. Iodine is often used in medications and in contrast agents used in medical imaging. The misconception is largely related to a Florida court case about a man who died from a severe allergic reaction.
The man had a known shellfish allergy. The allergic reaction occurred a few minutes after he received contrast iodine from a cardiologist. A study published in the Journal of Emergency Medicine concluded that iodine is not an allergen. A simple skin prick test can identify a shellfish allergy. The test involves puncturing the skin of the forearm and introducing a small amount of the allergen into it.
Allergy testing is the only sure way to tell if a reaction after eating shellfish is indeed a shellfish allergy. The only way to prevent a shellfish allergy is to avoid all shellfish and all products that contain shellfish. Ask the staff how food is prepared when eating in a restaurant. Asian restaurants often serve dishes that contain fish sauce as a flavoring base. A shellfish-based broth or sauce may trigger an allergic reaction. For blood tests, a blood sample is taken and tested for the presence of Immunoglobulin E IgE antibodies—these antibodies are produced by your body in response to a particular allergen in this case shellfish and results are typically available in a week to two weeks.
The best and only definitive treatment for shellfish allergies is strict avoidance and elimination of any foods containing shellfish from your diet. Additionally, anyone with shellfish allergies must check ingredient labels on packaged and prepared foods. You should also avoid seafood restaurants, even if you order non-shellfish containing meals it may be impossible for the kitchen to not cross-contaminate your meal.
The absence of shellfish terms does not mean the food is safe for you though. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer and avoid the food unless you are certain it is free of allergens. Since food allergies are the most common causes of anaphylaxis, patients with shellfish allergies should always carry epinephrine adrenaline auto-injectors with them—this is the only first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.
If you are not sure whether an allergic reaction is leading to anaphylactic shock, you should use the epinephrine treatment anyway—the benefits of early use outweigh the risks of an unnecessary dose. These additional steps are important for children with shellfish and other food allergies:. It may be recommended you avoid mollusks and the following items also:. This is not an exhaustive list, but there are some common items that may contain shellfish ingredients.
Care should be taken with the following items:. Shellfish allergies are among the most common food allergies. A study that recruited more than 40, participants from the United States reported that about 2.
What is unique about a shellfish allergy is that although it can occur in people of any age, it tends to develop in adulthood rather than childhood. Once they have developed, shellfish allergies tend to be lifelong.
It is important to recognize that having a shellfish allergy is different than having a seafood or fish allergy. Many people who are allergic to shellfish are still able to eat finned fish because they are not the same biologically. It can sometimes seem challenging to live with a food allergy.
However, thanks to improved labeling practices and a greater awareness of food allergies, it is now easier to manage an allergy than it has been previously.
It is important for people to be aware of the symptoms of an allergic reaction, even those who have not reacted to shellfish or other foods before. An allergy can worsen over time, so anyone who reacts to shellfish should check in with their doctor for further evaluation and testing.
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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. Once you have used your epinephrine auto-injector, immediately call and tell the dispatcher that you used epinephrine and that more may be needed from the emergency responders.
Other medications, such as antihistamine and corticosteroids, may be prescribed to treat mild symptoms of a food allergy, but it is important to note that there is no substitute for epinephrine — this is the only medication that can reverse the life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis. If your child has been prescribed an auto-injector, be sure that you and those responsible for supervising your child understand how to use it.
Shellfish If your mouth itches, or if you develop hives or a stomachache after eating crab, lobster or other shellfish, you may have a shellfish allergy, a condition that affects nearly 7 million Americans. On this page. Overview Shellfish is among the most common food allergens. Find expert care with an Allergist. Find an Allergist. Symptoms Within the shellfish family, the crustacean group shrimp, lobster and crab causes the greatest number of allergic reactions. Shellfish allergies most frequently develop in adulthood but can affect children.
Diagnosis Diagnosing shellfish allergies can be complicated. Management and Treatment Once a shellfish allergy is identified, the best management is to avoid the food.
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