Did you know that having a shellfish allergy is pretty common? As one of the top nine food allergens in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) list, it affects 2–3% of the population (and is more prevalent in adults than children). For North Texas families who live with this allergy, it’s important to know the symptoms, when to seek care from a board certified allergist-immunologist, and what treatment options are available.
Getting to Know Shellfish Allergy Symptoms
Out of an abundance of caution, many people want to understand how to know if they have a food allergy. While it’s a bit more complex than direct genetics, if a parent or family member is allergic to a certain food, that increases your risk of having allergic conditions such as food allergies, asthma, seasonal allergies and/or eczema.
Like so many other food allergens, a shellfish allergy can be disruptive for people and cause them to live vigilantly to avoid triggers. While this can be disheartening and even frightening at times, there’s an incredible amount of trusted information about foods, like shellfish, and how to live safely. Patients don’t have to live in fear when they’re armed with knowledge, and assisted by a care team committed to their health.
Typical symptoms for a shellfish allergy include sensitivity around the mouth or in the throat after food ingestion, coughing, wheezing, stomach issues (including cramp-like pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea), and skin irritations like itching, eczema or hives. Should you experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, seek emergency care immediately as you may be experiencing anaphylaxis, which is life threatening.
When to See a Local Allergist for Shellfish Allergy
If you, a loved one or a friend experiences any of the symptoms above, no matter how mild, it is imperative to seek food allergy testing and treatment from a board certified allergist. The sooner you obtain testing, the sooner you can learn for sure what allergies you have, and begin a specialized treatment plan based on what’s most helpful to you.
While there are multiple innovative treatments for food allergies, simple avoidance remains one of the best for shellfish allergy. There are some key things to keep in mind when avoiding foods, one of which is cross contamination. Cross contamination can occur in kitchens (at home and commercially). So whenever you eat out, disclose your allergy to your server. Because allergens like shellfish can show up in unexpected places, you’ll want to be mindful of the following items.
- Glucosamine. This supplement is sourced from shellfish.
- Fish stock. Always check with restaurants and read the labels, as shellfish are often used to flavor seafood stock.
- Packaged food and condiments. Certain sauces like oyster sauce or seafood flavored items like ramen/ramyeon have shellfish.
- Wine and beer. Shellfish may be used as a fining (clarifying) agent.
In addition to avoidance, your allergist will prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector to use in case of a severe allergic reaction. It’s important to keep two of these on your person or available to your child’s caretakers and educators at all times.
Get Customized Treatment for Shellfish Allergy in North Texas
A customized food allergy treatment plan is available for you or your child at TexasAllergyMD. Dr. Mireku is one of the few board certified food allergists in McKinney/Prosper and Southlake. Her compassionate care and vast knowledge of innovative treatments for various allergies will have you feeling better soon. Call us today at (469) 375-1525 or request an appointment.
