Seafood allergy is characterized as an allergic reaction to certain foods from fresh or salt water which includes the following:
- Shrimp
- Crab
- Oysters
- Salmon
- Trout
Once an individual is allergic to seafood, he/she must not consume or come in contact with any seafood. A usual symptom that develops after eating seafood is stomach pain. Other digestive symptoms that can also occur include vomiting and diarrhea in severe cases. A doctor should be consulted regarding the symptoms before the individual attempts to manage the symptoms.
Close look on seafood allergy
Seafood allergy is considered as a long-lasting allergic condition that has no known cure. Millions of individuals all over the globe have been diagnosed with seafood allergy. This type of allergy is commonly linked with anaphylaxis which is a severe reaction that can be deadly.
If an individual is allergic to one type of fish, there is a 50% chance that he/she is also allergic to other types of fish. Remember that cross-contamination is an issue to worry about if the individual is allergic to fish since they are usually handled together.
Possible causes
The stomach pain can also be caused by the presence of histamine in the intestines. Once the individual experiences an allergic reaction, the body generates various chemicals to fight off the proteins from seafood.
Histamine and immunoglobulin E (IgE) are the 2 chemicals that mainly trigger the symptoms of an allergic reaction. The proteins present in seafood are identified by the body as a threat when they are actually safe. The heightened levels of histamine in the digestive tract can cause the development of inflammation in the gut which triggers stomach pain and cramping.
What are the other symptoms?
The stomach pain is not the only symptom that develops from seafood allergy. If the individual only suffers from stomach cramps without other symptoms, he/she might have intolerance towards certain seafood. The additional symptoms that can manifest include the following:
- Hives
- Rashes on the face
- Nausea
- Facial swelling
- Generalized itchiness
- Diarrhea
- Breathing difficulty
- Vomiting
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Nasal congestion
- Tingling sensation in the lips, mouth or throat
Management of seafood allergy
An effective way to properly manage seafood allergy is to avoid seafood products. Many food manufacturers are required to indicate if a pre-packaged food contains fish or any type of seafood or processed in a facility that might contaminate certain food items.
It is vital to read all the product labels carefully before eating and ask the server when eating outside regarding any allergens in the dishes ordered. If the individual accidentally ate seafood, the stomach pain can be managed by drinking plenty of water, allowing the individual to rest and wait for the body to eliminate the seafood proteins from the body.