Marine animals in the shellfish category include crustaceans and mollusks, such as shrimp, crab, lobster, squid, oysters, scallops and others. Some people with shellfish allergy react to all shellfish; others react to only certain kinds. Reactions range from mild symptoms — such as hives or a stuffy nose — to severe and even life-threatening. If you think you have a shellfish allergy, talk to your doctor. Tests can help confirm the allergy so you can take steps to avoid future reactions.
Shellfish allergy symptoms generally develop within minutes to an hour of eating shellfish. They may include:. Allergies can cause a severe, potentially life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. An anaphylactic reaction to shellfish or anything else is a medical emergency that requires treatment with an epinephrine adrenaline injection and a trip to the emergency room.
All food allergies are caused by an immune system overreaction. In shellfish allergy, your immune system mistakenly identifies a certain protein in shellfish as harmful, triggering the production of antibodies to the shellfish protein allergen. The next time you come in contact with the allergen, your immune system releases histamine and other chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.
Some people are allergic to only one type of shellfish but can eat others. Other people with shellfish allergy must avoid all shellfish. You're at increased risk of developing a shellfish allergy if allergies of any type are common in your family.
Dairy, wheat, and corn account for up to 80 percent of delayed food allergies. Symptoms Unlike acute allergic symptoms associated with immediate IgE food allergy , symptoms from delayed food allergy usually occur from two hours to three days after eating a reactive food.
No single cause of delayed food allergy exists. There are people who are allergic to both fish and shellfish , but this is rare. Prawns have branching gills, claws on three pairs of their legs and second pincers that are larger than their front ones.
Shrimp , on the other hand, have lamellar or plate-like gills, and claws on two pairs of their legs. Their front pincers are typically their largest. People with a fish allergy might be allergic to some types of fish but not others. Although most allergic reactions to fish happen when someone eats fish , sometimes people can react to touching fish or breathing in vapors from cooking fish.
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Press ESC to close. How long do shellfish allergies last? Wikipedikia Editors 8 Min Read. Table of Contents. Type I: Immediate Hypersensitivity Anaphylactic Reaction These allergic reactions are systemic or localized, as in allergic dermatitis e.
Show Comments. Once a shellfish allergy is identified, the best management is to avoid the food. You need to carefully check ingredient labels of food products. You should learn other names for the foods you need to avoid to be sure not to eat them. You must be extra-careful when you eat out. Vapors may carry small particles of shellfish protein, so being close to where food is being prepared can potentially cause a dangerous reaction in sensitive individuals.
Shellfish may be found in fish stock, seafood flavoring for example, crab extract , sushi and surimi. Crustacean shellfish is one of the eight allergens that fall under the labeling requirements of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of This means that manufacturers of packaged food items sold in the United States and containing crustacean shellfish or a crustacean shellfish-based ingredient must state, in clear language, the presence of crustacean shellfish in the product.
Note: Those regulations apply only to crustacean shellfish, such as shrimp, lobster and crab, and not to mollusks, such as oysters, scallops and clams. Anyone with a food allergy must understand how to read ingredient labels and practice avoidance measures.
Your allergist can direct you to helpful resources, such as special cookbooks, patient support groups and registered dietitians, who can help you plan your meals. Many people with food allergies wonder if their condition is permanent.
There is no clear-cut answer. Over time, allergies to milk, eggs and soy may disappear. Allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish typically last a lifetime.
About one-third of children and adults with a food allergy eventually outgrow the allergy. But rates of naturally outgrowing food allergies will vary depending on the specific food allergen and the person. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis , a severe whole-body allergic reaction that causes symptoms, including tightening of the airway.
Anaphylaxis can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to the allergen, can worsen quickly, and can be deadly. Once a food allergy diagnosis is made, your allergist likely will prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector and teach you how to use it. 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. Medically supervised food challenges can be performed if any uncertainty remains about the diagnosis. The only sure way to prevent an allergic reaction to shellfish is to avoid shellfish. But despite your best efforts, you may come into contact with shellfish. Your doctor may instruct you to treat a mild allergic reaction to shellfish with medications such as antihistamines to reduce signs and symptoms, such as a rash and itchiness.
If you have a severe allergic reaction to shellfish anaphylaxis , you'll likely need an emergency injection of epinephrine adrenaline. If you're at risk of having a severe reaction, carry injectable epinephrine EpiPen, Adrenaclick, others with you at all times.
If you're at risk for anaphylaxis to shellfish, your doctor may instruct you to administer epinephrine even at the first sign of an allergic reaction. After you use epinephrine, seek emergency medical care, even if you've started to feel better. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. Or you may be referred immediately to an allergy specialist.
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