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First of all, what is seafood allergy?
Simply put, this is an unwanted response by our immune system. A protein in a normally harmless seafood is mistakenly identified by our body as an "enemy". Then, our body produces chemicals to fight against that "enemy". Those chemicals are what cause the symptoms I mentioned earlier, such as itching , stinging, and swelling. When it comes to seafood, there are two main categories: 1. Finfish: For example, fish like mackerel, sardines, tuna, and salmon. 2. Shellfish: This also has two parts.- Crustaceans: shrimp, crab, lobster, squid.
- Mollusks: clams, mussels, squid (some types).
What are the symptoms of an allergy?
These symptoms can vary from person to person. Sometimes they start out very mild and can become severe over time.| Characteristic type | Things to expect |
|---|---|
| Skin symptoms | Conditions such as red, swollen rashes all over the body (hives), itching, and eczema. |
| Characteristics of the digestive system | Stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Characteristics of the respiratory system | Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, frequent sneezing, runny nose , cough. |
| Other features | Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat, feeling dizzy, fainting. |
| Very severe and emergency (Anaphylaxis) | A complete blockage of the throat, inability to breathe, sudden drop in blood pressure (shock), rapid heartbeat, and loss of consciousness. This is an emergency that requires immediate hospitalization. |
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) without delay.
Places we don't think about, but where seafood is hidden!
"I don't eat shrimp or fish, but why do I have an allergy?" you may be wondering. In fact, many foods and drinks that we don't even think about may contain seafood. Check out this list.| Things that may contain hidden seafood | Description |
|---|---|
| Some sauces | Anchovies, a small fish similar to sprats, are used to make things like Worcestershire sauce, some BBQ sauces, and Caesar salad dressing. |
| Some Asian foods | Fish sauce, some curry pastes, and in our country, things like umbalakada and katta sambal also contain fish. |
| Artificial seafood | Surimi, an artificial food that looks like crab meat and is used in sushi, is also made from fish protein. |
| Other products | Fish roe, fish oil, and sometimes gelatin made from fish. |
| Foods with added Omega-3 | Some eggs, yogurt, milk, and soy drinks have omega-3 fatty acids added from fish oil, so read the label carefully. |
6 simple ways to protect yourself from seafood
Although living with this allergy may seem like a challenge, it can be managed with a little care.1. Be very careful when eating at the store.
It's best to avoid seafood restaurants altogether. Even if you order chicken, if they cook your food in the same oil they fried it in, or with the same spoon they used to cook it, you could be allergic. We call this cross-contact . When you go to any restaurant, clearly tell the waiter about your allergy. Ask them to use separate utensils , spoons) and a separate place to prepare your food.2. Avoid cooking and catching seafood at home
If you are cooking seafood for other people in your home, have someone else do it. Some people may be allergic to seafood, either from touching it or from inhaling the fumes from cooking it.3. Ask your doctor.
Never try things like, "I'm only allergic to shrimp, I'll try eating some fish." It can have serious consequences. Only ask your doctor if there are safe seafoods you can eat.4. Be careful with fish oil supplements.
Many people take fish oil supplements to get their omega-3s. If you have a seafood allergy, be sure to talk to your doctor before using these. There are other good ways to get your omega-3s.- Dark green vegetables like spinach
- Walnuts
- Flaxseed oil
- SoyOil and canola oil
5. Make it a habit to read labels
When buying packaged food from the supermarket, read the label on the back carefully. Look for the words "Contains fish/shellfish." Not only food, but also some lotions, cosmetics, and medicines sometimes contain fish.6. Be prepared for an emergency.
If you have a severe allergic reaction, your doctor may have prescribed you an adrenaline auto-injector, also known as an EpiPen. Make sure you and your family know how to keep it with you at all times, how to use it, and what to do in an emergency.💡 Take-Home Message
- Be sure to know exactly what types of seafood you are allergic to. Talk to your doctor about this and get tested if necessary.
- Make it a habit to read the label when buying food from the store, especially packaged food.
- When eating out, make it clear to the cooks about your allergies . Always keep cross-contact in mind.
- If you are showing signs of a severe allergic reaction ( difficulty breathing , throat tightness ), it is an emergency . Go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately.
- If you are in doubt about anything, don't guess. Always consult your doctor.
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