Living With a Shellfish Allergy

Shellfish allergy is one of the most common food allergies. If you have a shellfish allergy, you may have an allergic reaction to only certain kinds of shellfish, such as a shrimp allergy, or you may have an allergy to all shellfish. Shellfish include marine animals with shells, such as clams, lobster and shrimp, as well as octopus and squid.    

Shellfish allergy can cause mild symptoms, such as hives or nasal congestion, or more-severe and even life-threatening symptoms. For some people, even a tiny amount of shellfish can cause a serious reaction.

If you think you have a shrimp allergy or shellfish allergy, talk to your doctor. Tests can help confirm a shellfish allergy, so you can take steps to avoid future reactions.

Examples of shellfish include:

• Abalone
• Clams
• Crab
• Crawfish, crayfish
• Lobster
• Oysters
• Scallops
• Shrimp
• Cockle, sea urchin
• Mussels

Be careful with fried foods. Some restaurants use the same oil to fry shrimp, chicken, and French fries. So if your shellfish or shrimp is fried in the same oil, you may experience a shellfish allergy or shrimp allergy without having eaten that particular food. Also, keep in mind that imitation shellfish may still contain shellfish as many manufactures add shellfish for flavoring. Before you use it, read the label to be sure.

 

Shellfish Allergy - Shrimp Allergy - Natural Allergy Treatment