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Shellfish allergy is an abnormal response of the immune system to proteins in certain marine animals. Seafood in the shellfish category includes crustaceans and molluscs such as shrimp, crab, lobster, squid, oysters, scallops, and others.
1. What causes you to be allergic to shellfish?
All food allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system. In cases of seafood allergy, the immune system mistakenly identifies a certain protein found in shellfish as harmful, thereby triggering the production of antibodies to this protein (allergen). ). The next time the body consumes the same allergen, the immune system automatically releases histamine and other chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.
There are several different types of seafood, each containing different proteins:
Crustaceans include: crab, lobster, crayfish, shrimp . Krill species include: squid, snails, mussels, scallops and scallops. Some people are allergic to only certain types of seafood but may eat other types of meat. Others are allergic to all types of seafood.
2. Shellfish allergy symptoms
Vomiting; Stomach cramps; Undigested; Diarrhea ; Wheeze; Shortness of breath; Cough; Throat congestion, hoarseness; Weak pulse; pale or blue skin; Edema ; Swelling, which may affect the tongue and/or lips; Dizzy; Confusion. Diagnosing a shellfish allergy can be very complicated. Symptoms can vary from person to person, and an individual may not always experience the same symptoms in every reaction. Furthermore, people who are allergic to shellfish do not necessarily have to directly consume seafood to develop an allergic reaction. Consumers can experience an allergic reaction if they are in a processing environment or just need the food they consume to come into contact with seafood.
Allergic reactions to shellfish may affect the gastrointestinal tract, skin, respiratory tract and/or cardiovascular system. Shellfish allergy is rare until adulthood, but it can appear at any age.
When a food allergy is suspected, it is important for the patient to consult an allergist, who can determine what tests to do, decide if an allergy exists. or not and advise the patient on how to manage exposure and symptoms once the diagnosis is confirmed.
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3. Shellfish allergy control and treatment
Once it has been determined that the body is allergic to shellfish, the best course of action is to avoid all related foods. Users should carefully check the composition of foods.People with allergies should be very careful when eating out to avoid the risk of cross-contamination during processing. Waiters (and sometimes kitchen staff) may not always know the ingredient list for every dish. At the same time, exposure in an environment close to where seafood is processed can also cause allergies for some sensitive people.
Fortunately, shellfish is an ingredient that rarely isn't explicitly listed in foods. Shellfish can be found in seafood dishes, seafood flavoring (for example, crab extract), sushi, and surimi.
Anyone with a food allergy should understand how to read ingredient labels and take steps to avoid consuming the wrong foods that trigger an allergic reaction. Allergists can direct patients to helpful resources, such as specialty cookbooks, patient support groups, and nutritionists, who can help you. meal planning.
Many people with food allergies wonder if the allergy is permanent. However, there is no clear answer to this problem. Over time, allergies to milk, eggs, and soy may go away. Allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish usually last a lifetime.
When you have symptoms of an allergy, you should immediately go to a reputable medical facility for early examination and treatment. Vinmec International General Hospital is a high-quality medical facility in Vietnam with a team of highly qualified medical professionals, well-trained, domestic and foreign, and experienced.
A system of modern and advanced medical equipment, possessing many of the best machines in the world, helping to detect many difficult and dangerous diseases in a short time, supporting the diagnosis and treatment of doctors the most effective. The hospital space is designed according to 5-star hotel standards, giving patients comfort, friendliness and peace of mind.
If you have a need for examination and treatment at Vinmec, please register directly at the website or contact the hotline system for detailed advice.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
References: acaai.org and mayoclinic.org
