Allergy to Shellfish

About this topic

Shellfish are sea animals with a shell around them. They live in water and are often used as food. A shellfish allergy is one kind of food allergy. It happens when your body reacts to a protein found in shellfish. Your body thinks the protein is something that may harm you. Then, your body attacks it by mistake. This causes your body to let chemicals loose into your blood. The chemicals can cause problems with many parts of your body. � �
Shellfish allergies are caused by two classes of foods: � �

Mollusks like clams, squid, scallops, and oysters
Crustaceans like shrimp, lobsters, prawns, and crayfish. Crabs and sea urchins also fall into this group. Most of the seafood allergies are caused by the crustaceans. You may still be able to eat food from the mollusk group. Shellfish allergies often start later in life. They tend to last all of your life.

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What are the causes?

A food allergy is caused when your immune system treats a harmless substance in a food as a threat. Then, it lets loose chemicals to keep the "threat " � from harming your body. Instead, the chemicals cause the signs of an allergic response. � �

What can make this more likely to happen?

Your family history may raise your risk for a shellfish allergy. You are at a higher risk for a food allergy if someone in your family has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Eczema
- Hives
If you are allergic to one kind of food, you are more likely to be allergic to others.
Adults are more likely to have this kind of allergy.

What are the main signs?

Skin reaction:
- Itchy skin
- Skin swelling, rashes, and redness
- Hives
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, and face
- Runny nose
Belly reaction:
- Belly cramps
- Throwing up
- Loose stools
Lung reaction:
- Sneezing, coughing, or wheezing
- Swelling of the throat
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain or tightness

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?

Your doctor will talk to you about your history. Your doctor will ask about: � �

Any history of allergies or food allergies that you or your family may have
Your signs and when they started
If you have other illnesses like the flu and colds

Your doctor will do an exam and may look for: � �

Skin rashes or redness
Swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, throat, and face
Breathing problems
Belly problems

You may be asked to keep a food diary. You will need to list all of the foods that you eat. You will also list all the drugs you take. Also, write down any signs you are having. This will help the doctor learn if a certain food is causing you problems. � �
Your doctor may do special tests to learn more about your allergies. � �

Skin test � � � Your doctor will scratch or inject a small amount of proteins from shellfish into your skin. If you are allergic to shellfish, you will notice redness or other skin reactions.
Blood tests � � � This will check how your immune system responds to shellfish.
Oral challenge test � � � Your doctor will ask you to skip foods having shellfish in them for a few weeks. Your doctor will slowly add foods having shellfish into your diet. Your doctor will watch you closely. If a reaction happens, it often means you have an allergy to shellfish.

How does the doctor treat this health problem?

Care will depend on your signs. If you think you or someone else is having an allergic reaction, get help right away.
Most often, the best care is to avoid shellfish and shellfish products.
Learn to read food labels to find products with shellfish in them.
Your doctor may give you drugs to help control the allergy. You may need to use these in an emergency if you have accidentally eaten a food that has shellfish in it.

What lifestyle changes are needed?

Always read the food label with care.
Ask about the ingredients when ordering foods in restaurants. Ingredients in dishes may change over time.
Be careful if you are eating food that you have not made yourself.
Be careful when eating fried foods. Some places may use the same oil to fry shrimp and chicken. You should avoid eating foods cooked in the same oil as shellfish.

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order drugs to:
- Ease signs like swelling and itching
- Control allergic reactions
- Help with discomfort
Your doctor may give you an emergency shot to control serious allergic reactions. You may also be given a special shot to carry with you. This would be used if you have some other serious reaction to shellfish.

Will there be any other care needed?

Wear a medic alert ID. Make sure that you carry your emergency drugs all the time.
Tell family and friends about your health problem and how to help.
Do not eat foods you are not familiar with. Make a list of the foods you need to avoid. These may include fish stock, seafood flavorings, sushi, or crab extracts. This can help you avoid shellfish and foods having shellfish.
Clean the kitchen area and cooking tools you use with care. This will help keep them from being contaminated by other foods. Be sure to wash knives, spoons, or forks after they have touched shellfish or shellfish products.
Be careful when buying fish from a fish market. Shellfish may touch some other food and mix during food handling. Avoid cooking in places where shellfish is being cooked.
Cook your foods at home. This way you can make sure you are staying away from ingredients that may cause a reaction.

What can be done to prevent this health problem?

There is no sure way to prevent a shellfish allergy. � �

Helpful tips

A shellfish allergy is not the same as a fish allergy. If you are allergic to shellfish, it does not mean you are allergic to fish. � �

Where can I learn more?

Allergist � �
http://beta.acaai.org/allergist/allergies/Types/food-allergies/types/Pages/shellfish-allergy.aspx � �
The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network � �
http://www.foodallergy.org/page/shellfish-allergy � �

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �

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