Shellfish Allergies
Shellfish allergies are considered the most common cause of severe allergies in adults throughout the world. In addition, shellfish allergies is the primary allergy known to manifest for the first time at anytime during adulthood.
Shellfish and Iodine
Although many shellfish species may be rich in iodine, there is no scientific evidence that shellfish allergies raise the risk of developing or having an iodine allergy. Furthermore, it has never been proven that people with shellfish allergies need to take precautions to avoid iodine when undergoing medical tests. Iodine is not related to the protein that causes shellfish allergies. However, some persons feel that they may have an iodine relative; because they are allergic to shellfish or are known to have an fish allergy.
Avoiding Shellfish
Simply avoiding shellfish is really the only method to prevent a allergic reaction. Having a health professional diagnose the exact type of shellfish you are allergic to will help you to plan your seafood diet. Otherwise, shellfish should be avoided completely since the allergic reactions can be severe.
Examples of shellfish:
- Abalone
- Clams
- Cockle, sea urchin
- Crab
- Crawfish, crayfish
- Lobster
- Mussels
- Oysters
- Scallops
- Shrimp
Shellfish restaurant dishes to avoid
Here a a few dishes and their common names to keep an eye out for when examining restaurant menus:
- Paella
- Bouillabaisse
- Seafood gumbos
- Frito misto (a mixed fried fish dish from the Mediterranean coast)
- Fruits de mer (seafood)
- Surimi (a processed seafood product)
- Anchovies (pizza topping)
- Caponata
- Kedgeree
- Fish sauces (Nuoc Mam and Nam Pla)
- Patum Peperium
- Menhaden
- Be aware that some oriental food tends to contain lots of different kinds of fish and are hard to detect unless you ask ahead
Related Post: Food Allergies and Fish Allergy.
About the Author:
Carlton Smith is a food critic in North Carolina and writes about fine dining experiences in various cuisine publications.
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Medical Conditions & Treatments : Symptoms of Shellfish Allergies
Fish allergies are actually caused by a protein contained in the flesh of fish and even fish oils and gelatin may trigger allergies if they have been contaminated by the proteins from the fish meat. The most common fish allergy reaction to a fish allergy are similar to other food allergies effecting the skin, digestive system, and respiratory system. Specifically, there could be presence of urticaria (hives), eczema, and angioedema (swelling), itching, upset stomach, loose stools, vomiting, cramps, gas, vomiting, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, wheezing, asthma, heart burn, lightheadedness, or fainting.