If a person has been diagnosed with a fish allergy, he should not take fish oil supplements, according to MedlinePlus. A fish allergy is a hypersensitivity to proteins found in fish. Although fish protein is not typically part of fish oil supplements, it is possible that small amounts of the proteins can be present. A fish allergy is considered one of the most common food allergies by MayoClinic.com and can lead to a severe allergic reaction. Talk with your doctor about taking fish oil supplements if you have a know fish allergy, according to the Food Allergy Initiative.
About
If you're allergic to fish and you experience common allergic reaction symptoms after taking fish oil, discontinue use and talk with your doctor. An allergy occurs when a patient's immune system overeats to certain proteins found in fish. The immune system attempts to defend itself by producing antibodies and histamine to fight off the fish proteins. This chemical reaction causes minor an major allergic reaction symptoms.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of a fish oil allergy include tingling in the lips, face or tongue, swelling in the face, hives, nasal congestion, asthmatic reactions and digestive complications, according to MayoClinic.com. Nasal congestion is caused by the increased histamine levels in the nasal passages that lead to sinus headaches, a stuffy nose and postnasal drip. The patient may become short of breathe, begin wheezing or become lightheaded. Bloating, cramping, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting may also occur during an allergic reaction to fish oil.
Treatment
There is no cure for a fish oil allergy. Once the fish oil is consumed, not much can be done to treat the symptoms. Minor symptoms such as hives, nasal congestion and facial tingling may respond to an antihistamine, according to MayoClinic.com. Antihistamines work by blocking the mast cells in the body from producing histamine. The most effective treatment for an allergic reaction to fish oil is avoid consuming products containing the allergen.
Avoidance
Avoid ingesting fish oil by reading product labels. The Food Allergy Initiative states that the FDA requires all manufactures to disclose the use of fish as an ingredient. If you have a question, contact the manufacturer directly.
Warning
A fish oil allergy can cause anaphylaxis, an extreme allergic reaction that could result in death. Common symptoms include dizziness, extreme drop in blood pressure, a rapid heart rate and swelling in the throat that cuts off your ability to breathe or swallow, according to MayoClinic.com.
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