Muscle cramping is a sign that your digestive system is having difficulty digesting the food you've eaten. Mussels are a common shellfish that can lead to an allergic reaction in both children and adults. MayoClinic.com states that if you have a shellfish allergy, you may be allergic one or more types of shellfish. If you can eat other fish without any adverse reactions, you may be exclusively allergic to mussels. A shellfish allergy is considered a common food allergy and is typically a life-long condition.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of an allergic reaction to mussels will form within a few minutes after eating the food, or up to two hours. CNN Health states that abdominal pain is a common symptoms of a shellfish allergy that is accompanied with diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms may include tingling in the mouth, dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, itching, hives, eczema, wheezing, nasal congestion, facial swelling and trouble breathing.
Cause
If you're allergic to mussels, your immune system overreacts to the proteins in the shellfish. Your body mistakenly identifies the proteins as a harmful substance and attacks the proteins with Immunoglobulin E antibodies, or IgE, and histamine, according to MayoClinic.com. These two chemical agents in the body attempt to ward off the mussel proteins, but cause inflammation, irritation and swelling in various parts of the body. Histamine in the gut will cause the gastrointestinal tract to become inflamed and swollen.
Testing
The most effective way to confirm an allergic reaction to mussels is to participate in allergy tests. Allergy tests will help to diagnose if you're allergic specifically to mussels or other types of shellfish. MayoClinic.com explains that allergy testing is performed in two methods: skin prick test and blood test. A skin prick test places a small amount of mussel proteins under the skin to observer how the skin reacts. Blood tests are used to confirm if your blood creates IgE antibodies when mussel proteins are introduced.
Avoidance
Once diagnosed, eliminate all fish products from your diet. The Food Allergy Initiative states that the federal government requires that all packaged foods disclose the use of any fish-related ingredients on the packaging. Fish ingredients may be hidden in certain foods. It's important to ask your server when eating out about the ingredients in the food you order.
Anaphylaxis Warning
A shellfish allergy commonly causes a severe allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition that will require emergency medical attention. If you develop swelling in your throat, face or lips, lightheadedness and hives, call 911.
