Seafood allergies, including shellfish, finned fish and other seafood, is the most common food-related allergic reaction, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The proteins found in the flesh of the fish are the cause of the allergic reaction, although some people may experience allergy symptoms after eating other fish by-products, such as gelatin or the skin or a fish. Fish allergies are commonly linked to anaphylactic shock and can cause significant complications if not properly treated. Your doctor will evaluate, diagnose and provide treatment options for you.
Symptoms
Symptoms from a fish allergy may begin within minutes of eating the food, but can take up to an hour to form. You may experience tingling in your lips or mouth, followed by hives, itching or eczema, according to MayoClinic.com. Other symptoms that can develop include: wheezing, nasal congestion, trouble breathing, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, swelling in the face, tongue or throat, dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness and a runny nose.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a major concern for people with a fish allergy. Anaphylaxis is a severe, all-body allergic reaction that could be life-threatening, according to MayoClinic.com. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates that nearly 29,000 people are treated at hospitals annually for anaphylactic shock related to a food allergy. During anaphylactic shock, the body releases large amounts of histamine that causes your throat to swell, your blood pressure to drop and your heart rate to increase. You need to call 911 at the first sign of this condition.
The Cause
A fish allergy is caused by a malfunction of the immune system. Your body will not recognize the proteins in the fish as harmless and begins to defend itself. The immune system attacks the fish proteins with antibodies and histamine, two chemicals that cause inflammation and swelling in soft tissue in the body.
Consideration
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends taking into consideration that not all negative reactions to eating fish are related to an allergy. You may be experiencing food poisoning or food intolerance when consuming fish products. Talk with an allergist about participating in allergy testing to either confirm or rule out the possibility of an allergy. Allergy tests are performed to observe how your immune system reacts to the proteins in the fish. If you are diagnosed with a specific fish allergy, your doctor may recommend avoiding all fish. The Food Allergy Initiative states that more than half of people who are diagnosed with one fish allergy are allergic to other types of fish.
