Seafood allergies are one of the primary causes of anaphylactic reactions, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Seafood allergies are considered a lifelong condition. If you develop adverse reactions after eating seafood, you need to make an appointment with your doctor for further evaluation. Maintaining a healthy diet if you're diagnosed with a seafood allergy is accomplished by eliminating seafood from your diet.
Types
"Seafood" is a general term used to describe various creatures from the ocean. Seafood is categorized into shellfish and fish. Shellfish such as oysters, squid, mussels, lobster, prawns, crab and shrimp have shells. Fish are all other seafood, which generally have scales on their outer flesh. Common fish include cod, tuna, salmon, herring and haddock.
Allergic Reaction
All seafood allergies are the result of an immune system malfunction, according to MayoClinic.com. The immune system fails to identify the proteins in the seafood as safe, which triggers the creation of antibodies. Antibodies are disease-fighting agents that protect the body from illness. If you're allergic to seafood, the antibodies cause mast cells to produce histamine and other chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of a seafood allergy include swelling of the throat, face or lips, wheezing, trouble breathing, hives, eczema, itching, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness and tingling in the mouth, according to MayoClinic.com. In rare cases, you may develop anaphylaxis, a severe reaction. Symptoms of this condition are a rapid pulse, loss of consciousness, swollen throat or the feeling of the lump in your throat and a sudden drop in blood pressure. This condition is a medical emergency; call 911.
Health Considerations
Some seafood is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. If you are diagnosed with a seafood allergy, you should not take fish oil supplements, according to the Food Allergy Initiative. You can purchase fish-free omega-3 supplements made from vegetation and flaxseed oil. These supplements are safe for people with a seafood allergy. MayoClinic.com warns that anyone with a seafood allergy should not take coral calcium because it can trigger allergic reactions.
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