If you're allergic to salmon but you don't develop symptoms from taking fish oil supplements, it most likely safe to continue to take fish oil. Discuss your supplement options with your doctor before taking fish oil supplements. You can achieve the same health benefit by taking a vegetable-based oil supplement, such as flax oil. If you've been diagnosed with a severe allergic reaction to seafood, do not take fish oil supplements.
Salmon Allergy
If you have a fish allergy, you may have an allergy to one specific kind of fish or to various fish. If you know you have an allergy to salmon, you should avoid eating other fish until you've been clinically tested. An allergy to salmon is a hypersensitivity to the proteins found in the flesh of the salmon. Even though the salmon proteins are harmless, you immune system identifies them as dangerous. This causes the body to react as if it were under attack, creating antibodies, histamine and other chemicals to fight off the allergen. There is no cure for a salmon allergy aside from avoiding consumption.
Fish Oil Considerations
Fish oil supplements do not contain any proteins from the fish it was harvested from, although the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network states that tiny molecule by-products may be found in some fish oil supplements. Fish oil supplements vary from brand to brand. One brand may cause an allergic reaction, while another may not. It is important to discuss your decision to take fish oil supplements with your allergist. If you develop any symptoms associated with a fish allergy, you should discontinue the use of the supplement and call your doctor.
Symptoms Awareness
Be aware of the possible symptoms that can form after taking a fish oil supplement. Common symptoms from a salmon allergy include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, cramping, bloating, gas, stomach pain, hives, skin rashes, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and chest pain. Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, may occur while taking fish oil supplements if you have a salmon allergy. Anaphylaxis symptoms include facial swelling, lightheadedness, increased heart rate and a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Treatment
If you don't experience any adverse reactions from the fish oil supplement that you're currently taking, continue to use that brand under a doctor's supervision. If you develop symptoms of an allergic reaction, stop using the supplement, take an antihistamine and call your doctor. A severe allergic reaction will require an injection of epinephrine by an emergency medical professional.
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