Allergies to shellfish such as scallops primarily affect adults. People with shellfish allergies do not necessarily have histamine reactions to other types of fish, although it is best to consult an allergist before trying other varieties. While a person might react dramatically during the first exposure to an allergen, reactions to subsequent exposures can be even more severe. Knowing the signs and symptoms of an allergy, as well as getting clinically tested, will determine whether or not you have a scallops allergy and prevent you from experiencing a life-threatening situation. However, in some cases, what is thought to be a food allergy turns out to be food intolerance.
Signs, Symptoms and Testing
Step 1
Note any reactions that occur within minutes of eating scallops. Signs and symptoms of a food allergy are typically dramatic, visible and can be life-threatening. These include coughing, sneezing, vomiting, migraines, watering eyes, rashes, abdominal symptoms, eczema, hives or, in severe cases, anaphylactic shock, in which the tissues of the tongue, mouth and throat rapidly swell and obstruct breathing.
Step 2
Look for non-immediate reactions that, similar to a food intolerance, can be delayed for hours or days. Allergic reactions include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. However, these symptoms are also signs of food intolerance.
Step 3
Consider if your reactions are food intolerance -- the inability to process certain foods. Symptoms include fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, excess gas, anxiety and depression.
Step 4
Gather the evidence by examining your symptoms and the time frame in which they occurred. This will help you determine if you have an allergy to scallops or if you are experiencing food intolerance. A severe reaction almost immediately after eating scallops is the best indication of an allergy.
Step 5
Call an allergy specialist to schedule testing that might include a double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge or skin-prick testing. You can conduct an IgE -- immunoglobin E -- test at home by sending a sample drop of your blood to an accredited lab for analysis. However, it is best to conduct allergy testing under medical supervision in case a severe allergic reaction occurs.
Things You'll Need
- Clinical testing
- Home IgE test
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