Shellfish are eaten all over the world, but many people experience adverse reactions when consuming them. Possible symptoms you may experience from eating shellfish include mild allergies, anaphylaxis and food poisoning. Although many people can enjoy shellfish without experiencing any problems, you should be aware of the potential symptoms and seek medical attention if you experience them.
Allergy Symptoms
Shellfish allergies occur more commonly in adults than children, but can appear at any age. This means that you can experience some allergic symptoms even after eating a food you have previously consumed before without incident. Allergic symptoms include hives, swelling of any part of the body, wheezing, congestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea and light-headedness.
Anaphylaxis
Severe allergic reactions to shellfish can include anaphylaxis. During an anaphylactic reaction you may have difficulty breathing as your airway tightens and constricts. Seek medical attention immediately if you feel any airway constriction, experience a severe drop in blood pressure or feel like you will lose consciousness after eating shellfish. Anaphylaxis is life threatening and must be taken seriously.
Food Poisoning
It is possible to experience food poisoning after eating shellfish that has gone bad or that has been improperly prepared. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps. The onset of symptoms can be anywhere from 4 to 36 hours after consumption of the shellfish in question.
Precautions
If you have experienced anaphylaxis or allergic reactions to shellfish you should avoid exposure in the future. The Cleveland Clinic recommends reading food labels carefully to avoid eating anything that says it may contain shellfish. Avoid the following ingredients: abalone, clams, cockle, conch, crab, crawfish, mollusks, mussels, octopus, oysters, scallops, shrimp, snails and squid. Make sure to mention your allergy before having any medical procedures as certain medications may contain shellfish.
