An allergy to seafood may not be the same as an allergy to shellfish. In addition, a shellfish allergy breaks down into allergies to specific kinds of shellfish, such as marine animals with shells -- prawns, lobster, shrimp and crab -- or shellfish, such as oysters, mussels and clams. A seafood allergy means that you are allergic to fish, specifically shark, trout, pike, salmon, cod, hake, haddock, snapper, tuna, bonito, mackerel, grouper, sole, halibut, flounder and plaice. Understand specifically to what you are allergic to ensure that you manage your diet appropriately.
Getting a Diagnosis
Diagnosing a seafood or shellfish allergy, or both, requires a visit to an allergist. Your allergist starts with skin-prick test, where your skin is exposed to the prick of a small needle dipped in an allergen. If your skin reacts, you are allergic to that allergen. If the results are inconclusive, your allergist requires additional tests, typically a blood test or food-challenge test. Blood tests measure your body's immune response to shellfish and seafood proteins. However, they may not be conclusive, nor do they accurately represent the level to which you are allergic. A food-challenge test provides immediate feedback as to whether you're allergic by feeding you food to which you are potentially allergic as well as placebos.
Once Diagnosed
Managing a seafood or shellfish allergy requires careful dietary monitoring. If eating out, tell the wait staff and manager of your specific allergies. The staff alerts the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination; for example, opening clams and then prepping a salad. In addition, avoid ordering fried foods, as most restaurants use the same frying oil for frying clams, shrimp and fish.
Cooking
Shellfish and seafood allergies are particularly susceptible to airborne allergic response. If you're at a restaurant or dinner party, or just cooking at home, avoid the steam from boiling or simmering seafood or shellfish, states the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Allergic Response
Your body's reaction to the seafood or shellfish to which you are allergic varies, and your test results help identify how allergic you are. For some, a mild allergy means you break out in hives and need an antihistamine. You may also suffer intestinal distress. For others, however, exposure to the allergen means a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction that requires emergency medical treatment.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Shellfish Allergy: Definition; June 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Shellfish Allergy: Tests and Diagnosis; June 2009
- "The New York Times"; Telling Food Allergies From False Alarms; Tara Parker-Pope; February 2009
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Food Allergy: Tips to Remember
- Auckland Allergy Clinic; Seafood Allergy; February 2003
