A food allergy occurs when your body reacts abnormally to a specific food that you come in contact with. The immune system mistakes this food as something that is dangerous to your body reacts to protect you. According to Mayo Clinic, although it is uncommon to develop allergy symptoms from handling shrimp, it is possible in rare cases. In a case report studied at the clinic, a 20-year-old woman had an allergic reaction to shrimp simply by kissing someone who had eaten shrimp an hour earlier.
Causes
Allergic reactions to peeling shrimp are caused by the immune system. When your immune system is exposed to shrimp, it mistakenly identifies it as a dangerous substance that needs to be attacked and expelled from your body. Your body will produce antibodies to fight the harmful substance, and every time your body comes into contact with shrimp these antibodies will signal your immune system to release histamines that cause allergy symptoms. Some people only experience allergic reactions to shrimp when it is ingested, while others are so sensitive to shellfish that their bodies produce symptoms when the shrimp is touched.
Symptoms
Allergic reactions to shrimp can range from mild to severe, and can be life threatening to some. Nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea and vomiting can occur in some individuals. Skin irritations such as redness, itching, swelling or hives can develop. Breathing can become difficult as wheezing and nasal congestion occurs. Swelling in the face, lips and tongue can occur as well as dizziness and fainting. In more serious cases, breathing can become impossible, heartbeat becomes rapid, and the skin and nails can turn blue.
Treatment
The most common treatment for food allergies is the administering of antihistamines to block the body’s response to the shrimp. Over-the-counter antihistamines are available and can work for mild to moderate allergic reactions, although serious side effects may require a doctor’s care. Allergists can provide desensitization therapy to help reduce your body’s response to the allergen. Over-the-counter medication may be necessary to treat the symptoms, such as lotions to reduce skin irritations. For severe cases, your doctor may also provide you with instructions on how to administer an epinephrine injection for future food allergy emergencies.
Prevention
Another way to manage allergic reactions to shrimp is through prevention. Minor lifestyle changes may need to be considered in order to avoid any foods that may cause allergic reactions. Keep antihistamines with you at all times, and an epinephrine injection if necessary. Learn how to use the epinephrine injection properly, and show close family and friends how to use it in case of emergency. Avoid handling and preparing shrimp whenever necessary. When you visit restaurants, inform your server that you have a food allergy to shrimp and ask him alert the chef to avoid preparing your dish near shellfish. This will eliminate the risk of cross-contamination between foods.
References
- KidsHealth: Food Allergies
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Food Allergy
- MayoClinic.com; Shellfish Allergy Causes; June 2011
- Mayo Clinic; The Kiss of Death: A Severe Allergic Reaction to a Shellfish Induced by a Good-Night Kiss; David P. Steensma, MD; 2003
- MayoClinic.com; Shellfish Allergy Prevention; June 2011
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