Shellfish is a type of seafood that includes the exoskeleton sea creatures including crab, lobster, mollusks and shrimp, to name a few. In some individuals, shellfish are a proponent of food allergies, ranging in severity from hives to death. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, about 200 people die annually because of food allergies in America. Knowing the signs of shellfish allergies will save a life, as the allergic response becomes worse with each exposure. Allergies to shellfish can be divided into mild, moderate and severe reaction types.
Mild Allergic Response
Mild allergies to shellfish usually involve a minor skin reaction. You may get itchy, blotchy or reddened areas of skin with or without hives. This reaction will occur immediately upon eating the offending shellfish and can last minutes to hours, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. This response is due to a histamine release by your body; histamine is the culprit for the itchiness, swelling and discomfort you feel with this type of allergic response. According to the Mayo Clinic, these symptoms are sometimes preceded by a tingling sensation around your lips.
Moderate Allergic Response
Moderate allergic responses will usually include all of the mild symptoms magnified. You may get a tingling around your mouth, with some itchy areas of skin, and you will develop hives. Hives are raised, reddened areas of skin that can occur anywhere on your body and are harmless but uncomfortable, according to the Mayo Clinic. These welts should disappear on their own within a few hours to a few days. During a moderate response, you may also suffer some dizziness, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms need to be reported to your physician immediately.
Severe Allergic Response
Severe allergic responses are not as common as their mild counterparts. However, severe allergies to shellfish include the life-threatening components of difficulty breathing and irregular heartbeat, and they can ultimately lead to death if the trend is not stopped immediately, according to the Mayo Clinic. Angioedema, or swelling of the face and throat, requires immediate medical treatment. Usually the swelling starts in the eyelids and lips, but if the throat is involved you may experience difficulty breathing, wheezing or problems swallowing, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. You should call 911 immediately if angioedema or difficulty breathing is observed. These symptoms, if untreated, will progress to a fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting and inability to breath, ultimately resulting in death.
