Shellfish Allergy
A shellfish allergy is most likely to occur in
adults for the first time than any other allergy
existing. Shellfish allergy will occur with two
classes of foods; mollusks, and crustaceans.
Mollusks include the oysters, clams, and mussels
family. Crustaceans include the lobster, crab,
and shrimp family. Shrimp is the most allergenic
of the shellfish group. Anyone who has been
diagnosed with a shellfish allergy has been
advised to avoid ALL shellfish.
Most people do not know that different types of
shellfish obtain high rates of cross reactions
with other types of shellfish. Tropomyosin is a
protein that is very common and the culprit of a
shellfish allergy. This is horrible; but this
protein is also found in cockroaches and dust
mites. This is alarming evidence of
cross-reactivity between insects and shellfish.
A shellfish allergy is a major cause of
anaphylactic shock. Hives is a symptom of
shellfish allergy, causing swelling and redness
beneath the skin.
Omega-3 supplements potentially cause a
shellfish allergy. These can often be derived
from seafood. Cod liver oil is a common source
that is used to make these supplements. If you
happen to seek a great supplement enhanced with
protein, steer clear of any supplements made
from this oil. Time should be taken to read the
ingredients on the bottles of supplements, to
avoid a reaction to your shellfish allergy.
Those who suffer from a shellfish allergy should
avoid mollusks and crustaceans. Did you know
there are some people, who through testing, are
diagnosed as not being allergic to mollusks, but
can safely eat crustaceans? Folks who happen to
have a shellfish allergy to mollusks need to
avoid:
- Clams
- Oysters
- Mussels
- Abalone
- Scallops
- Cockles
- Squid (Calimari)
- Octopus
- Whelks
- Snails (Escargot)
- Limpets
Folks who suffer from shellfish allergy
should steer clear of crustaceans:
- Shrimp
- Lobster
- Crawfish
- Crab
- Prawns
- Langoustines
- Sea Urchins
It is very easy to avoid problems with your
shellfish allergy; although it may take a
certain amount of willpower for those who used
to eat shellfish and developed a shellfish
allergy. You may want to proceed with caution
because shellfish are included in Worcestershire
sauce, some salad dressings, and a plethora of
other sauces. You may want to start reading
labels closely for these allergens.
When dealing with a shellfish allergy; it is
imperative to become highly cautious.
Anaphylactic shock is caused by allergens in
shellfish. This is the worse food allergy a
person can possess. You should always keep the
lines of communication open with an allergist
and be prepared in case anaphylactic shock takes
place. Allergists can prescribe epinephrine
which should be carried with you at all times.
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