Different Shellfish Allergy Symptoms

Shellfish are animals with shells like lobsters, shrimps, and clams, and other sea animals such as octopus and squid. They belong to the most usual food allergens that cause adverse effects on the health of people who are sensitive to these kinds of food. In the United States, about 2 percent of their population has this problem, more usual in adults than in kids.

For some people, even very small amounts of shellfish intake can trigger allergic reactions. This is the reason why the best way of preventing the allergy attack is to avoid intake of such foods. Otherwise, if an allergic person fails to notice that there's shellfish in the food, various symptoms can be observed that may vary in severity.

Some shellfish allergy symptoms are the same as that of other allergies, including eczema, itching and hives. A person may also experience swelling of body parts, most commonly in the lips, tongue, throat, and the face. The mouth may as well tingle instead of swelling. Respiratory problems may also be encountered, such as nasal congestion, wheezing, and trouble with breathing. The person may also have abdominal pain, which can be accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea. More severe cases would likely involve dizziness, and lightheartedness or even fainting.

There is also a severe case of shellfish allergy symptom, which is called anaphylaxis. Although this is rare, it is life-threatening, most especially if it makes breathing hard for the person. This condition is characterized by the tightening of the airways, which makes breathing hard because of a swollen throat or as if something like a lump is blocking the passage of air. The person may also experience an abrupt decrease of blood pressure and a fast pulse. If anyone shows these symptoms, that person should immediately be brought to a hospital, where epinephrine or adrenaline shot may be injected.