Seafood allergies are quite common, affecting many people. This condition occurs due to an immune system reaction to proteins found in seafood such as fish, shellfish, shrimp, lobster, and crab.

When you have a seafood allergy, consuming seafood, being exposed to cooking fumes, or having skin contact with seafood can cause your immune system to overreact, treating it as a harmful foreign substance.

Causes of seafood allergies

Genetic factors play a significant role in the development of allergies. If one or both parents have an allergy, such as a seafood allergy, the likelihood of their child having the same allergy is higher.

Certain proteins in seafood, like tropomyosin found in shrimp, lobster, and crab, often trigger allergies. These proteins can cause a strong immune response in some people.

People with allergies, including seafood allergies, have an immune system that is highly sensitive to specific proteins. When these proteins are detected, the immune system responds by releasing histamine and other chemicals, leading to allergic symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of seafood allergies

Seafood allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe. These symptoms can occur within minutes to several hours after consuming or being exposed to seafood.

Common signs and symptoms of seafood allergies include the following:

• Hives
• Itching
• Swelling of the lips
• Tingling in the throat and mouth
• Itchy skin and rashes
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Throat discomfort
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain

Some people may experience severe allergic reactions after consuming seafood, which can be life-threatening and require emergency medical attention. These symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Sudden drop in blood pressure
• Swelling of the throat or tongue, which can block the airway
• Trouble speaking or a hoarse voice
• Wheezing and persistent coughing
• Dizziness or fainting
• Loss of consciousness

What should you do if allergy symptoms appear?

If you or a family member experiences signs of a seafood allergy, here's what you should do:

• Immediately stop consuming seafood if you start feeling any symptoms.
• Take over-the-counter antihistamines to help reduce mild-to-moderate symptoms.
• See a doctor if you have allergy symptoms. The doctor may recommend allergy tests, such as skin pricks or blood tests, as well as advice on how to manage your allergies.
• Go to the hospital immediately if you experience severe allergy symptoms.

Do you have more questions about food allergies? You can make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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