What is Seafood allergy and How to avert it?

By | May 30, 2015

food allergies

Are you allergic to any seafood? And even though you take all the precautions of not eating it, you still have allergic reactions? Food allergies are not same as other allergies. You might not consume that specific food material, but you might consume something that contains the material in some form. So, if you are allergic to seafood, then it is advisable that any packaged product you purchase should be checked for content.

The Seafood Derivative Reaction

Some people who are allergic to fish, crustacean and shellfish can get an allergic reaction from vapors. So if these items are being cooked in the vicinity, of are being served hot on a nearby table, then the vapors from the dish could cause a reaction. It’s not necessary that to trigger the reaction you need to touch the allergen. Simply breathing in the aroma could also be a trigger. So you have to be extra cautious inside and outside.

Then apart from these, there are certain packaged products which contain fish oil; if you are allergic to certain seafood, than eating that product could also trigger a reaction. It is very necessary that you understand the basic allergen and then get knowledge about various types or forms it is sold in the market. You can get a fairly good idea about this from your allergist.

Cautions That Need o Be Taken

  • Don’t assume that you are just allergic to a specific type of seafood. Some people are allergic to a variety of seafood. So it is very necessary that you contact your allergy clinic to understand allergens.
  • In a single family, there are quite different types of fish. It is quite possible, that you might be allergic to the entire family or just one species of that family. Be informed about the family and the type of fish that you can or cannot eat.
  • Certain food products that contain seafood in some form are Bouillabaisse, Pizza Toppings, Caeser dressing, Vegetarian ‘meat-like’ food, etc. So before you go ahead and purchase any of these, make sure you check the label.

If you are still unsure of the trigger, contact your nearest allergic treatment clinic. The doctors would be able to do proper tests to inform you of the triggers. Most of allergic clinics would have details about various products that contain that allergen and how can you work around  them.