Seafood Allergy

Overview of Seafood Allergy

Seafood allergy is an overreaction of the immune system. This mostly happens when the body’s immune system mistakes a particular food (sea-food) compound as a harmful substance. Seafood allergies might range from mild symptoms to severe and life-threatening complications.

Seafood Allergy Meaning in Urdu

یہ کوئی دائمی بیماری نہیں ہے بلکہ ایک وقتی علامت ہے جس کی وجہ سے الرجک ری ایکشن کا سامنا کرنا پڑتا ہے۔ عام طور یہ الرجک ری ایکشن شدت اختیار نہیں کرتا اور اس کی وجہ سے جِلد پر سرخ دھبے نمودار ہو جاتے ہیں۔ تاہم اگر یہ شدت اختیار کر جائے تو متلی اور قے کا سامنا کرنا پڑتا ہے، جب کہ سانس لینے میں مشکلات اور پیٹ درد کا بھی سامنا کرنا پڑ سکتا ہے۔ اس لیے اس الرجی کا شکار افراد کو سمندری یا دریائی جانداروں کے نزدیک نہیں جانا چاہیئے۔

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Signs and Symptoms of Seafood Allergy

The symptoms of seafood allergy mainly develop within hours of consuming the seafood. Some common signs and symptoms of seafood allergy are as follows:

These allergies can then lead to severe and life-threatening reactions known as anaphylaxis.

Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis are given below:

  • Airway constriction or a swollen throat
  • Shock with low blood pressure
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness

Types of Seafood Allergy

Causes of Seafood Allergy

Seafood allergies are caused when the immune system tends to overreact. The immune system mistakes any certain protein present in seafood as harmful. This can then lead to the production of antibodies in a severe reaction by the immune system. Thus, whenever a person is in contact with an allergen the immune system releases histamine which causes the symptoms of allergy.

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Risk Factors of Seafood Allergy

A person is at greater risk of developing seafood allergies if it runs in the family. Although people of any age can develop seafood allergies, it is more common in adults.

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Prevention

The only way to avoid seafood allergies is to avoid seafood altogether. You should also avoid products that even contain seafood in small quantities. Because even trace amounts can lead to major health complications.

  • Be extremely cautious whenever you are dining out
  • If you are doing grocery, make sure to read the labels properly to check for any trace amount of seafood in a food product.
  • Maintain a safe distance from seafood. Because in some scenarios even touching or inhaling can lead to severe results.
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Diagnosis

Your primary healthcare advisor will ask you questions about the symptoms. After that, they might perform a physical exam to rule out any other medical complications.

Given below are the tests that are commonly recommended:

Skin Test

In this test, the skin is pricked and is then exposed to the proteins found in shellfish. In case a person has a seafood allergy then they might develop skin lesions on the exposed surfaces.

Blood Test

This blood test is known as the allergen-specific IgE antibody test. It is also known as the radioallergosorbent test. In this test, the immune system response to the production of IgE is measured.

Treatment of Seafood Allergy | When to Consult a Doctor

The only sure way to treat or prevent a seafood allergy is to avoid it altogether. But you might come in contact with seafood. Your doctor might prescribe you some medications such as antihistamines so that the signs can be reduced.

In case of a severe reaction to the seafood, the doctor might inject a dose of epinephrine. You are also advised to keep an emergency dose of epinephrine with you all the time so that it can be injected at any given time.

In case of any concerning signs and symptoms, you need to visit a certified nutritionist