| Shellfish allergies are caused by two classes of foods- | | | | are not found in the shell, and recent studies have |
| mollusks which include clams, mussels, and oysters | | | | indicated that glucosamine is safe for people with |
| and crustaceans which include shrimp, lobster, and | | | | shellfish allergies; however, if you are concerned, you |
| crabs. This also includes things lobster and shrimp, as | | | | can try vegetarian glucosamine. |
| well as octopus and squid. So, many people who are | | | | Role Of The FDA |
| allergic to any shellfish are advised to avoid all | | | | Because shellfish are one of the eight most common |
| shellfish. | | | | allergens in the United States, they are covered by |
| Along with nuts, this is the next most common food | | | | FALCPA the FDA's Food Allergy Labeling and |
| cause of anaphylaxis. | | | | Consumer Protection Act . This requires that the |
| Shellfish allergies are the most common type among | | | | presence of shellfish be listed on labels in clear English, |
| adults in America, and they are more likely than most | | | | either in bold type or following the list of ingredients |
| other allergies to manifest for the first time in adults. | | | | after the word "Contains " However, FALCPA only |
| For some people, even a tiny amount of shellfish can | | | | refers to crustaceans, and not to mollusks. Shellfish |
| cause a serious reaction. Shellfish includes animals with | | | | are relatively easier to avoid in the diet than most of |
| shells, such as clams, lobster and shrimp, as well as | | | | the other most common allergens. |
| octopus and squid. Shellfish includes animals with | | | | Cross-Reactivity |
| shells, such as clams, lobster and shrimp, as well as | | | | Different types of shellfish have high rates of |
| octopus and squid. | | | | cross-reactions with other types of shellfish, as noted |
| Does Iodine Allergy Also Mean a Shellfish Allergy | | | | above. The protein that most commonly causes |
| Too? | | | | problems, tropomyosin is also found in dust mites and |
| Although certain shellfish are rich in iodine, there is no | | | | cockroaches as well, and there is some evidence of |
| evidence that this will increase the risk of an iodine | | | | cross-reactivity between shellfish and some insects. |
| allergy, nor that people with shellfish allergies need to | | | | If the same pair of tongs is used to handle different |
| take precautions to avoid iodine when undergoing | | | | types of fish and shellfish, or if you suspect one type |
| medical tests. Iodine is not related to the protein that | | | | of fish or shellfish may have spilled over and had |
| causes shellfish allergies. | | | | contact with another, you should avoid buying or |
| For some reason certain allergies get linked together | | | | consuming. |
| even though they may be totally unrelated. This is | | | | Freshwater Shellfish Dangers |
| what has happened with iodine and shellfish. There is | | | | If you're like me, those of you out there with |
| no actual relationship between iodine allergy and the | | | | shellfish allergies may also need to avoid freshwater |
| various seafood allergies. | | | | shellfish. Just be very careful because many things at |
| Symptoms | | | | restaurants are contaminated by shellfish cooking on |
| The symptoms are different from having a reaction | | | | the same grill. |
| caused by toxins or bacteria. This type of food | | | | How To Protect Yourself |
| poisoning is common and can cause problems similar | | | | Beyond not eating at some restaurants, the greatest |
| to a shellfish allergy. The difference being, it does not | | | | challenge in living with this problem is likely the fact |
| involve the immune system and only occurs when | | | | that shellfish allergies pose a greater risk of |
| you eat food that has been contaminated. | | | | anaphylactic shock than many other food allergies. If |
| Although symptoms can range from hives, vomiting | | | | you suffer from this, strictly avoiding shellfish and |
| or nasal congestion to more-severe and even | | | | food containing shellfish is the only way to prevent a |
| life-threatening symptoms it is a major cause of | | | | reaction. |
| anaphylactic shock. People have even been known to | | | | If your doctor is able to identify exactly which type |
| go into anaphylactic shock after breathing in airborne | | | | causes your allergies, then you need to eliminate that |
| particles of shellfish or fish allergen in open fish | | | | type of shellfish from your diet. |
| markets. | | | | The fish and shellfish allergy necessitates not eating in |
| The most common symptoms are: | | | | seafood restaurants at a very minimum. This may |
| - Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, or | | | | include not eating where fried foods are prepared if |
| other parts of the body. | | | | fish and shellfish are on the menu. For the shellfish |
| - Wheezing, nasal congestion or even trouble | | | | allergic, stay away from all shelled fish- crab, lobster, |
| breathing. | | | | shrimp and snails. |
| - Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. | | | | Also, keep in mind that imitation shell fish may still |
| - Hives, itching or eczema. | | | | contain shellfish as many manufactures add shellfish |
| - Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting. | | | | for flavoring Before you use it, read the label to be |
| - Tingling in the mouth may also occur. | | | | sure. |
| The proteins that are most likely to cause a reaction | | | | |