Question 1

what symptoms indicate a severe shellfish allergy?

Accepted Answer

Multiple symptoms: After exposure to or ingestion of shellfish, you would experience any combination of the following symptoms: shortness of breath, cough, wheeze, chest tightness, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, swelling of the lips/tongue, throat discomfort, etc.

Question 2

i have a shellfish allergy. but recently i've noticed  when i eat  desserts or fruits i have similar symptoms as the shellfish allergy .  what is it?

Accepted Answer

Depends: What are the symptoms of shellfish allergy.  It does not sound like full-blown anaphylaxis with the deserts (or you are remarkably cavalier).  Oral itching or even swelling can occur with nuts or fruits contained in the deserts.  If these are the only symptoms, could be oral allergy syndrome (or pollen-food syndrome).  Allergens usually labile so as not to produce "full-blown" food allergy.

Question 3

can you tell me how could a shellfish allergy start?

Accepted Answer

Suddenly: Hives, lip swelling, tongue swelling, throat discomfort while or shortly after eating shellfish.

Question 4

is it necessary to have a medical alert id for a shellfish allergy?

Accepted Answer

No: It is not necessary. However, it is a good idea to have one.

Question 5

what are the common reactions to a shrimp and shellfish allergy?

Accepted Answer

Several symptoms: The symptoms of shellfish allergy that occur after ingestion include hives, swelling of the lips/tongue, throat discomfort, itching, shortness of breath, cough, vomiting and diarrhea.

Question 6

go on a cruise and swim with shellfish allergy?

Accepted Answer

Yes: That should not cause any problems.

Question 7

will calamari trigger a shellfish allergy?

Accepted Answer

Yes: About 10-15% of people who are shellfish allergic (shrimp, lobster, etc) are also clinically sensitive to mollusks (clams, squid(calamari), octopus). Ask your allergist before introducing mollusks to your diet.

Question 8

will imitation crab trigger a shellfish allergy?

Accepted Answer

No: Imitation crab meat is made from fillets of Alaska pollock. As long as you don't have a history of fish allergy you shouldn't have a problem. You should be careful however, because some manufacturers that produce these products also manufacture shellfish products in the same facility which could cause cross-contamination.

Question 9

if i have a shellfish allergy, can i eat imitation crab?

Accepted Answer

Not yet: Imitation crab is made from fish meat which has been thoroughly cleansed of the original taste and then favored with crab or artificial flavoring. Until you know where the flavors come from, i would not advise you to try it .   Do note that shellfish include mollusk and crustacea and they don't necessarily cross react.

Question 10

if i have a shellfish allergy, why can i not use iodine?

Accepted Answer

This is myth.: Shellfish allergy is one of the more common food allergies, mainly in adults, but the idea that iodine should also be avoided is a myth. Iodine does not cause allergy. Although shellfish does contain iodine, a teaspoon of iodized table salt contains over 10x as much iodine as 3 oz of shrimp. Fish and shellfish allergy is the result of allergy to proteins in the meat.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Mild shellfish allergy symptoms

A member asked:

What symptoms indicate a severe shellfish allergy?

A member asked:

I have a shellfish allergy. but recently i've noticed when i eat desserts or fruits i have similar symptoms as the shellfish allergy . what is it?

A member asked:

Can you tell me how could a shellfish allergy start?

A member asked:

Is it necessary to have a medical alert id for a shellfish allergy?

A member asked:

What are the common reactions to a shrimp and shellfish allergy?

A member asked:

Go on a cruise and swim with shellfish allergy?

A member asked:

Will calamari trigger a shellfish allergy?

A member asked:

Will imitation crab trigger a shellfish allergy?

A member asked:

If i have a shellfish allergy, can i eat imitation crab?

A member asked:

If i have a shellfish allergy, why can i not use iodine?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?