Shellfish Allergies and Symptoms

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What are the Symptoms of Shellfish Allergy?

Whilst many people enjoy Shellfish of all kinds there is an increasing percentage of the population who suffer a wide range of symptoms due to allergic reactions from consuming seafood.  SeaFood Allergy, Crustacean Allergy, Shellfish allergy

Common Causes of Shellfish Allergy:

From research that has been carried all that has been determined is that people are born with the propensity for shellfish allergy.

As is the case in the area of Allergies there is not a lot of information available as to the cause of the allergy and there does not appear to be an agreement within the medical community.

Researchers have discovered that it involves the different chemical make ups of the shellfish themselves. And this chemical is in greater concentration in shellfish than it is other sea creatures. Go to post regarding Crustacean Allergies for more information.

At this time it is not believed that a person can become allergic to shellfish. They insist that the person has had the condition for their entire life, even though it may have been dormant for a period of time.

Common Symptoms of Shellfish Allergy:

The symptoms for the shellfish allergy can be very severe. A common symptom is  a severe skin rash which will develop within moments of the shellfish being eaten. A mild and uncomfortable tightening of the throat in addition to blotchy face is also a common symptom.

This can run for a long period of time and will need to be treated before it starts to spread to the internal parts of the body. If allowed to run unchecked then it can cause respiratory distress in a small number of people.

Swelling is also very common. Victims will notice that the eyes, hands and lips will swell when the shellfish has been eaten.
Passing out is also possible as well as loss of energy and extreme fatigue.

Cures and Treatments:

There is no cure for a shellfish allergy. There are studies that are being conducted that are hoping to make some kind of connection with the allergy and possible ways to teach the body to stop the reaction.

The most common treatment is steroids. This is normally administered in the form of a concentrated shot. This form of treatment is designed to stop the reaction from spreading and give the body the necessary weapons to fight off the allergy before it continues.

Other common treatments include a salve or ointment for the rash that can occur as well as an anti-itching agent that will aid in the comfort of the patient as well.

To avoid any further problems it is simply best to avoid all shellfish to avoid the adverse reactions. To play it safe it is best to seek advice from a medical practioneer. Seafood includes these popular and shrimp, crab, lobster, clams, mussels and oysters.

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