Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: How to avoid an allergic reaction
• Part 2 of 3: How to deal with an allergic reaction
• Part 3 of 3: How to Prepare
• Similar articles

If you suddenly have an allergic reaction to shellfish, don't panic. In fact, allergies can occur at any age, not just childhood. The first thing you should do is completely eliminate contact with the allergen. In addition, it is important to prepare in advance and know how to act in a critical situation if contact with shellfish does occur.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: How to avoid an allergic reaction

1. 1 Read labels. Usually manufacturers indicate on the label that their products contain shellfish. Although they do not always do this. In addition, they usually do not write that the product contains shellfish if it contains mussels, scallops or oysters. Therefore, you need to read the labels.
   • It is important to carefully read everything that is written on the label. While shellfish are rarely found in foods, they can be found in places you might not expect.
   • For example, shellfish are often found in products containing seafood flavor.
   • If you have a severe allergy, you should be careful even with sea salt.
2. 2 Read labels on non-food items. Manufacturers of non-food products are not required to indicate their entire composition on the label. However, these products may also contain shellfish elements that can cause you an allergic reaction.
   • For example, shellfish can be found in lip gloss.
   • Shellfish can be used in pet foods or plant fertilizers. If you have severe shellfish allergy, you should use these products with caution. You also need to pay attention to nutritional supplements.
3. 3 Try not to come into contact with shellfish. If you are allergic, especially if you are severely allergic, you should not even touch or smell shellfish. Even inhaling the smallest particles of shellfish can trigger an allergic reaction.
   • If you are cooking for the whole family, entrust someone else to cook the clams. You should not be involved in the preparation of shellfish dishes, even if you do not intend to eat them yourself. Moreover, try to get away from the place where they are cooked.
   • In the store, try not to get too close to the seafood counter, as this can trigger allergies.
   • Shellfish allergies are not always severe. Observe exactly what you are reacting to.
4. 4 Ask at the restaurant what is included in the dishes. When eating outside of your home, be sure to ask if the meal you ordered contains shellfish. It is better not to risk it and make sure in advance that the dish does not pose a danger to you.
   • Tell your waiter right away that you are severely allergic to shellfish.
   • If you decide to order something from Chinese food, such as chow mein, ask if it contains shellfish.
   • If the waiter says he doesn't know, ask him to find out.Be aware that shellfish should not even be in the flavoring agent. Emphasize that this is very important to you.
   • If you order something fried, ask what oil the dish will be fried in. To prepare the chicken you ordered, you can use the oil on which the shrimp was previously fried.
5. 5 Be careful with fish. If you are not allergic to fish specifically, you can safely eat it. If you don't know for sure, then eat fish with care. Better yet, first take special tests that will show what exactly can cause you an allergic reaction. Fish is genetically different from shellfish, so you are unlikely to be allergic to both of these foods.

Part 2 of 3: How to deal with an allergic reaction

1. 1 Pay attention to early symptoms. Typically, an allergic reaction occurs within a few minutes after a person eats the first bite of a meal containing shellfish. However, it happens that the reaction appears only after a few hours.
   • Tingling of the tongue is one of the symptoms. There may also be wheezing or shortness of breath, cough, a feeling of tightness in the throat, hoarseness.
   • An allergic rash, swelling of the eyes and throat may appear. Vomiting or diarrhea may also begin. You may feel dizzy or weak.
2. 2 If symptoms appear, act immediately. In severe allergies, anaphylaxis can develop - a severe allergic reaction that is life-threatening. If you have already had severe allergies before, then when the first symptoms appear, it may be worthwhile to immediately inject adrenaline. In other cases, epinephrine must be administered if:
   • You have any of the symptoms described above related to your nose, mouth, skin or gastrointestinal tract, and you feel shortness of breath, weakness and dizziness due to low blood pressure.
   • You think you have eaten shellfish and have any two of these symptoms: skin rash / lip swelling, gastrointestinal problems, low blood pressure (dizziness), difficulty breathing.
   • You are sure that you have eaten shellfish and you have symptoms of low blood pressure: dizziness, confusion, weakness.
3. 3 Get an adrenaline injection. If you think you need to inject adrenaline, use a dedicated pen. If you cannot do it yourself, ask someone to help you. Syringe pens are different, so it is important to carefully read the attached instructions in advance.
   • In general, the outer holder must be removed to open an automatic syringe. Remove the first blue, gray, or orange cap. It can also be marked with the number "1". You will see the tip of the syringe in red. Do not cover the red end with your finger! Remove the second cap.
   • Bring the syringe to the outer thigh with the needle end (usually red). Pick a point in the middle of your thigh, closer to the top of your thigh. You can also prick through clothing, the main thing is to get into the muscle. Stick the pen into your thigh. You should feel like the needle has entered your skin. Press down on the syringe for 10 seconds and then pull it out. Look at the tip of the syringe to make sure the needle has extended. If this does not happen, try to prick again.
   • Do not worry if there is liquid in the syringe. If the needle has extended, then you have injected a sufficient dose of the drug.
   • It is worth showing family and close friends in advance how to properly use your adrenaline pen in an emergency. Then they can help you when you need it.
4. 4 Go to the emergency room. While adrenaline can save your life, it will not completely eliminate your allergic reaction. You still need to go to the hospital. It is best to call an ambulance right away.

Part 3 of 3: How to Prepare

1. 1 You need to find out what exactly triggers your allergic reaction. Molluscs are of two types: crustaceans and molluscs proper. Crustaceans include shrimp, lobster, and crabs. For molluscs: bivalve molluscs, mussels, scallops and oysters.
   • You may be allergic to shellfish and crustaceans, or just one. In addition, only one type of shellfish or crustacean, such as shrimp, can cause an allergic reaction.
   • As a rule, crustacean allergies are more severe than shellfish allergies.
2. 2 Consult your doctor. If you have had a severe allergic reaction, it is important to see your doctor to decide what to do next. It is best to contact an allergist to determine exactly what you are allergic to.
   • An allergic reaction to shellfish can suddenly appear at any age. Therefore, if you notice allergy symptoms in yourself, you need to get tested.
   • If you feel a tingling sensation in your mouth after eating shellfish, talk to your doctor.
3. 3 Get an adrenaline pump. In the event of a very severe allergic reaction, injecting epinephrine with this pen can save your life. If necessary, ask your doctor for a prescription.
   • The most commonly sold syringe pens are EpiPen and Avui-Q.
   • In the event of a very severe allergic reaction, epinephrine can save your life.
   • Check the condition of the pen at least once a month. Buy a new syringe if fluid becomes cloudy or expired.

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