What You Need To Know About Fish Allergy
What You Need To Know About Fish Allergy To Help You Handle And Prevent It Effectively
Fish allergy is one of the most common types of food allergies. However, unlike other foods, an allergy to fish can develop at any age, not just in childhood. In one study, about 40% of people reported that they only had an allergic reaction to fish as grown-ups, even though they had no problems with eating fish before.
So, if you suspect you are at risk of allergy recently and don’t know what to do, you can refer to the following Hello Basic article!
What Do You Need To Know About Fish Allergies?
As you know, seafood is a group that includes fish and shellfish (clams, oysters, shrimp, crabs…). Even so, fish and shellfish are biologically different and therefore are not closely related. Therefore, a fish allergy is not exactly the same as a seafood allergy. In other words, just because you’re allergic to fish doesn’t mean you’ll be allergic to other shellfish.
According to one study, the most commonly reported fish allergens include tuna, salmon, sailfish, stingray, catfish, cod, etc. However, if you’re allergic to one, Just because you have a specific fish does not mean you are allergic to all other fish. In this case, you will need to consult an allergist about choosing the right food to effectively control allergies and still be able to enjoy the remaining fish and seafood dishes. you are allergic.
Symptoms Of A Fish Allergy
- When you are allergic to fish, your body’s immune system overreacts to the proteins found in fish.
- If you eat fish or breathe in the steam when it’s cooked, your body will think the proteins in the fish are harmful.
- Therefore, the immune system will produce Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies that release the chemical mediator histamine.
It causes an allergic reaction with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including:
- Hives or rash on the skin
Indigestion, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Sneezing, stuffy or runny nose
Headache
Tingling in the mouth
Swollen face, eyes, lips
Shortness of breath, wheezing, dry cough, or asthma attack
Drop in blood pressure, lightheadedness, or fainting
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Allergic reactions to fish can vary from person to person and from time to time. In rare cases, a fish allergy can also lead to very dangerous anaphylaxis. When suffering from anaphylaxis, the patient will swell his throat, have difficulty breathing, and have a respiratory failure… If not treated promptly, anaphylaxis can be life-threatening.
What Tests Are Used To Diagnose Fish Allergy?
Usually, it’s best to avoid eating it at all. fish. Yet, if you go to an allergist, your doctor can still diagnose the specific type of fish you are allergic to through some of the following tests :
Blood Test To Diagnose Allergies
For this type of test, your doctor will take a sample of your blood and send it to a lab to check for the presence of IgE antibodies to the protein from the fish selected for the test.
Diagnosis Of Fish Allergy By Skin Prick Test
Skin prick test is also called endogenous test or skin prick test. For this method, your doctor will put a drop of a solution containing protein from a specific fish on the surface of your hand. Then, use a needle to prick the drop of solution and then gently squeeze the liquid into the skin. If red spots appear within 15 to 20 minutes, this means you are allergic to the protein of that fish.
Tested With A Potentially Allergenic Food Challenge
If the results from the two methods above are still uncertain, your doctor may ask you to take on a challenge to eat the suspected allergen. In this case, you will eat a small amount of fish or food made from fish under medical supervision from a doctor or healthcare professional. In addition, allergic reactions can occur, so this method needs to be done in a hospital or an allergist clinic so that the patient is always provided with timely treatment.
How To Handle And Prevent Fish Allergies You Need To Know
If you are allergic to fish, doctors often recommend that you completely avoid eating fish. Also, you should always carry an epinephrine auto-injector or an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine to use when needed. An epinephrine pen is used when a person has a life-threatening allergic reaction, and an antihistamine is used to treat mild allergic symptoms that often occur.
Besides, to effectively prevent fish allergy, you need to note the following:
Always read the labels of canned and processed foods to see if the ingredient list contains fish.
For dishes that are Asian cuisine, you need to know that fish sauce, some types of fish sauce, fish stock are sauces with fish ingredients, so be careful if you are allergic to fish.
Many people often think that some snacks such as fried fish balls, and fish skewers will not contain fish. However, this is often not guaranteed and these snacks can still be made from fish, so you need to be careful, especially not to eat anything that you yourself do not know about the ingredients.
You need to be careful when eating at restaurants. Because this is where cross-contact usually occurs. If you dine outside a restaurant, etc., it is recommended that you avoid sitting near the kitchen area because fish protein may be present in the steam; Avoid deep-frying because the chef may re-fry many different foods in the same pan of oil.
Conclusion
Finally, you should let acquaintances, friends, and colleagues know about your allergy to get help when needed. While dining out, you also need to inform the waiter, chef, or any food vendor that you have an allergy so that they can help you have a safe meal.
In general, if you are allergic to fish or any food, the best way is to limit eating out and bring food when going to school or work. At the same time, you need to always carry medicine with you so that you can use it in case of need!
