Fish allergy
Fish allergy – ETHOS HEALTH CARE
Most allergic reactions to fish happen when someone eats fish, sometimes people can react to touching fish or breathing in vapors from cooking fish. While fish is easier than many other allergens to avoid, a fish allergy is often quite severe. Fish can cause severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis. Therefore it is advised that people with fish allergy have quick access to an epinephrine auto-injector at all times.
Symptoms of Fish Allergy
- Eczema
- Hives
- Swelling
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
- Rashes
Diagnosing Fish Allergies
Your allergist may diagnose an allergy to a specific kind of fish through the following tests:
- Skin-prick test – In the skin-prick test, a small amount of a liquid containing protein from the fish being tested is placed on the back or forearm, which is then pricked with a small, sterile probe to allow the liquid to seep into the skin. If a raised, reddish spot forms within 15 to 20 minutes that can indicate an allergy.
- Blood test – In the blood test, a blood sample is sent to a laboratory to test for the presence of immunoglobulin E antibodies to protein from the fish being tested.
Avoiding Fish
- Read food labels carefully.
- You may need to completely avoid places where fish are prepared or processed.
- It might be necessary to avoid eating at seafood restaurants, where there’s a high risk of cross-contamination.
If you have a fish allergy, talk with your doctor about carrying emergency epinephrine. Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or necklace that lets others know you have a food allergy.
