Shellfish Allergy Testing & Treatment

What Causes Shellfish Allergy

Shellfish allergy occurs when your body produces an immunological response to tropomyosin and other muscle proteins found in shellfish. Crustacea are the most common cause of shellfish reactions, including shrimp, crab, and lobster. Mollusks can also trigger shellfish allergies, but are less prevalent than crustacean reactions. Unlike most other allergies, shellfish allergies tend to develop in adulthood and typically last for life.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Shellfish Allergy List

Many foods and ingredients contain shellfish protein, but it’s important to note the difference between a shellfish allergy and a seafood allergy. You can be allergic to shellfish without being allergic to other seafood in which shellfish proteins are absent, such as salmon, trout, halibut, cod, or tuna.

Here is a shellfish allergy list of common seafood that may trigger symptoms if you have a shellfish allergy: 

Crustaceans

• Lobster
• Crab
• Imitation Crab
• Shrimp
• Prawns

Mollusks

• Calamari
• Squid
• Clams
• Scallops
• Oysters
• Mussels
• Snails

Shellfish Products

• Oyster Sauce
• Fish Oil Supplements (may contain trace amounts of shellfish proteins)

Shellfish Allergy Symptoms

• Hives
• Angioedema (swelling under the skin)
• Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, cramping, or diarrhea
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Anaphylaxis

It’s possible for individuals with shellfish allergies to have an asthma reaction when exposed to certain triggers, even if they haven’t consumed shellfish directly. For example, vapors from shellfish being cooked or processed may induce asthma.

It’s also possible to have a shellfish allergy that’s only triggered by intense exertion following ingestion. Under most circumstances, these individuals are able to eat shellfish without any reaction, and are appropriately surprised when they react to shellfish for the first time.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Shellfish Allergy Testing in St. Louis

The first step to overcoming shellfish allergies is to receive a proper diagnosis from a specialist. Dr. Cajigal will help you identify exactly what you’re allergic to using a combination of your medical history and a combination of shellfish allergy tests outlined below.

Shellfish Allergy Skin Test

Blood Test For Shellfish Allergy

A blood test can measure the amount of antibody circulating in the blood in reaction to the specific food allergen of interest. This confirmatory test is often used to rule out a suspected allergen if skin testing shows no response.

Elimination Diet

Food Challenge

A food challenge involves consuming a small amount of the suspected food allergen in a supervised, medical setting. This can help confirm an allergy or verify if you have outgrown one.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Shellfish Allergy Treatment in St. Louis

Avoidance

Shellfish Allergy Medications

Antihistamines can help relieve symptoms when shellfish reactions are mild. Be sure to discuss any medications for shellfish allergy treatment with Dr. Cajigal before using them.

Emergency Action Plan

There’s more you can do to find relief from shellfish allergies. Visit us at St. Louis Family Allergy to get a personalized shellfish allergy treatment plan that accounts for your unique symptoms and the unique aspects of your daily life.

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