Shellfish Allergy Testing & Treatment
Get personalized testing and treatment for your shellfish allergies. Dr. Sonia Cajigal is a board-certified allergist that has helped countless patients navigate shellfish allergies in the greater St. Louis area. Schedule your visit today if you have shellfish allergy symptoms!
“Dr. Cajigal was friendly, professional, and informative. She took the time to explain the tests and what was going on with my allergies. She is so knowledgeable and really cared about how I was feeling. I would highly recommend this practice if you suffer from allergies and asthma.”
– Sue D, July 2020

About Shellfish Allergies
What Causes Shellfish Allergy
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.
References
[2] Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: https://www.aafa.org/
Asthma
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Eye Allergies
Food Allergies
Nasal Allergies
Skin Allergies
Allergy Shots
Allergy Testing
Biologic Therapy


Shellfish Allergist
Dr. Sonia Cajigal
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