Allergy Care - Fish and Shellfish Allergy

Greater numbers of people are now finding they are allergic or intolerant to fish and/or shellfish. Fish allergies seem to be more common in children whereas shellfish allergies are more widely spread amongst adults.

Some of the more common fish known to cause allergic reactions are cod, salmon, trout, sardines, swordfish, halibut, and tuna. The most common shellfish to cause a reaction are shrimp, crab, crayfish, lobster, oysters, clams, scallops, mussels, squid, and snails.

Like most food allergies and intolerance the symptoms of a reaction can be as mild as urticaria, a rash or stomach cramps, to the onset of an asthma attack or an anaphylactic shock.

Like many food allergies the only way to avoid a reaction is to avoid the food itself. This means scrutinising labels on food as products can contain fish derivatives.