Overview
How to live with a Fish Allergy in our world? Having a fish allergy is an extremely common Food Allergy. In fact in the United States alone, it is estimated that over 2% of the population has an allergy to fish.
Allergies to fish can trigger a severe reaction, so individuals who suffer from this type of allergy need to be cautious.
Fish Allergy Symptoms
Typically a fish allergy does not occur until adulthood. It is also a type of allergy, which is not usually outgrown. Many adults who have allergies to fish have reactions such as severe asthma or an itchy or tingly mouth. The common symptoms are:
- Hives or a skin rash
- Swelling of the lips
- Tingling of the throat and mouth
- Tightening of the throat
- Stomach Cramps, Nausea, indigestion
- Vomiting or Diarrhea
- Sneezing and stuffy or runny nose
- Headaches
Many individuals can have the most severe reaction, which is anaphylaxis. This reaction can be Anaphylaxis (life-threatening). So any person with an allergy to fish should carry the proper medication to combat the reaction.
What to avoid most?
Individuals who are allergic to fish, cannot have any type of fish, including tuna, halibut, salmon, snapper, tilapia, and cod. Other types of fish can also cause a reaction, but often these are the most common.
Many times, when an individual has a fish allergy, they are also allergic to shellfish. Some foods commonly contain fish. These foods should also be avoided to prevent a reaction from a fish allergy.
Foods such as gelatin, Worcestershire sauce, caviar, fish sauce, fish stock, Caesar dressing should not be consumed. If purchasing the supplement Omega 3 make sure that it is a vegan version.
Fish Allergy Management
The discovery of an allergy (and fish allergy symptoms) can be a life-changing event for individuals. Many people have fish as a daily part of their diet, so severe diet changes may need to occur. If the fish was the only thing that needed to avoid, then the diet would not be difficult.
However, since fish can be found in many different items and many restaurants, individuals need to pay close attention. The number one thing an individual will need to do when they discover they have an allergy is to begin reading labels.
Any label that is available in a grocery store, will be necessary to read. This solves a trip to the grocery store fairly easily. However, eating at a restaurant may prove to be more difficult.
Avoid seafood restaurants at all costs. The cross-contamination of foods can easily happen in a seafood restaurant, so it is not worth the chance. In any other kind of restaurant, individuals with a fish allergy will need to communicate with the restaurant to find out how the meal is prepared and what is in the dish.
Many restaurants add fish sauce or flavor to a particular dish, so every time the individual eats out, they need to ask.
Treatment of Fish Allergy
The best way to prevent a fish allergy is to avoid foods, food items, and products that contain fish and fish oil. According to the Food Allergen Labelling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004, fish is one of the eight allergens that must be listed on all food ingredient labels.
If your symptoms are mild, you can treat them with oral Antihistamine. Sometimes, allergic reactions to fish can be severe, immediate, and life-threatening. If you have a severe allergic reaction, your allergist may advise you to carry a single-use, pre-filled epinephrine injector, such as EpiPen, that you can inject in your thigh in case of any emergency.
Dissimilar to other types of allergy, food allergies can’t be treated with immunotherapy (allergy shots).
Mistakes during Allergy Period
When individuals with allergies happen to eat the wrong foods, they need to be prepared. You must Know that mistakes happen. You have to prepare for each one. A doctor can prescribe an inhaler and an injectable EpiPen to help in any kind of emergency. A fish allergy can be a disappointment, but don’t let it be life-ending.
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