Shrimp allergy can be recognized by signs and symptoms that show up after eating shrimp or even smelling it. Common reactions include itching, red patches on the skin, swelling of the face (especially around the eyes and mouth), and throat swelling that can feel like a lump in the throat.
Symptoms can start within minutes after eating shrimp. In some cases, a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can occur and may cause trouble breathing.
If you’re allergic to shrimp, your primary care provider or an allergist may prescribe an antihistamine such as desloratadine. If you experience shortness of breath, seek emergency care immediately to ensure you receive the right treatment.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of shrimp allergy are:
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Itching;
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Red patches on the skin;
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Swelling of the lips, eyes, tongue, and throat;
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Abdominal pain;
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Diarrhea;
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Nausea and vomiting;
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Dizziness or fainting;
Symptoms may appear within minutes after eating shrimp; however, in some cases, the smell alone can be enough to trigger symptoms.
In more severe cases, the allergy can cause an exaggerated immune system reaction, leading to anaphylaxis. This is a serious condition that can cause difficulty breathing and must be treated immediately in a hospital, because it can be life-threatening.
Also recommended: Anaphylactic Shock: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Causes & Treatment tuasaude.com/en/anaphylactic-shockAllergy to preservatives
Sometimes allergy symptoms happen because of a preservative called sodium metabisulfite, which is used in frozen foods. In these cases, symptom severity depends on how much preservative was consumed, and symptoms do not occur when the shrimp is eaten fresh.
To help prevent this problem, always check the ingredient list on the label of frozen products and avoid any that contain sodium metabisulfite.
Confirming a diagnosis
To confirm a shrimp allergy, your healthcare provider will review your symptoms and may order allergy tests, such as a skin prick test or a blood test.
During a skin test, a small amount of shrimp protein is applied to your skin to check for a reaction. A blood test can also detect immune cells that respond to shrimp proteins.
What to do in an emergency
In the event of a shrimp allergy reaction accompanied by shortness of breath, it is recommended to:
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Call an ambulance right away, or ask someone to do it by dialing 911;
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Lay the person flat on their back, and turn them onto their side so they do not choke if they start vomiting;
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Loosen tight clothing, such as a shirt, tie, or belt;
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Start chest compressions if breathing stops, until medical help arrives, (as per American Heart Association basic life support guidance).
If the person already knows they have a shrimp allergy, they may carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) in a bag or pocket. If you can find it, use it as quickly as possible in the thigh or the arm to help make breathing easier.
Even if the person is having trouble breathing, do not try to puncture their throat, because there is a very high risk of injuring the structures inside the throat.
Mild allergy
For a mild shrimp allergy reaction without shortness of breath, a healthcare provider may recommend an antihistamine such as cetirizine or desloratadine. This can help relieve symptoms and prevent them from worsening or leading to breathing difficulties.
At first, the tablet may be placed under the tongue so it is absorbed more easily and can work faster. However, because tablets usually taste very bitter, it may not be possible to let it fully dissolve, and the remainder can be swallowed with water.