Shrimp allergy occurs when the immune system respondss abnormal to the protein that contained on shrimp. Some people are not only allergic to shrimp, but also to shellfish, crab, lobster, squid, octopus and oysters.
Those of you who suffer from a shrimp allergy may experience general allergy symptoms, such as itching or nasal congestion, after eating shrimp. Other allergy symptoms that may arise include swelling of the lips, face or tongue, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, to anaphylactic shock which can be life threatening.
How to Prevent Relapse of Shrimp Allergy
For those of you who experience these symptoms, it is advisable to see a doctor for an allergy test. If the test results prove that there is an allergy to shrimp, the first thing to avoid is eating shrimp. In addition, there are other ways that must be considered to prevent shrimp allergies from recurring:
- Don't eat at the restaurant seafood (seafood)
Even if the food you order is not shrimp or the like, there is a risk of food being contaminated with shrimp. It is possible that the cooking utensils used are the same as those used to cook shrimp. It's better to avoid eating at restaurants that provide seafood, to minimize the risk of a recurrence of a shrimp allergic reaction.
- Avoid the kitchen that is cooking shrimp
Stay away from the kitchen area when someone is cooking shrimp. When prawns or seafood are being cooked, there will be a release of protein through smoke, steam, or the surface of the stove. This can cause a relapse of shrimp allergy.
- Read the packaging label
When choosing any product, make sure you read the packaging label that says the ingredients in the product. Shrimp or other seafood are not only used in food products, but are also often used in flavoring products, cosmetics, medicines or beauty creams for the body. Know other names for shrimp or other seafood to be completely safe for consumption. For example, in products from France, foods labeled crevette indicates that the food contains shrimp.
If you suffer from allergies, or have a history of severe allergic reactions to eating shrimp, it is advisable to carry an injection of epinephrine (epipen) with you at all times, or at least any anti-allergic medication prescribed by your doctor. This is useful for dealing with severe allergic reactions that you may experience, when you accidentally "contact" with an allergy trigger. Make sure you consult a doctor first, to get information about the correct dose and how to inject epinephrine.
There are various kinds of symptoms that can arise from a shrimp allergy, ranging from mild to severe. If you experience allergy symptoms, you should consult a doctor to get the right treatment and to prevent further effects of the allergic reaction.