Shellfish allergy is a common food allergy that affects both children and adults. In fact, it is one of the most common food allergies in the world.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately 7 million Americans have a shellfish allergy. For children, this can be a particularly concerning allergy as they are more likely to come into contact with shellfish through eating out, school lunches, and other social events.

In this article, we will discuss what shellfish allergy is, how it is diagnosed, and most importantly, how to keep your child safe if they are allergic to shellfish.

What is a shellfish allergy?

A shellfish allergy is an abnormal immune response to proteins found in shellfish, such as shrimp, crab, lobster, crayfish, and clams.

This means that when a person with a shellfish allergy eats shellfish, their body sees these proteins as harmful invaders and reacts by releasing chemicals like histamine. This can lead to an allergic reaction, which can range from mild to severe.

Some of the common symptoms of a shellfish allergy include:.

Hives or rash
Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Difficulty breathing or wheezing
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting
Dizziness or fainting

In some cases, a shellfish allergy can lead to a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.

This is why it is important for parents of children with a shellfish allergy to take this allergy seriously and take steps to prevent accidental exposure to shellfish.

Diagnosing a shellfish allergy

If you suspect your child has a shellfish allergy, it is important to see an allergist for testing. The allergist will likely perform a skin prick test or a blood test to check for specific antibodies that indicate an allergy to shellfish.

In some cases, the doctor may also perform an oral food challenge, which involves giving your child small amounts of shellfish under close medical supervision to see if they have an allergic reaction.

Once your child has been diagnosed with a shellfish allergy, it is important to take steps to prevent accidental exposure to shellfish.

Avoiding shellfish

The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the allergen. For children with a shellfish allergy, this means avoiding all forms of shellfish, including shrimp, crab, lobster, crayfish, and clams.

It is important to read food labels carefully, as some products may contain hidden sources of shellfish, such as seafood flavoring or shellfish extract.

Eating out with a shellfish allergy

When eating out at a restaurant, it is important to inform your server and the chef of your child’s allergy.

Many restaurants have policies in place to accommodate those with allergies, and the staff can work with you to ensure your child’s meal is safe. It is important to ask about cross-contamination, and to ensure that your child’s food is prepared in a separate area to avoid accidental exposure to shellfish.

Packing safe lunches

If your child takes a packed lunch to school, it is important to ensure that the lunch is free from shellfish. This means avoiding pre-packaged items that may contain shellfish, such as tuna salad or seafood-flavored crackers.

Instead, opt for fresh fruits and vegetables, sandwiches made with safe meats like turkey or chicken, and other allergy-safe snacks.

What to do in case of an allergic reaction

Despite your best efforts, accidental exposure to shellfish can happen. It is important to know the signs of an allergic reaction and to be prepared in case of an emergency.

Make sure your child’s school, daycare, or other caregivers are aware of your child’s allergy and have an emergency action plan in place. This should include instructions on how to administer an epinephrine autoinjector, which is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.

If your child is showing signs of an allergic reaction, give them an epinephrine autoinjector (if prescribed) and call 911 immediately.

Even if they start to feel better, it is important to seek medical attention, as some reactions can recur several hours after the initial exposure.

Conclusion

A shellfish allergy can be a serious condition, but with proper education and preparation, parents can help their child stay safe.

Take steps to avoid exposure to shellfish, communicate with restaurants and other caregivers about your child’s allergy, and be prepared in case of an emergency. With these precautions in place, your child can live a happy, healthy, and safe life.