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Allergy Testing and Immunotherapy in Los Angeles, California

In Los Angeles, California, allergens like ragweed, dust mites, and mold are common. Allergy immunotherapy can help build resistance against these allergens, providing relief from allergy symptoms and improving quality of life.

Curex does not treat this allergen

Shellfish Allergy: Symptoms, Tips to avoid, Diet

Discover signs of shellfish allergy, how to avoid triggers, ideal diet and know where & when these are harvested in US. Empower your health today!
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Key Symptoms of Shellfish Allergy

Hives, Itching or Eczema

 

These are skin reactions often caused by shellfish allergy. The person may develop hives (blush-colored, often itchy bumps) on the skin, uncontrolled itching or even eczema (an inflamed, itchy skin condition).

Swelling of the face, lips, tongue and throat, or other parts of the body

 

Edema, or Swelling is another common symptom. Shellfish allergens can cause the body to produce histamine, which can lead to swelling in various parts of the body, including the face, lips, tongue, throat and other body areas.

Wheezing, Nasal Congestion or Difficulty Breathing

 

Respiratory symptoms can also occur with shellfish allergies. The person may start wheezing, have difficulty breathing, suffer from nasal congestion, or even cough.

Abdominal Pain, Diarrhoea, Nausea or Vomiting

 

Shellfish allergies can cause gastrointestinal symptoms including stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. Individuals with a severe allergy may even have immediate vomiting after ingesting shellfish.

Dizziness, Fainting or Lightheadedness

 

For some individuals with a shellfish allergy, dizziness, light-headedness, and fainting can occur. This may be due to a drop in blood pressure as the body overreacts to the shellfish allergens.

Anaphylaxis

 

In severe cases, people with shellfish allergy may experience anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms can include a rapid, weak pulse, nausea, and a skin rash. It can cause difficulty breathing, fainting, and can put the person into shock.

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How to Recognize if You're Allergic to Shellfish

Identifying a shellfish allergy involves understanding specific symptoms that arise following the consumption of shellfish. The following steps can guide you in identifying whether you have a shellfish allergy.

 

Recognize the Common Symptoms of Allergies

 

  • Swelling: Symptoms of shellfish allergy include swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, or other parts of the body.
  • Hives, Itching or Eczema: These are skin reactions associated with allergies. If these appear after consuming shellfish, it may indicate a shellfish allergy.
  • Abdominal Pain: This can be a response to your body rejecting the shellfish due to the allergic reaction.
  • Dizziness, Lightheadedness or Fainting: These symptoms can result from a severe allergic reaction.

 

Isolate Shellfish as the Cause of the Allergic Reaction

 

  • Check your dietary history: Pay attention to when exactly the symptoms appear. If they consistently appear after consumption of shellfish, it indicates that you may have a shellfish allergy.
  • Avoid consuming shellfish: If your symptoms disappear when you stop consuming shellfish, that could be a strong indicator of a shellfish allergy.

 

Consult a Medical Professional

 

  • Medical tests : To confirm a shellfish allergy, doctors can conduct a skin test or a blood test. This typically involves exposing a small patch of your skin to shellfish protein or measuring your immune system's response to shellfish in your blood.
  • Allergist: If you suspect that you have a shellfish allergy, consider consulting an allergist for a confirmed diagnosis.

 

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Curex offers convenient at-home allergy testing options. Our goal is to determine if a patient would benefit from immunotherapy and then customize a treatment plan that can reduce both the symptoms and the reliance on allergy medications.

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When Shellfish Grows and Its Impacts

Shellfish Lifecycle

 

Shellfish is not grown but acquired from the wild or farmed. However, their lifecycle can be affected by seasonal changes. Different varieties of shellfish have different peak seasons.

 

Lobsters

 

  • Spring and Summer: Lobsters typically shed their shells (molt) and grow new ones during these seasons. After molting, lobsters’ shells are soft, and this is when soft-shell lobsters are harvested.

 

Oysters

 

  • Winter: Winter is generally considered the best season for oyster farming. The colder water produces plump, sweet oysters.

 

Crabs

 

  • Late Spring to Early Fall: The blue crab, for instance, is most plentiful from April to November.

 

Shrimp

 

  • Spring and Summer: Wild shrimp are typically harvested in the spring and summer.

 

Please note that these are general guidelines and availability can vary by location and year to year weather conditions.

 

Where Shellfish Grows Across the USA?

Shellfish, an allergen for some people, do not grow but are harvested from their natural habitats. Different types of shellfish can be found in various regions across the United States.

 

Pacific Coast

 

  • Alaska and Washington: King crab, Snow crab, Dungeness crab.
  • California: Spiny lobster, Rock crab.

 

Atlantic Coast

 

  • Maine: American lobster, Soft-shell clams.
  • Maryland and Virginia: Blue crab.
  • Florida: Spiny lobster, Stone crab.

 

Gulf of Mexico

 

  • Texas and Louisiana: Blue crab, Brown shrimp, White shrimp.

 

Additionally, oysters, clams, and mussels are cultivated in farms along both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.

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Diagnostic of Shellfish Allergy with Curex

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Tips for Avoiding Shellfish Allergy

Avoid Cross-Contamination

 

When preparing food, make sure to use separate utensils for shellfish and non-shellfish items. Shellfish proteins can stick to utensils and cause an allergic reaction even if the shellfish itself is not being consumed.

Read Labels Carefully

 

Always read food labels thoroughly to ensure they do not contain any shellfish or traces of shellfish. Keep in mind that food labels may not always list shellfish in the ingredients, so it's essential to look for words like 'seafood extract', 'surimi', or 'tropomyosin' that could indicate the presence of shellfish.

Be Careful When Dining Out

 

When eating out in restaurants or takeaways, inform the staff about your shellfish allergy. Ask them to confirm whether your chosen dish contains any shellfish ingredients or if there is any possibility of cross-contamination.

Carry an Epinephrine Auto-Injector

 

For those with severe shellfish allergies, always carry an epinephrine auto-injector with you. This is a device that can administer a dose of epinephrine in case of an accidental exposure or severe allergic reaction, giving you time to get to a hospital for further treatment.

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Diet to Ease Shellfish Allergy Symptoms

People with a shellfish allergy response may benefit from a diet rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, which help stabilize mast cells, immune cells that release histamine during an allergic reaction. Foods with quercetin, a flavonoid, might also ameliorate symptoms.

 

Eating Foods Rich in Vitamin C

 

  • Citrus Fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are high in vitamin C.
  • Strawberries: This fruit is another excellent source of vitamin C.
  • Red and Green Bell Peppers: These vegetables are packed with vitamin C, delivering a substantial dose.

 

Consuming Flavonoid-rich Foods

 

  • Apples: Apples are a great source of quercetin, a flavonoid with anti-allergy properties.
  • Berries: Berries such as blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries contain high levels of flavonoids.

 

Consuming Foods High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

 

  • Fatty Fish: Mackerel, salmon, and trout are good sources of Omega-3s.
  • Flaxseeds and Chia seeds: These seeds contain a high amount of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation.

 

It is crucial to remember that while diet can help support a healthy immune function, it does not replace the need to avoid allergens or the use of prescribed medications.

What Food Worsens Shellfish Allergy

People with shellfish allergies should be aware that their symptoms can worsen with the consumption of certain foods.

 

Foods Directly Containing Shellfish

 

  • Shrimp, Crabs, and Lobsters: These are the most common triggers of shellfish allergies. Even small traces can cause a reaction.
  • Oysters, Clams, and Mussels: These mollusks can also cause allergic reactions.
  • Scallops, Squid, and Octopus: Other types of mollusks can also trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.

 

Foods That May Contain Shellfish

 

  • Asian Cuisine: Many Asian dishes use shellfish and fish sauces that can trigger allergies. Be cautious when eating at sushi restaurants or when consuming dishes like Pad Thai.
  • Fish Stock and Seafood Flavored Dishes: Some soups and sauces are made with fish stock or shellfish flavoring. These can cause allergic reactions.
  • Surimi: This is a processed seafood product, often used to make imitation crab meat. It can contain shellfish.

 

Cross-Contamination

 

Cross-contamination in kitchens and restaurants can also expose individuals to shellfish, potentially triggering an allergic reaction. It is imperative to communicate your allergy to food handlers and restaurant staff.

 

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Allergy FAQ

Can a shellfish allergy be triggered by inhaling steam from cooking shellfish?

 

Shellfish Allergy and Inhalation

 

  • A shellfish allergy can indeed be triggered by inhaling steam from cooking shellfish. The proteins responsible for the allergy can become airborne with the steam.
  •  

  • Individuals with severe allergies should avoid cooking areas where shellfish is being prepared to prevent accidental exposure.
  •  

 

Is it safe to eat foods fried in the same oil as shellfish?

 

Safety of Eating Foods Fried in Same Oil as Shellfish

 

  • Cross-contact can occur when shellfish is fried in the same oil as other foods, risking contamination with shellfish proteins.
  •  

  • Even trace amounts of allergens can trigger severe reactions in people with shellfish allergies.
  •  

  • It's advisable to avoid foods fried in shared oil unless the frying process and allergen management practices are verified as safe.

 

What is the risk of cross-reactivity between shellfish and mollusk allergies?

 

Cross-Reactivity Risk

 

  • Shellfish are classified into two main groups: crustaceans (like shrimp, crab, and lobster) and mollusks (like clams, oysters, and squid).
  •  

  • Cross-reactivity between shellfish and mollusks is generally low due to different protein structures, meaning an allergy to one doesn't automatically mean an allergy to the other.
  •  

  • However, if you have a confirmed shellfish allergy, consult an allergist for personalized advice and testing before consuming mollusks.

 

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