Fish allergy is one of the severe allergies among food allergies. Salmon, snapper, tuna, cod, tilapia, eel and pollock are the fish that trigger fish allergies.The protein in the flesh of the fish is responsible for allergies.
A person allergic to one type of fish may also get allergic to other fish. Cooked fish is less allergic than raw food. However, there are cases of people who are allergic to cooked fish but not to raw fish. In this article we discuss symptoms of fish allergies.
Fish allergy symptoms are same as that of food allergy symptoms. The allergic reaction may begin with metallic taste in the mouth with other symptoms like a tingling sensation and intense itching in the mouth. Later other symptoms manifest in skin, digestive system and respiratory system.
Symptoms on the skin:
- Skin rashes
- Hives
- Swelling
- Eczema
- Itching
Digestive system symptoms:
- Stomach pain
- Cramps
- Loose stools
- Stomach upset
- Vomiting
Respiratory system symptoms:
- Nasal congestion
- Wheezing
- asthma
- Heart burn
Other symptoms:
- Fainting
- Dizziness
In more severe cases there is a great risk of developing anaphylaxis, causing swelling of the body tissues. It can be a life-threatening situation causing breathing and cardiac problems.
In anaphylaxis the allergic reaction affects more than two body systems and progresses rapidly to other systems. For example, in above described symptoms anaphylaxis can be a skin reaction combined with respiratory reaction or respiratory reaction combined with digestive system reaction. It is a very serious condition and needs immediate medical attention.
One can note that symptoms of fish allergic reactions begin within a few minutes of exposure. It may take up to 2 to 3 hours to appear. Epinephrine is, the medicine, used to reverse the allergic reaction temporarily. Some people are very sensitive to fish. Even smell can trigger severe allergic reactions. They are advised to carry prescribed medicine at all times to avoid severe reactions of the allergy.
