Severe reactions to shellfish can happen suddenly and without warning. Treatment for a shellfish allergy requires a personalized management plan that reduces the risk of such dangerous responses. But how do you know when it’s appropriate to visit an Atlanta allergist for guidance? Here are the main factors to consider when deciding to seek professional care.
Reasons to Visit an Allergist for a Shellfish Allergy
Shellfish allergies affect both adults and children, and can emerge unexpectedly after years of safely eating shellfish. This unpredictability makes it important to speak with an allergist if you experience any reaction to shellfish.
Possible Shellfish Allergy Symptoms
Shellfish allergies can cause various reactions, from mild to severe. These symptoms can range from itching, hives and a runny nose to swelling of the throat, breathing difficulties and a drop in blood pressure. Even when a reaction appears to be mild and resolves quickly, understand that symptoms can escalate over time, and you should contact a food allergist nonetheless.
A Risk of Anaphylaxis From Shellfish
Types of shellfish are among the most common foods causing anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that can lead to a fast pulse, dizziness, severe shortness of breath, a blood pressure drop and loss of consciousness. When any of these symptoms occur it’s vital to seek immediate medical attention. And after any emergency treatment, you should make an appointment with an allergist. During your first visit with a food allergy specialist, they will offer guidance on effective shellfish allergy management.
Identify the Precise Shellfish Allergens
Shellfish are divided into two categories – crustaceans (crab, lobster, prawn and shrimp) and mollusks (clams, mussels, oysters, scallops and squid). Due to the presence of the common protein called tropomyosin, many of those who are allergic to one type of crustacean are allergic to all of them. Cross-reactivity occurs with mollusks, but less often than with crustaceans. However, it’s certainly possible to be allergic to all shellfish, to multiple types, or to a specific variety within a group. Your allergist can pinpoint which shellfish will trigger a reaction after allergy testing.
Avoid Unnecessary Dietary Restrictions
It’s a good idea to avoid all shellfish until you have visited an allergist. Checking all food labels for possible traces of shellfish will help ensure you are not accidentally exposed to an allergen. However, food allergy testing with a specialist will offer more precise information and give you more choice within your diet.
Receive a Personalized Shellfish Allergy Treatment Plan
Seeing an allergist is particularly important if you don’t have a comprehensive allergy treatment plan in place. Your allergist can provide epinephrine auto-injectors for emergencies and advise you on managing a shellfish allergy. Practices include preventing cross-contamination, avoiding accidental allergen exposure, attending follow-up appointments and so on.
Top Shellfish Allergy Testing and Treatment in Atlanta
For expert shellfish allergy treatment and food allergy management, speak with our highly-rated allergists today. We provide allergy testing services at locations across the Atlanta area. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment now.
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