It is important to note that seafood allergies include sensitivity to any foods from fresh or salty water such as oysters, crabs, shrimps, salmon and trout. If the individual is allergic to seafood, he/she must avoid eating or get in contact with any seafood product. One of the typical symptoms that manifest after consuming seafood is stomach cramps. The other gastrointestinal symptoms that can go along the stomach cramps include vomiting and diarrhea in severe cases. It is best to schedule an appointment with a doctor so that the symptoms will be discussed as well as the appropriate treatment options.
What is seafood allergy?
Always bear in mind that seafood allergy is considered as a life-long condition that could not be cured. Many individuals in different parts of the globe are diagnosed with seafood allergy.
Seafood allergy is commonly linked with anaphylactic shock which is a severe allergic reaction that can lead to death if not treated right away. If an individual is allergic to a single type of fish, he/she has a 50% chance of being allergic to other types of fish. Always remember that cross contamination is a main concern if the individual has fish allergy since fish are usually handled together. If you will register for first aid training today, you will know the appropriate steps to take during a severe allergic reaction.
What are the possible causes?
Stomach cramps can be triggered by the presence of histamine in the intestines. Once the individual experiences an allergic reaction, the body produces various chemicals in order to fight off the proteins from the seafood. Take note that histamine and immunoglobulin E or IgE antibodies are both responsible for causing the symptoms of an allergic reaction. The proteins present in seafood are perceived by the body as a threat when they are actually harmless. The increased levels of histamine in the digestive tract lead to inflammation in the gut which causes the stomach cramps and pain.
What are the other symptoms?
The stomach cramps will be accompanied by other symptoms. If the individual only suffers stomach cramps alone, it might only be intolerance towards specific seafood. The other symptoms that can develop include tingling in the mouth or throat, skin rashes, facial swelling, generalized itchiness, hives, diarrhea, nasal congestion, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, wheezing and coughing.
Treatment for seafood allergy
The ideal treatment for seafood allergy is to avoid seafood. It is important to note that food manufacturers are required to indicate if pre-packaged food contains seafood or fish or processed in a facility that might contaminate certain food items.
The individual must carefully read all the product labels before eating anything and when eating outside, the server must be asked if there are any possible allergens in the dishes. If the individual accidentally ingests seafood, the stomach cramps could not be treated but you can provide the individual with plenty of fluids to drink or encourage him/her to rest and wait until the body completely eliminates the seafood proteins.