Understanding fish allergy

On the past few years, people all over the world have become conscious of their health. Due to this new healthy eating habit many people prefer to consume fish over red meat such as beef or pork. Indeed, fish as part of one’s diet is healthy since fish have high protein and even contain omega 3 fatty acids that are now recognized ideal for cardiovascular health. Unfortunately, as much as many people choose to consume fish such as tuna, salmon, herring or any great-tasting fish – fish allegy is an obstacle.

Fish allergy is a type of seafood allergy that many individuals suffer from. Although this type of allergy is considered part of the seafood allergy where other crustaceans or mollusks trigger allergic reactions. An individual with fish allergy can still enjoy eating shrimp, squid and other seafood delights. Fish allergy begisn when the body overreacts to a protein found only in certain types of fishes such as tilapia, tuna, salmon, cod, pollock etc. Aside from directly eating fish, even inhaling fumes when preparing fish like frying or grilling can trigger an allergic reaction.

Fish allergy is inidicated by the following symptoms: itching, skin rashes, and respiratory problems such as difficulty in breathing. However, the most common sign of fish allergy that shows within 2 hours of consuming fish is “oral allergy symptom”. This starts when the mouth feels a tingling sensation around the lip area. Additionally, digestive problems can also occur such as diarrhea and vomiting which needs medical help. But among these fish allergy symptoms, constriction of air passageways is the most dangerous since the person will have difficulty in breathing. The allergy can even lead to anaphylactic shock wherein blood pressure falls and the person can become comatose. An Epinephrine shot is the only solution when shock happens. In case you or your loved one show mild symptoms of fish allergy, it’s ideal to avoid eating fish.

However, it’s also possible that some dish prepared with fish sauce such as Asian or Mediterranean cuisine can trigger fish allergy when dining out. A practical way to prevent this is choose only dishes you are familar with to be safe.

Fish allergy seems trivial but must not be taken lightly, in the first place one’s health should never be compromised.