Fish allergies are caused by proteins found in fish, and can cause oral allergy syndrome, intestinal upset, skin irritations, and anaphylactic shock. Allergy testing can determine which fish species cause the reaction, and those with the allergy should avoid fish altogether. People with seafood allergies should be cautious when eating at restaurants that serve seafood, as cross-contamination can occur.
A fish allergy is a type of food allergy that occurs in people who are sensitive to some of the proteins found in fish. Common fish such as tuna, salmon, snapper, tilapia, cod and pollack have all been linked to allergic reactions. Allergies to fish and shellfish are usually separate, meaning that those who can’t eat shellfish can safely eat fish and vice versa. The presence of a fish allergy can be confirmed in a patient with the use of allergy testing.
Somewhat uniquely to food allergies, a fish allergy is more likely to arise in adulthood, and people are less likely to develop it over time. Because proteins that commonly cause allergic reactions can be seen in many fish, people with these allergies are advised to avoid fish altogether. However, allergy testing can be used to accurately determine which species cause the reaction, for people who want the option of eating a few safe fish species.
In addition to being allergic to some proteins found in fish, some people are allergic to fish parasites, experiencing an allergic reaction when they eat contaminated fish. This type of allergy is rarer and can be frustrating, because someone can experience allergies when eating fish one night and not the next night, making it difficult to establish the source of the allergy without careful testing. People allergic to parasites may need to avoid some fish species and make sure their fish is always thoroughly cooked.
One of the most common signs of a fish allergy is oral allergy syndrome, in which the mouth and lips tingle after eating fish. People can also develop intestinal upset and skin irritations, and in some cases, the airways can swell and close, leading to anaphylactic shock. If any of these symptoms occur after eating fish, people should consult other people who ate the same meal to see if they experienced any symptoms, which would suggest food poisoning. If no one else has experienced symptoms, it’s time to see an allergist to discuss allergy testing and treatment options.
People with seafood allergies should be careful about eating at restaurants that serve seafood. Many people can react to aerosolized proteins, such as those that might spread on a grill, and restaurants that serve fried food can be prone to cross-contamination. Asian restaurants can also be dangerous for people with the condition because many Asian sauces contain fish. Many Mediterranean dishes also contain fish in their ingredients, so when dining at restaurants serving Mediterranean cuisine, people with a fish allergy should emphasize that they cannot be exposed to fish in any form. Restaurant staff are sometimes unsure of the ingredients found in a dish and diners should be firm in asking staff to check or to state that they are unsure of a dish’s safety.
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