Shrimp allergy: symptoms and what to do

Shrimp allergy can be identified from signs and symptoms that arise after consuming the shrimp or smell, such as itching, the appearance of red signs on the skin, swelling on the face, especially in the eyes and mouth, and in the throat, creating the sensation of cake in the throat.

Symptoms of shrimp allergy may appear a few minutes after consumption, and in some cases a severe allergic reaction may occur, called anaphylaxis, where there may be difficulty breathing.

In case of shrimp allergy, the general practitioner or allergist may indicate the use of antihistamine drugs such as deloratadine, for example. However, in cases where there is shortness of breath, it is important for the person to go immediately to the emergency so that the most appropriate service can be started.

Symptoms of Shrimp Allergy

The main symptoms of shrimp allergy are:

• Itch;
• Red signs on the skin;
• Swelling on the lips, eyes, tongue and throat;
• Abdominal pain;
• Diarrhea;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Dizziness or fainting;
• Drop in pressure.

Symptoms of shrimp allergy may appear a few minutes after consumption, however, in some cases only the smell is sufficient to lead to the onset of symptoms.

In the most severe cases, allergy can cause an exaggerated reaction of the immune system, causing anaphylaxis, a severe condition that causes difficulty breathing and should be treated immediately in the hospital as it can lead to death. See how to identify anaphylactic shock and what to do.

Preservative allergy used in frozen

Sometimes the symptoms of allergy arise because of a preservative called “sodium metabisulfite”, which is used in frozen foods. In these cases, the severity of symptoms depends on the amount of preservative consumed, and the symptoms do not arise when the shrimp is ingested fresh.

To avoid this problem, you should always look at the list of ingredients of the frozen product label and avoid those containing sodium metabisulfite.

Online symptom test

To find out the possibility of having an allergy, please select the symptoms you have:

This test is just a orientation tool. Therefore, it does not have the purpose of giving a diagnosis and does not replace consultation with the allergist, immunologist or general practitioner.

How to confirm the diagnosis

To confirm the diagnosis of shrimp allergy, in addition to evaluating the symptoms that arise, the doctor may also request allergy tests such as skin test, where a small amount of protein found in the shrimp is injected into the skin to verify whether or not there will be a reaction, and blood test, which verifies the presence of defense cells against shrimp proteins. Understand how the allergy test is done.

Make an appointment with the nearest allergologist to investigate the risk of shrimp allergy:

What to do

In case of allergy to the shrimp where there is shortness of breath, it is recommended:

1. Immediately call an ambulance or ask someone to do it, calling 192;
2. Pour the person With his back on the floor, turning it sideways so as not to stifle if he starts to vomit;
3. Loosen Tight, such as shirt, tie or belt, for example;
4. Start cardiac massage If the breath stops, until the arrival of medical help. Learn how to do heart massage correctly.

When a person already knows that he has shrimp allergy, he is likely to have an injection of pen -shaped epinephrine, in a bag or in some pocket, for example. If this pen can be found, apply it as soon as possible to the thighs or arm to make breathing easier.

Despite the difficulty in breathing, one should not pierce the person’s throat, as there is a very high risk of causing injuries to the structures inside the throat.

What to do in the case of a light allergy

In case of light allergy to the shrimp, where there is no shortness of breath, the doctor may indicate the use of anti -allergic medicine, such as cetirizine or deloratadine, to prevent symptoms from continuing to develop and can cause difficulty breathing.

Initially, the tablet should be placed under the tongue so that it is absorbed more easily and takes less time to take effect. However, as tablets usually have a very bitter flavor, it may not be possible to let it melt completely, and it can drink the rest with water.