The complete guide to shrimp allergies: from symptoms to treatment

What is a shrimp allergy?

A shrimp allergy is an unpleasant condition caused by the body's immune reaction to shrimp proteins. This allergy refers to food allergies and can lead to a variety of symptoms, up to and including anaphylactic shock. People can be allergic to various types of shrimp, including king prawns.

Causes of seafood allergies

Seafood allergies are caused by the immune system's sensitivity to the proteins in seafood. The main allergen in shrimp is tropomyosin, the protein responsible for muscle contraction. In addition to shrimp, similar proteins are found in crustaceans and shellfish, which can lead to cross-allergies.

Types of shrimp allergies

Shrimp allergies can be of the immediate and delayed type. An immediate reaction occurs immediately after eating shrimp and can be life-threatening. A delayed reaction develops over several hours or days and usually has less severe symptoms.

Symptoms of shrimp allergy

Symptoms of shrimp allergy can range from mild to severe and life-threatening.

In adults, shrimp allergies can manifest as follows:

• Skin rash, itching, urticaria;
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat;
• Shortness of breath, wheezing;
• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• Headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness.

In children, shrimp allergy can also manifest itself with a variety of symptoms:

• Skin manifestations: rash, itching, urticaria;
• Swelling of the face, including lips, tongue and throat;
• Shortness of breath, runny nose, cough;
• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting;
• Irritability, weakness, drowsiness.

Diagnosis of shrimp allergy

To diagnose a shrimp allergy, you need to see an allergist who will perform a comprehensive examination.

There are several types of allergy tests that can help determine if shrimp causes allergies. Among them:

1. Skin tests. 
2. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine the level of IgE antibodies in the blood.
3. Differential diagnosis can rule out other causes of symptoms, such as infections, intolerance to other foods, or allergies to other seafood.

Shrimp allergy treatment

Treatment for shrimp allergy depends on the severity of the symptoms and includes several areas.

The first step in treating a shrimp allergy is to eliminate the product completely from your diet. This is important not only to prevent allergic reactions, but also to keep the body healthy.

Antihistamines such as Cetirizine, Loratadine or Fexofenadine may be prescribed to treat the symptoms of shrimp allergy. They will help with itching, swelling, and other manifestations of the allergy.

In some cases, the doctor may suggest immunotherapy, the purpose of which is to gradually reduce the body's sensitivity to the allergen. The procedure consists of regularly injecting small doses of the allergen under the supervision of a specialist. It should be noted, however, that immunotherapy for shrimp allergy cannot always be carried out and requires an individualized approach.

Prevention of shrimp allergy

Several rules should be followed to prevent allergic reactions to shrimp.

• To avoid accidental consumption of shrimp, you should carefully study the composition of products, especially convenience foods and prepared meals. In some cases, shrimp can be replaced by other seafood that does not cause allergies.
• If you are allergic to shrimp, the consumption of other seafood should be controlled, as there is a risk of cross-allergy to it.

Shrimp allergy is a serious condition that requires attention and monitoring by the patient and doctor. To avoid dangerous allergic reactions, it is necessary to eliminate shrimp from the diet, and in case of symptoms, contact a specialist and conduct appropriate diagnostics. Following an elimination diet, taking antihistamines and, if necessary, immunotherapy will help to cope with allergies and maintain health.