Shellfish allergies are a type of food allergy that affect both adults and children. This allergy often involves a variety of shellfish, including blue mussel, oyster, clam, and scallop. Because allergic reactions can be severe, understanding how to recognize and manage a shellfish allergy is essential for those affected.
Allergies to these shellfish are triggered by proteins that the immune system mistakenly identifies as harmful, leading to an allergic reaction.
Shellfish allergies are more likely to persist into adulthood than other food allergies. Regular allergy testing and consultations with an allergist can provide updated information on your allergy status.
The primary treatment is strict avoidance of the allergenic shellfish. For accidental exposure, antihistamines may help manage mild symptoms, but an epinephrine auto-injector is necessary for severe reactions.