Fish Allergy Symptoms

Fish allergy is one of the most dangerous and severe allergy among food allergies. Fish are having protein in their flesh, which are responsible for allergies. But it is difficult to find out the reason behind allergies and symptoms that whether it is result of fish or some other food poisoning. If there is fish allergy, then it comes with various symptoms.

Factors responsible for causing fish allergy:

Protein present in flesh of fish is responsible for causing allergy. Fish including salmon, cod, herring, trout, bass, sardines, orange roughy, halibut, swordfish and tuna cause allergic symptoms. There may be severe anaphylactic reactions also.

People allergic with one type of fish such as cod may also get allergy to other fish such as haddock, hake, whiting and mackerel. The reason behind this is again the protein, which is similar in every fish. Raw fish is more allergic than cooked one because heat can denature the allergic proteins. However, some people are allergic to cooked fish but not to raw fish.

What are symptoms of fish allergy?

People who are highly sensitive can become allergic with the mere smell of fish also. The food cooked in reused cooking oil and containers may lead to causing allergic conditions. The reaction may be for as long as 24 hours or can be immediate also.

Fish allergy also gives the same symptoms as that of other food allergy symptoms. It can affect the skin, respiratory system and digestive system. Mostly there may be hives, swelling (angioedema), eczema, itching, loose stools, cramps, gas, upset stomach, vomiting, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, asthma, wheezing, heart burn, fainting and dizziness.

How it can be diagnosed?

It is very difficult to differentiate or find out the exact reason behind the fish allergy because of the similar symptoms of other allergies. However, fish allergy also diagnosed as like the diagnosis of other allergies. But it also needs the proper information about the species of fish.

Mostly, blood test named as CAP RAST is done to detect the possibility of allergy, in which small amount of blood sample is used. But it may be difficult to find out specific species of fish as different countries have different species of fish or sea food. Because of this problem now there are Western Blot tests, skin tests and in-house RAST test to diagnose the specific fish species or allergy.

What to do with fish allergy?