Fish allergy is a reaction that occurs by the immune system after eating some types of fish. There are many types of fish that cause allergies, such as tuna, halibut, and salmon allergies, which are the most common types of allergies. They spread in places where fish is a main meal, such as some cities within the continent of Asia or the Scandinavian regions. We will tell you more about the symptoms of fish allergy, methods of diagnosing it, and the causes of its infection through Al-Mousa Hospital.

What is a fish allergy? 

Fish allergy is a type of allergy that occurs as a result of an abnormal response of the immune system, which causes it to release substances called allergens. The type of protein that causes this allergy varies between different types of fish, meaning that there is a certain type of fish that causes the allergy faster and stronger than some other types. 

If a person suffers from a fish allergy, the immune system begins to work to release a substance called immunoglobulin after eating a fish meal, thus secreting the hormone histamine from the blood cells, which leads to the expansion of blood vessels.

Causes of fish allergy

The main reason for the appearance of fish allergy symptoms is a defect and problem in the immune system, as it treats the protein in the fish as foreign bodies that cause allergies and irritation to the body, which results in the production of antibodies in order to eliminate them. Then the body secretes histamine, which is the main reason for the appearance of allergy symptoms after eating fish. 

Symptoms of fish allergy

There are many common symptoms that occur as a result of a fish allergy, and among the symptoms of a fish allergy are the following: 

• Suffering from severe itching and rashes. 
• Difficulty breathing or having an asthma attack after eating fish. 
• Suffering from stomach disorders and diarrhea. 
• Indigestion and severe stomach pain after eating fish. 
• Some symptoms appear, such as runny nose and congestion. 
• Abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea.
• Head pain after eating fish.
• Suffering from symptoms of fish allergy in the mouth, such as swelling in the mouth and a tingling sensation in the throat after eating a fish meal. 

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Methods for diagnosing fish allergy

The doctor who specializes in treating fish allergy follows special tests to diagnose the condition after the symptoms of fish allergy appear. Among the diagnostic methods are the following:

• Diagnosis: Skin prick test: This diagnosis is based on placing a small amount of fish protein on the skin and then pricking the skin with small scratches. If a rash, redness or swelling appears in the skin, this is an indication of the presence of an allergy.

• Diagnosis with a blood test: It is done by drawing a blood sample, from which the level of antibodies (IgE) is measured, as they bind to allergens in fish, and when the IgE level is high, this indicates the presence of an allergy.

• Diagnosis with a food provocation test: The patient begins to eat a little fish, but under medical supervision, and then notices the symptoms of an allergy on the person.

• Diagnosis by disease history: The doctor begins to collect information regarding the patient’s medical history in terms of the presence of previous allergic symptoms, or the presence of other diseases that have an impact on the diagnosis.

• Diagnosis with exclusion diet: Here the patient is required to abstain from all suspected foods for a period of one or two weeks, and these are added gradually to monitor allergic reactions.

How to treat fish allergy

There are some methods that contribute to treating the symptoms of fish allergy, but abstaining from eating fish is the basis of treatment, and there are therapeutic medications that help relieve the symptoms. Here are the details:

• First, refrain from eating fish: It is important for people with fish allergies to avoid eating any type of fish that causes allergies, and to stay away from all fish products.

• Secondly, medications: Antihistamine medications have an effective effect in alleviating the mild symptoms of fish allergy, which are itching and the appearance of a rash, and epinephrine (adrenaline) injections: They are used in the event of excessive fish allergy (anaphylaxis). They are used immediately until the affected person is rescued.

• Third, treating symptoms: This is through antihistamines and steroid creams that reduce inflammation.

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Ways to live with fish allergy

It is possible for an affected person to cope with the symptoms of a fish allergy through the following:

• Avoid eating fish: The patient must stay away from any type of fish that may cause allergies, as well as all foods that contain fish derivatives.

• Abstaining from seafood: This is done by avoiding contact with seafood, which leads to an increase in the severity and exacerbation of symptoms. The person is advised to stay away from places where seafood is prepared while also avoiding eating it.

• Avoid contaminated foods: What is meant here is to avoid foods contaminated with fish or contaminated with fish derivatives. An example of this is foods that are prepared in the same place as fish.

• Treating symptoms: This is done through the use of antihistamines, including diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or loratadine (Claritin), as they work to relieve allergy symptoms, including itching and hives, as well as reduce swelling, in addition to an adrenaline injection, which is good in the case of exposure to anaphylaxis, and helps effectively alleviate severe symptoms.

• Medical treatment: Medical treatment is used if the person suffers from severe symptoms or hypersensitivity, and the specialist doctor is the one who prescribes the appropriate treatment.
• Avoid places where fish is available: An allergy sufferer should stay away from places where fish is cooked, because the leakage of fish proteins during the cooking process transfers them into the air, thus increasing the risk of exposure to the allergy.

• Informing others: It is important and necessary for the allergy sufferer to tell anyone who handles the food that will be eaten about the allergy to which he is afflicted, in order to carefully verify that the food does not contain anything that triggers that allergy.

• Obtaining advice from an allergist: An important step is to consult an allergist, as he will develop an appropriate treatment plan and work to manage the allergy properly and effectively.

• Asthma management: People with asthma should ensure their asthma is well managed, according to Anaphylaxis UK.

• Avoid other foods: Avoid eating foods that cause allergies.

• Follow a good treatment plan: The patient must follow an individual treatment plan appropriate to the health condition, and it is important to abstain from foods that cause allergies.

Frequently asked questions

What causes vomiting after eating fish?

Feeling vomiting and nausea after eating fish is among the symptoms that indicate an allergy to this type of fish, if this happens every time from eating fish, but if it happens for the first time, it may be the result of some disturbances in the digestive system, and you should go to the doctor in order to find out the cause. 

How do I know that I have been poisoned by fish?

There are many symptoms that indicate poisoning resulting from eating fish, including feeling severe stomach pain and pain in the abdominal area, in addition to vomiting, nausea, and fever, feeling cramping, fatigue, peeling skin, itching, suffering from body numbness, and severe burning when water comes into contact with the skin.

Can fish cause gastritis?

Yes, eating fish may cause stomach inflammation, and some studies have indicated that fish may be among the causes that lead to stomach bacteria, especially sea oysters and mussels, since they contain large amounts of harmful bacteria. 

Thus, through this article, we have discussed the symptoms of fish allergy in detail and learned about the causes that lead to infection and what are the risk factors. You can go to Al Mousa Specialist Hospital and communicate with the team of doctors and you will find the appropriate treatment immediately.

المصادر:

Fish Allergy – kidshealth

Shellfish and fish allergies – betterhealth