Welcome to The London Allergy Clinic, a leading clinic offering advanced diagnostics and treatments for a range of allergic conditions across London in the Harley Street district and High Barnet. With over 40 years of expertise, The London Allergy Clinic supports patients of all ages experiencing allergies, from hay fever and food allergies to house dust mite allergies, urticaria, and more complex immunological conditions. Our specialist clinicians provide a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment service tailored to the needs of each patient.
Today, we're exploring a common but complex food allergy: seafood allergies. This blog will dive into the causes, symptoms, and testing options available, including our cutting-edge allergy panel blood test (ALEX) for at home or in-clinic allergy testing of 295 different allergens, including all the major sea foods.
What Are Seafood Allergies?
Seafood allergies affect many individuals across the UK and worldwide. They can develop at any point in life and individuals do not usually grow out this allergy - it is lifelong.
Seafood allergies refers both to fish and shellfish. In turn, the category of shellfish is broken down into two major groups: molluscs and crustaceans.
Fish allergies: Fish are vertebrates that usually have fins and scales. Common examples include: Cod, Salmon, Tuna, Anchovy, Mackerel, Sardine, Sea Bass, Sea Bream, Plaice or Haddock.
Crustaceans: These are segmented-bodied, jointed-leg invertebrates, such as crab, crayfish, langoustine, lobster, prawn, shrimp, and scampi.
Molluscs: Also invertebrates, molluscs typically have soft bodies and some have shells. Examples include clam, cockle, mussel, octopus, oyster, scallop, snail and squid.
Causes of Seafood Allergies & risks of cross-contamination
Seafood allergies are typically caused by an overreaction of the immune system to proteins found in fish or shellfish. These proteins vary between fish and shellfish and even within subcategories like crustaceans and molluscs. As a result, some people may find themselves reacting to whole categories of seafood (for example all molluscs), whilst others can have allergies which are very precise (for example someone may have a lobster allergy but no problem eating prawns).
It’s also crucial to note the high risks of cross-contamination with seafood in various settings as their presence is not often well labelled and can be hidden.
Take particular note of stocks and sauces commonly found in East Asian dishes which may contain fish sauce or oyster sauce. Also Worcestershire sauce, a commonly used condiment in British cuisine, contains anchovies. Anchovies may also be found in puttanesca dishes, or on pizzas or salads. Also fish oil supplements and glucosamine, derived from shellfish, can be a hidden risk for those with seafood allergies.
Symptoms of a Seafood Allergy
The symptoms of a seafood allergy can vary from mild to severe and can be similar to those of other food allergies. Common symptoms include:
• Hives, itching, or skin rash
• Tingling or itching in the mouth
• Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhoea
Severe symptoms may include:
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Persistent coughing or chest tightness
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
In rare cases, a seafood allergy could even develop to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. As such, prompt diagnosis and the creation of an allergy action plan are essential for individuals at risk.
Warning Signs of Anaphylaxis
If any symptoms affect your airway or breathing, do not hesitate to dial 999 and call for emergency assistance.
Key signs of anaphylaxis to be aware of:
Airway: Swelling/constriction/tightening of the airway or throat.
Breathing: Difficulty breathing - a sudden onset wheeze or laboured breathing.
Circulation: A sudden drop in blood pressure which can make you feel faint, dizzy, clammy, tired, or in some cases lose consciousness.
Seafood Allergy Testing at The London Allergy Clinic
At The London Allergy Clinic, we specialise in diagnosing and treating seafood allergies through advanced testing and individualised care. Each allergy case is unique, and our experienced team of clinicians uses a tailored approach, drawing on years of expertise in allergy and immunology. When it comes to testing for seafood allergies, the clinic offers the following options:
1. Skin Prick Testing
The Skin Prick Test (SPT) is a commonly used method to diagnose allergies by placing a small amount of allergen on the skin, followed by a gentle prick to introduce the allergen. This test is generally quick and provides a localised reaction within 15 minutes, allowing clinicians to observe the reaction.
2. Specific IgE Blood Tests
Specific IgE Blood Testing measures the presence of IgE antibodies in response to specific allergens, including seafood proteins. The test can be performed for a single allergen or a panel of allergens. Our most comprehensive allergen panel test is the ALEX (Allergy Explorer) test which covers 295 allergens, including 20 different types of seafood. This state-of-the-art test allows for broader assessment and can analyse each allergy on a protein-by-protein basis, helping your clinician to potentially also predict the severity of the allergy in question. It is ideal for patients with complex allergic responses, offering a detailed view of potential sensitivities.
The London Allergy Clinic: Your Partner in Seafood Allergy Care
At The London Allergy Clinic, our highly qualified team, meet our team here, brings decades of expertise in diagnosing and treating seafood allergies. Our allergy specialists employ cutting-edge diagnostic methods to ensure accurate results, and our personalised treatment plans empower patients to manage their allergies effectively. With our support, you can lead a safer, more confident life, free from unexpected allergic reactions.
For more information, contact us here.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I be allergic to both fish and shellfish? Yes, while they are different allergen types, some people may experience allergies to both fish and shellfish.
2. Are seafood allergies lifelong? In most cases, yes. Seafood allergies are rarely outgrown and tend to persist throughout life.
3. What should I do if I experience a seafood allergy reaction? In the case of mild symptoms, antihistamines may help alleviate discomfort. For severe symptoms, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
4. Can cooking seafood reduce allergic reactions? For some people yes, for others, no. It depends on the allergy of the individual which is why it is important to get tested and understand your allergies as much as possible. Some proteins in fish or shellfish are heat-stable, meaning they can still trigger allergic reactions even when cooked. Other proteins are denatured by heat and so will no longer trigger a reaction once cooked.
If you have questions or need to book a consultation, please contact The London Allergy Clinic today. Whether you’re seeking initial diagnosis or ongoing allergy management, our team is here to support you on your journey to health.
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