WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SHELLFISH ALLERGIES

Shellfish allergies are common and can include allergies to some or all shellfish. An itchy rash and a stuffy nose are the most common reactions, but serious shellfish allergies can be life-threatening. Symptoms appear quickly, usually within a few minutes to an hour. There are two classes of shellfish: crustaceans (shrimp, lobster, crab) and mollusks (squid, clams, scallops). A person may be allergic to crustaceans and not mollusks, or vice versa, and crustacean allergies are more common. Fish allergies are a different type of seafood allergy, so those with shellfish allergies may still be able to enjoy some food from the sea. Shellfish allergies are more common in adults and women, while childhood shellfish allergies are more common in boys.

P.S. Glucosamine, commonly used to treat arthritis, comes from shellfish skeletons and should be avoided by people with a shellfish allergy. Chondroitin is a safe alternative.

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