WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FISH AND A SHELLFISH ALLERGY?

Seafood allergies can be confusing, especially when fish and shellfish don’t contain the same allergens and “shellfish” actually includes two types of edible sea creatures (mollusks and crustaceans). Some people with a shellfish allergy are only allergic to one type. Fish allergies are usually caused by a type of calcium-binding protein, while the muscle proteins in shellfish are usually the source of shellfish allergies. However, there are several other allergens in both fish and shellfish, which explains why some people are allergic to all types of seafood and others are only allergic to fish or one group of shellfish. For some people, the allergy-causing proteins in seafood can initiate a reaction through touch or inhaling the fumes as it cooks.

P.S. Seafood allergies are the most frequently reported allergy by adults and are also one of the most common allergies in children. A person can develop a shellfish allergy at any stage of life.

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