Prevention and daily care of Food Allergy

Food allergies are not curable. We can only avoid allergens. 

For children with food allergies, they need to avoid cow’s milk, eggs, shellfish, peanuts and nuts before they reach three. All these food types are the most common cause of food allergies in adults. The latter they try these food, the less chance they will become allergic to them. 

There is no direct link between allergies to fish and shellfish. However, some individuals are allergic to both. Watch out for other allergens like milk, wheat, and eggs.

Avoiding allergens may lead to malnutrition. Please take note of the nutrition issue. We also need to read food labels carefully and avoid food that contains or may contain allergens for the sake of safety. 

To those who are allergic to fish:

The allergic reactions to fish may be very severe. It may lead to allergic shock and is one of the most common causes. Some patients may be allergic to a particular type of fish while some to many. Unless you are very sure which type of fish is safe for you, it is better to avoid all fish. Also check whether fish is added to the food you are about to eat. 

It has not been a normal practice to add fish into food products (such as milk or eggs) but there is a tendency to do so more often. At present, Surimi (imitation crab meat), a food item made of white-fleshed fish is manufactured in the US. It is used on pizzas, in luncheon meat, meat sauce or meat free hotdogs. Fish contents may also be added to some salad dressings and barbeque sauce. 

For young children eating fish for the first time, it would be better to use canned tuna which is proved to be less allergenic. It may be because it has been heated up for a long time during its production. Many who are allergic to fish can eat canned tuna and experience no allergic reactions. However, it is best to have young children try their first bite of fish with a doctor in a clinic.

Those who are allergic to fish need to be extremely careful when eating out. They should avoid fish and seafood restaurants. Though they would not choose a dish with fish, it is still possible to have some sort of fish in a non-fish dish as the same food containers are used. Beside, fish proteins will spread in the air and trigger allergic reactions.

Some fish may lead to non-allergic reactions as they contain substances like neurotoxins, which can cause temporary or permanent muscle paralysis. Some fish may lead to non-allergic reactions as they contain substances like neurotoxins, which can cause temporary or permanent muscle paralysis.

Anisakis simplex, a parasite living on fish, can lead to allergic reactions and shock. It usually upsets stomach of those who enjoy sashimi or sushi. Those with allergies may experience urtic, asthma, bronchospasm or shock. They may experience the same if they eat cooked fish. If you have no problem eating a certain fish before but suddenly have an allergic reaction, you need to do a skin test to see whether you are allergic to this parasite.