How can a shellfish allergy be managed?

The best way to manage a shellfish allergy, or any food allergy for that matter, is to simply avoid the food that is causing your symptoms. Avoiding shellfish is not particularly difficult. It is not often used as a hidden ingredient in many foods (however, you may find shellfish as an ingredient in Worcester sauce and salad dressings). Shellfish is also often used in the preparation of imitation shellfish (surimi). In the UK, all foods containing crustaceans and molluscs (the two groups of shellfish) must be labelled, so read food labels carefully.

When eating out, make sure to ask which foods contain shellfish (even traces of it) and which do not. East Asian cuisine is particularly fond of shellfish, so take care if you decide to out at a Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, or Malaysian restaurant. Shellfish is usually quite expensive (so you might be able to tell by looking at the menu) but make sure to ask anyway!

There are a few dietary supplements that include shellfish or seafood in their preparations. Glucosamine is often given to people suffering from arthritis, but this uses crushed shells. Shells are unlikely to contain allergens and glucosamines are safe for you to take, but if you are unsure, there are vegetarian preparations of glucosamines as well. Omega-3 tablets can also be made from shellfish or seafood, but this is more likely to come from fish such as cod. Make sure to check labels carefully or ask a doctor or pharmacist.

If you do suffer from an anaphylactic shock, you will require urgent treatment with adrenaline. Adrenaline is usually administered from an EpiPen – make sure you carry your EpiPen with you at all times and train friends and family in using the EpiPen.

Shellfish Allergy Guide Index:

• What is a shellfish allergy?
• What are the signs and symptoms of a shellfish allergy?

• How can a shellfish allergy be diagnosed?
• How can a shellfish allergy be managed?