New Location: We've moved! Uptown Allergy & Asthma is now seeing patients at our new location at 2620 Jena Street (right next door to our old location!). We look forward to seeing you in our new space.
Shellfish Allergy Symptoms, Causes, and When to See a Doctor in New Orleans, LA
Dr. Reena Mehta is a board-certified allergist that can help you identify and navigate shellfish allergies in New Orleans, LA.
“Dr. Mehta has a great bedside manner and is great with our daughter. She helped us navigate the most up to date treatment options for food allergies in our 9 month old and dedicated one on one attention to us that went above and beyond the norm. She is professional and kind and has a genuine care for her patients. Highly recommend!“
– Parker Valergo, 2019
Symptoms
Allergy List
Testing
Treatment
Myths & FAQs
Shellfish allergy is an immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody-mediated allergy. This means that when you ingest shellfish, your immune system overreacts by producing IgE antibodies which bind to mast cells. Once the shellfish protein allergen binds to the IgE antibody on the mast cell, the mast cell will release histamines that trigger allergy symptoms.
How Common is Shellfish Allergy?
- Urticaria (hives), an itchy skin rash of raised red spots
- Angioedema, or swelling under the skin
- Anaphylaxis, which is when multiple body systems produce a significant immune response causing a rapid drop in blood pressure and possible circulatory shock that is life-threatening
- GI symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, cramping, and diarrhea
- Lightheadedness and fainting
Sometimes, patients can have shellfish asthma reactions. For example, when exposed to an environment where shellfish is cooking or being processed, vapors from the shellfish may induce asthma.
Many foods contain shellfish products that can trigger an allergic response, some of which are especially popular here in New Orleans.
Crustacean Shellfish Foods
- Lobster bisque
- Lobster roll
- Crawfish boil
- Crab dip
- Crab cakes
- Crawfish boil
- Imitation crab
- Sushi
- Cocktail shrimp
- Shrimp scampi
- Shrimp chips
- Prawns
- Jambalaya
- Creole or Cajun gumbo
What About Imitation Crab Meat?
Molluscan Foods
- Calamari and squid
- Clam chowder
- Scallops
- Oysters
- Clams
- Mussels
- Escargot
- Oyster sauce found in Asian cuisine
Other Fish-Based Products
- Fish oil supplements (may contain trace amounts of shellfish proteins)
Shellfish allergy tests include skin and blood tests to help aid in the diagnosis of a shellfish allergy. However, neither test is conclusive because a positive result to a certain food does not always mean you will react to that food when you ingest it. In addition, neither the size of the wheal nor the numerical value of the IgE antibodies predicts how severe your allergic reaction to shellfish will be. Negative skin and blood tests are most useful because they can help rule out a shellfish allergy.
Skin Testing for Shellfish Allergies
Blood Testing for Shellfish Allergies
Elimination Diet and Oral Food Challenge
Lifestyle Modifications
Shellfish Allergy Medications
Shellfish Allergy and Iodine
Glucosamine and Shellfish Allergy
Shellfish Allergy and Collagen
Does fish oil contain shellfish?
Does crawfish have iodine?
Do scallops have iodine in them?
Is there iodine in shellfish?
Can someone eat imitation crab if allergic to shellfish?
Can you have an allergic reaction to imitation crab?
Can someone eat calamari if they are allergic to shellfish?
Is crab a shellfish?
Can you be allergic to lobster but not crab?
Can you be allergic to shrimp but not crab?
How do you know if you’re allergic to lobster?
How do you know if you’re allergic to shrimp?
See a Shellfish Allergy Doctor in New Orleans
Suspicious of shellfish allergy or asthmatic reactions? We can help. Allergist Doctor Mehta has a reputation for developing strong relationships with her patients and being exceptionally attentive to their needs and concerns.
Book Online
Click Here to Book Online
Put time on our calendar. Schedule an appointment using our online booking page.
Email us or use the
contact form below and we'll coordinate your visit.
You can also use this contact form for general inquiries.
Site Navigation
Patient Education
Social Media
Copyright © 2023 by OnChart - All Rights Reserved. Please review our Terms of Use.