Fish allergy
Fish allergy - a fairly widespread in recent years, an allergic reaction to both river and marine fish species. Only occasionally allergic manifestations are associated with a certain type of fish, whereas in most cases several species of fish provoke an allergy. The most allergenic species are the whole subspecies of salmon, eel, catfish and tuna. Sometimes there may be a cross-allergic reaction with seafood such as crustaceans and molluscs.
Smoking, drying and heat treatment practically do not affect the allergenic properties of fish products, therefore for a person with protein intolerance, fish are presented with the same danger of baked, smoked and dried fish. Often the allergic reaction develops after the inhalation of vapors arising during the preparation of products from fish, which is quite an atypical phenomenon for most food allergens.
Allergy to fish in a child often occurs even in the case when its food was cooked in the same cookware, where before the fish products were prepared, despite the fact that the pan or pan was thoroughly washed. This clearly indicates that even the microscopic remaining protein molecule of the fish can trigger the development of an allergic reaction. Often, if a person has this type of allergy, there is an allergy to fish feed( more often to daphnia).
In case if the diagnosis of fish allergy is confirmed, you should start to closely monitor the composition of the dishes that are offered at a party, restaurant or cafe. To do this, it should be asked whether the food received was cooked in the same oil as before used for frying fish. It is also necessary to find out exactly what salads were seasoned, becauseFish protein may be part of some seasonings. In addition, you should carefully study the purchased products, because often they may contain components such as disodium inosine, fish flavor, alginate and agar, which for this type of allergic reaction are contraindicated.
Some people, having accepted the allergy to fish and refusing because of this from all fish products do not even suspect that in their bodies such a fish parasite as helminth anizakidosis, capable of causing quite strong allergic reactions, can live. This indicates that an independent diagnosis can be erroneous and properly diagnose and identify a true allergy provoker can only be qualified allergist
Fish allergy - symptoms
The reaction of the body to fish allergies is usually manifested by urticaria with its characteristic symptoms: itchy skin, Rashes on the skin of the back, thighs, abdomen, neck and chest blisters( occasionally rashes can be observed on the mucous membranes).Often, an allergy to fish is accompanied by an increase in the permeability of the vessels of the subcutaneous tissue and skin, which is manifested by swelling of the skin. This symptom is best seen on the face - swollen eyes, swelling around the mouth, etc. In some cases, puffiness may take the form of such a dangerous disease as Quincke's edema.
Symptoms of fish allergy on the part of the gastrointestinal tract are manifested in violation of secretory and motor functions - diarrhea, vomiting, etc. In case of severe allergic reaction, headache, palpitations, fever, lowering blood pressure, changes in blood structure may occur. Sometimes such a life-threatening condition as anaphylactic shock can develop.
Typically, the first symptoms of fish allergy begin to manifest already in the process of eating and are expressed in pricking or itching of the lips, palate, tongue, or throat;In severe cases, an asthmatic attack is often observed. Somewhat less often the symptoms appear during the first hours after the consumption of fish products and are expressed by urticaria, diarrhea and vomiting
Fish allergy - treatment
As with any food allergy, an allergic reaction to fish and seafood implies the complete elimination of allergenic foods from the diet. And because of the fact that, as practice shows, the allergy to fish develops immediately into several types of fish products, one should permanently exclude from your menu: artificial fish products, Worcesters sauce, crab sticks( surimi), fish cutlets soups and sauces, fish oil, Shrimp and fish eggs, anchovies and their containing salad dressings, Asian dishes( tempura, sashimi, sushi).
In the products listed above, in small, but sufficient quantities for the development of an allergic reaction, the protein-allergen is contained. In addition, a small amount of fish protein may contain some dressings for salads and similar foods. Also, when buying, check the composition of the products indicated on the package and avoid such ingredients as fish flavor, disodium inosine, alginate, araric acid and agar.
In some cases, the allergic reaction to fish products may closely coincide with the allergy to crustaceans, therefore, the use of cancers, lobsters, crabs and shrimp should also be abandoned forever.
Fish allergy in a child
Without the addition of fish, it is very difficult to imagine a full menu of any child, sinceNamely fish is the best source of high-quality protein and high-grade vitamins of groups C, B, A, PP.
Also in marine fish contains a large number of beneficial microorganisms for children such as iodine, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and iron. In addition, it contains fatty omega-3 acids, responsible for the structure of nerve tissues, cell membranes and retina.
To develop allergy to fish in children is not a surprise, introduce lure fish products should be gradually, no earlier than eight months. Initially, in combination with porridge or vegetable puree( and preferably for breakfast), you can add no more than a quarter teaspoon of fish puree. In the absence of an allergic reaction, the volume can be gradually increased.
As a rule, the first symptom of fish allergy is manifested as early as the first minutes or hours after receiving the allergenic product and is expressed in the form of an upset stomach, rashes on the body, tingling of the palate, throat and tongue. Cyanosis of the face, redness in the area of the lips, puffiness, swelling of the Quincke( rarely) can be observed.
In case of extremely sharp reaction of the body, immediate help should be immediately given, and before its arrival it is obligatory to give the child an antihistamine drug in a dosage corresponding to his age.
