Is it ok for shellfish allergy sufferers to eat shrimp?
Quick Answer
No
Shrimp is a type of shellfish. Therefore, if you have a shellfish allergy, you should avoid eating shrimp. Consuming shrimp when you have a shellfish allergy can trigger an allergic reaction.
What Is It?
Shellfish allergy is an abnormal response by the body’s immune system to proteins in certain marine animals. Marine animals in the shellfish category include crustaceans and mollusks, such as shrimp, crab, lobster, squid, oysters, scallops and others.
How to Tell
Symptoms of a shellfish allergy may include hives, itching or eczema, swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, or other parts of the body, wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble breathing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating shrimp when you have a shellfish allergy can lead to a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires treatment with an epinephrine (adrenaline) shot and a trip to the emergency room. It can cause severe breathing difficulties and a drop in blood pressure, potentially leading to shock and, in some cases, death.
Safe Alternatives
If you have a shellfish allergy, you can substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or other non-shellfish protein sources in your meals.