Can shellfish allergy sufferers eat mussels?
Quick Answer
No
Mussels are a type of shellfish. People with shellfish allergies are typically allergic to all types of shellfish, which would include mussels.
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 mussels.
How to Tell
Signs of a shellfish allergy can 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
Shellfish allergy can cause a severe reaction called anaphylaxis, even if previous reactions have been mild. Anaphylaxis can cause shock, a drop in blood pressure, and trouble breathing.
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening. If you have a shellfish allergy, it’s important to avoid shellfish and products that contain shellfish.
Safe Method?
The only proven treatment for shellfish allergy is to avoid shellfish or products that contain shellfish.
Safe Alternatives
Alternatives to shellfish can include other types of protein, such as chicken, beef, pork or tofu. Some people with shellfish allergies can eat fish.