Allergy, Lobster

Shellfish allergy is one of the most common food allergies. This creature survives underwater and possesses a shell-like exterior. There are two kinds of shellfish. One is crustaceans that include lobster, shrimp, crab, etc. Others are molluscs which include oysters, clams, mussels, etc.

If you are allergic to lobster, chances are that you are also allergic to other kinds of crustaceans or even the entirety of shellfish. The allergy can develop at any age. So, even if you had consumed it earlier without any issues, you can still get a lobster allergy later. It’s usually noticed in adults than kids.

Make sure to note that lobster allergy is not the same as its intolerance. The former may lead to life-threatening symptoms, while the latter may produce some uncomfortable symptoms, especially attacking your digestion.

Crustaceans like lobster often produce worse allergic reactions than other shellfishes like molluscs. It's possible that you may have an allergic reaction, but eat scallops without any trouble.

If you believe you are allergic to lobsters and any other crustaceans, you will observe the following symptoms:

• Hives
• Itching
• Eczema
• Chest tightness, coughing, wheezing
• Difficulty in breathing and breathlessness
• Swelling and tingling of the throat, mouth, tongue and lips
• Blue or pale skin
• Stomach troubles like diarrhoea, vomiting, indigestion, nausea and abdominal pain
• Fainting and dizziness
• Weak pulse
• Anaphylaxis, which is an extreme reaction, possibly fatal and involves different body parts

You will need immediate medical treatment in case of anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. Anaphylaxis is likely to cause trouble like:

• Rapid pulse
• A massive drop in blood pressure, leading to shock
• A lump in the throat or swollen throat causing it hard to breathe
• Lack of consciousness or extreme dizziness

These symptoms might range from mild to extreme, depending on the severity of your allergy.

Additionally, these symptoms can attack different body parts and processes such as skin, heart, digestion, and respiration.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it would be best to reach out to your healthcare provider. The doctor will likely ask questions about your symptoms and run a lobster allergy test.

Getting this test will help:

• Detect if you suffer from this allergy
• Measure the immune system’s response to allergen
• Determine the antibodies created by the body to fight against lobster allergy
• Devise an effective treatment plan to deal with the allergy

Apollo 24|7 offers a comprehensive, effortless and at-home lobster allergy test. You can book one today and get the results within eight days.