Allergy, Salmon

Developing a fish allergy, particularly salmon allergy, is not like other food allergies. Usually, food allergies are witnessed during early childhood, especially after the weaning period. However, salmon allergy is not developed in the body until late adulthood. Salmon, or Salmo salar, is an oily fish belonging to the same family as whitefish, trout, and char. It is found in the wild and is farmed as well. However, farmed salmon is less affected by the contaminants in the environment.

Here are some of the few observable symptoms of salmon allergy:

• Headaches
• Hives or skin rash 
• Stomach cramps
• Indigestion 
• Nausea, vomiting, and  diarrhoea
• Asthma 
• Facial angioedema
• Generalized urticaria 
• Anaphylaxis 
• Stuffy nose and sneezing 
• Atopic dermatitis

Anaphylaxis is one of the most severe outcomes of salmon allergy. If you suspect this symptom, then you must seek immediate medical assistance.

Salmon is a protein-rich food that is also low in fat. It is an excellent source of omega 3-fatty acids and vitamin B, particularly B12 or cobalamin. You also get selenium and phosphorus, which are highly essential micronutrients. However, people suffering from salmon allergy have to avoid the fish in all forms. This means avoiding canned, fresh, smoked, or other forms of the fish.

The problem is that there has not been any detection of specific allergens in the fish that can cause the allergy. Even the overlapping of allergic components within different groups of fish is low. Despite this, sensitisation of the immune system due to fish allergen is a pretty common issue.

A salmon allergy IgE blood test prescribed by an allergist can determine the count of IgE antibodies due to the food item. The allergens are heat-resistant. Also, patients react in a different way to processed salmon.

When you book the salmon allergy test from Apollo 24|7, a phlebotomist will visit you to collect the blood/serum sample. A needle is inserted, and a small amount of blood is drawn from the vein in the arm. This is also known as a venipuncture method. Afterward, the sample is sent to the lab for testing using the Thermo Fisher ImmunoCAP or Immunoassay (IA) method. You can expect the test results to arrive within a week.

The test checks for the immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgE) present in the blood protein after the fish is consumed. In most cases, the test derives a definite result. However, your allergist may prescribe an oral food challenge under proper medical supervision if satisfactory results are not derived. This will require you to consume a small amount of salmon.

Your doctor may even conduct a skin prick test to notice any allergic reaction to salmon. Once you are detected to suffer from salmon allergy, you must avoid the fish in any form. In such cases, your doctor may prescribe you other types of fish to make up for the deficit of omega-3 fatty acid, B12, and protein in your diet. However, you should always consult your allergist before choosing any diet.