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Perhaps you’ve read reports that eating fish can deliver health benefits. Besides offering a lean source of protein, some fish contain fatty acids that may help to prevent coronary artery disease.

The positive publicity has boosted the demand for seafood. But some people have to weigh the health benefits of seafood against the costs — including a possible trip to the emergency room. These are people with allergies to fish and shellfish.

Seafood is a common source of food allergies. About 250,000 Americans experience allergic reactions to fish and shellfish.

People with seafood allergies can have symptoms that range from mild to life-threatening. Even tiny amounts of fish substances can trigger a reaction in some people.

What’s more, these allergies are rarely outgrown. People with childhood allergies to other foods often find that their symptoms disappear in adulthood. But allergies to seafood typically last a lifetime.

now the culprits

The general category of “seafood” includes a long list of shellfish. Some examples are:
- Shrimp, Crab, Crayfish, Lobster, Oyster, Clam, Scallop, Mussels, Squid, Snail

Fish such as cod, salmon, trout, herring, sardine, bass, orange roughy, swordfish and tuna can cause allergic reactions.

People with allergies to fish and shellfish can experience any of the classic food allergy symptoms.
These include:Nasal congestion, Hives, Itching, Swelling, Wheezing or shortness of breath, Nausea, Upset stomach, cramps, heartburn, gas or diarrhea, Lightheadedness or fainting.

Food poisoning symptoms can mimic those of food allergies, but they are distinct problems. Fish and shellfish spoil easily. In some cases, spoiled fish can contain histamine, a substance that causes hives and flushing. If someone eats the spoiled fish, they can have symptoms similar to an allergic reaction. But this is actually a type of food poisoning.

If you suspect that you have any food allergies, see an allergist for a careful evaluation. This generally includes a medical history, physical exam, and skin or blood testing.

Nasal polyps usually occur in persons with a history of allergies including asthma and allergy to aspirin. They appear as pearl-like swellings inside the nostril that may obstruct breathing and may impair the sense of smell and taste. If one or more polyps obstruct drainage from the sinuses, chronic sinus infection may occur. Surgical removal under local anesthesia may be warranted to relieve obstruction, but polyps are prone to recur. Rarely are polyps in the nose malignant when they are associated with allergic problems.

Pollen. Dust mites. Mold. Pet dander.

If your child has asthma, these common allergens can be more than a nuisance.

Up to 80 percent of children with asthma are allergic to one or more of these allergens. If your child has both asthma and allergies, encountering even one of them can aggravate your child’s asthma or even trigger an attack.

Allergies occur when your child’s immune system reacts to an otherwise harmless substance. Pollen, dust mites, molds and pet dander are common triggers of allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever. Symptoms include watery eyes, sneezing, a stuffy nose and sometimes, coughing or hives.

Asthma occurs when the main airways in your child’s lungs — called the bronchial tubes — become inflamed and swollen. The muscles of the bronchial walls tighten, and extra mucus is produced. Airflow out of your child’s lungs is diminished, often causing wheezing, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest and coughing.

Asthma is a manageable condition, with primary treatment consisting of oral and inhaled medications. However, in rare cases, asthma attacks can be life-threatening.