How to Cope with a Seafood Allergy

Living with a seafood allergy makes eating out a tricky business. You have to wonder how much seafood has been in contact with the grill, the wok, or the frying pan. You have to avoid eating out at a lot of restaurants where seafood is served.

A seafood allergy that results in Anaphylactic shock, similar to what happens to people with bee allergies when stung. The reaction is sudden, severe and airways constrict. If not treated with epinephrine or other steroids and medical help, death could occur.

It Could Happen to You

Now, those of you without seafood allergies, beware. Allergies, incluing food allergies and an allergy to seafood can develop at any time.

Managing Your Allergy

When you first discover a seafood allergy, it can be stressful when you eat out. If you have seafood allergies it does not mean you can never eat out again. There are some basic guidelines you need to follow. Only you can control consuming potential triggers. Here are some tips on safely managing your allergy:

1. Be sure to have an unexpired Epi-pen to help manage your seafood allergy and that you and/or someone close to you knows how to use it. You must carry it with you at all times. Your doctor can provide a prescription.

2. Avoid the allergen. Do not eat at seafood restaurants. Avoid eating foods when you don't know the ingredients otherwise your seafood allergy may be triggered.

3. Do not kiss or hold hands with someone who has eaten seafood until they wash their hands, face, and brush their teeth. Even this "second-hand" contact may cause a deadly reaction in those allergic to seafood .

4. Avoid getting deli items at grocery stores where the combination deli and seafood counters are serviced by the same people. There is a high risk of cross-contamination. This is just another example of how those in food service to do not account for customers with a seafood allergy.

5. At parties or luncheons do not spend a lot of time trying to distinguish between the chicken salad and the tuna salad. Go for the ham or another option it's not worth risking an allergic reaction to seafood.