Crab allergy is considered one of the common food allergies affecting adults. It can trigger severe allergic reactions and relatively life-long. Those who are allergic to crabs are likely to be allergic to other types of shellfish.
Remember that it is also common for seafood dishes that do not include crab to be cross-contaminated with allergens. The doctor will instruct the individual to avoid eating or handling other kinds of shellfish. An allergic reaction can occur if an individual touch, eats or tastes food with crab or when inhaling the food vapors. Remember that the indications of crab allergy can range from minor to dangerous.
What are the indications of crab allergy?
Mouth tingling
Individuals with crab allergy will primarily have tingling feeling in the mouth. Even a trace of the crab allergen can trigger this symptom. Even if there is no crab in a dish, cross-contamination can take place when the food is being processed or cooked.
Hives and swelling
Those who have crab allergy suffer from symptoms linked to hives. These are reddened, itchy and swollen welts on the skin that lasts for 2-4 hours.
The hives eventually settle once the individual avoids handling or consuming crabs. Severe swelling or angioedema of the lips, throat or mouth can also occur after eating crabs. If the entire face or a wide part of the body swells, it indicates a serious reaction.
Eczema
Eczema mainly starts as small-sized, bumps that become dry and itchy. If these are scratched, they become swollen, thick, scaly and crusted rashes that worsen over time. This condition frequently occurs among those who work in processing plants handling crabs or seafood.
Asthma
It is important to note that asthma might develop if an individual touch, consumes or inhales the food vapors containing crab allergens. The symptoms include the following:
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
The condition also develops while in the workplace such as seafood restaurants and processing plants.
High risk for anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction to the crab allergen and affects the whole body and triggers a drop in the blood pressure. The symptoms tend to vary but includes the following:
- Rash
- Flushed skin
- Swollen joints and tissues
- Nausea
- Wheezing
- Rapid pulse rate
- Abdominal cramps
- Convulsions
- Fainting
Once an individual show any of these symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical care.