Fish and shellfish allergy

Allergies to shellfish and fish are more common in adults than in children. The type of sensitisation usually depends on where the patient lives and what types of fish are available in that location.

Many international dishes are traditionally cooked with fish or shellfish. Here is a short list:

• Bouillabaisse (France)


• Paella (Spain)


• Ceviche (Latin America)


• Scampi (Italy)


• Jambalaya (Louisiana, USA)


• Fish sauce (often part of Southeast Asian dishes in China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia)

An allergic reaction to shellfish and fish usually occurs within a few minutes of consumption. Symptoms include:

• A runny nose and sneezing


• Skin reactions such as hives, redness and swelling.


• Itching and tickling in and around the mouth and throat


• Digestive problems such as abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting


• Narrowing of the throat


• Shortness of breath and whistling

A shellfish or fish allergy can lead to anaphylaxis. This is a medical emergency that requires the immediate addition of epinephrine by auto-injector (known as an EpiPen).

7DROPS covers a wide range of fish, shellfish and seafood, for example:

• Cod


• Herring


• Mackerel


• Shrimps


• Crab


• Lobster


• Shrimp


• Oysters


• Salmon


• Tuna

You can find the complete list of allergens here.