Shellfish allergy can feel scary—especially when reactions can be sudden and severe. In this episode, we break down shellfish allergy in a clear, practical way: common symptoms (from hives to breathing problems), when to suspect anaphylaxis, and what to do in the moment. We also cover diagnosis and testing (skin prick tests, blood IgE, and when an oral food challenge might be considered), plus the tricky stuff like cross-contact in restaurants, takeaway risks, and food labels.
Whether you’re a parent, teenager, or clinician, you’ll leave with a confident plan—how to avoid shellfish safely, when to carry and use an adrenaline auto-injector, and how to manage school, travel, and eating out without living in fear.
Sources:
- Gerez, I.F.A., Llanora, G., Yap, G.C., Cheng, Y.K., Thong, B.Y., Tang, C.Y., Van Bever, H.P.S., Shek, L.P.C., Curotto de Lafaille, M.A. and Lee, B.W. (2012) ‘Clinical Characteristics of Prawn Allergy in an Asian Population’,Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology [Abstract 643], February.
- Giovannini, M., Beken, B., Buyuktiryaki, B., Barni, S., Liccioli, G., Sarti, L., Lodi, L., Pontone, M., Bartha, I., Mori, F., Sackesen, C., du Toit, G., Lopata, A.L. and Muraro, A. (2023) ‘IgE-Mediated Shellfish Allergy in Children’, Nutrients, 15(12), p. 2714. doi: 10.3390/nu15122714.
- Khora, S.S. (2016) ‘Seafood-Associated Shellfish Allergy: A Comprehensive Review’, Immunological Investigations, 45(6), pp. 504–530. doi: 10.1080/08820139.2016.1180301.
- Lopata, A.L., Kleine-Tebbe, J. and Kamath, S.D. (2016) ‘Allergens and molecular diagnostics of shellfish allergy’, Allergo Journal International, 25, pp. 210–218. doi: 10.1007/s40629-016-0124-2.
- Lopata, A.L. and Lehrer, S.B. (2009) ‘New insights into seafood allergy’, Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 9, pp. 270–277.
- Nguyen, N.N.Q., Nguyen, T.H., Le, M.K., Duong, T.B., Pham, D.L., Tran, T.T. and Trinh, T.H.K. (2025) ‘Integrated Diagnostic Approach Using Basophil Activation Test and IgE Assays for Shrimp and Prawn Allergy’, Medicina, 61, p. 1040. doi: 10.3390/medicina61061040.
- Shi, J., Ren, F., Zhang, X., Yuan, X., Zhong, Q. and Zhang, J. (2025) ‘A comprehensive review on biological properties of fish and shellfish allergens’, European Food Research and Technology, 251, pp. 3417–3444. doi: 10.1007/s00217-025-04848-1.
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Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast and on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition. Please don't ignore or delay seeking medical advice based on content from this podcast or website.
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