Can you be allergic to prawns and not be allergic to all the other shellfish?


Question:
I've since eaten shrimp 3 or 4 times, eaten tuna, lobster and king crab and 3 visits to my local sushi resturant, without any reactions for over one year.

In August of '05 I rushed to the hospital with anaphylacsis. Tongue and throat severely affected to the point of hard breathing. This reaction came 7 hours after having a wonderful prawn dinner with some friends. After 6:00 pm that evening, no foods or drinks were consumed again. I awoke in the night around 2:00 am with severe rash starting. Within 15 minutes, eyes, tongue and throat were closing. I was treated and released from emergency and an epipen was perscribed.

Next week I went to allergist. He was baffled. Said reaction should have been within minutes if the prawns were the culprit. Now, tonight my wife is making prawns... I love seafood and have eaten plenty since that horrible night. I wonder about the prawns now. Anyone offer some sage advice about my chances. Remember, I've eaten a lot of seafood since then.

Answers:
After getting some booster shots for school I developed an allergy to crab...similar to your experience with anaphylacsis. I can eat crawfish, lobster, shrimp but even a small amount of fake crab meat in sushi for example and I get the horrible reaction. During the first reaction to crab I felt poorly but it didnt start immediately as you would expect from a food allergy but it was very painful. Since that time it has gotten worse and the reaction happens much faster. Since your reaction is so serious I dont think I would take a chance with the prawns. If you decide to eat them try premedicating yourself with some bennadryl and Tylenol as a 'just in case' and keep the epipen handy.
yes


More Questions and Answers

The consumer health information on youqa.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007 YouQA.com -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Resources