What to do in case of shellfish allergy (first aid)

Allergy to shellfish is a potentially dangerous situation, as it can cause inflammation of the glottis and prevent breathing, causing asphyxia and risk of death, depending on the time the person is without oxygen.

For this reason, if a person eats any type of seafood and a severe allergy develops and lack of air, it is necessary to:

1. Immediately call an ambulance or ask for help by calling the emergency number of your locality;
2. In case the person can breathe, he/she must put him/her aside (in lateral position of security) so as not to suffocate in case of vomiting;
3. aflocate the clothes are adjustedlike shirt, necktie or belt, for example;
4. Start heart massage If breathing stops, until medical help arrives. See how to do basic CPR correctly.

When the person already knows that you are allergic to shellfish, it is likely that you will carry a plume of epinephrine in your wallet or backpack to be able to inject and access it on any occasion you need it. If the person is experiencing an anaphylactic shock, you should apply this medication as quickly as possible in the body or in the arm, to facilitate breathing.

It is important to know the procedures for first aid in case of allergy to shellfish, especially when working in restaurants or knowing someone with this type of allergy. Despite the difficulty in breathing, you should not puncture the person’s throat, as there is a very high risk of causing injuries to the structures that are inside the throat, this procedure can only be performed by a specialized medical professional.

What to do in case of a mild allergy

In the case that the person does not have shortness of breath, but other symptoms of allergy, such as swelling and reddening of the face, should be used an antiallergic, such as Cetirizine or Desloratadine, to prevent the development of an anaphylactic shock, which is a reaction of the organism that occurs in a few minutes, causing difficulty in breathing. See what is the anaphylactic shock.

Initially, the tablet must be placed under the tongue so that it is absorbed more easily and takes less time to take effect. However, as the pills usually present a rather bitter taste, it is probable that it will not be diluted completely, being able to take the rest with water.

What are the symptoms that could indicate allergy

The symptoms of shellfish allergy usually start with:

• Seas and tiredness;
• Low blood pressure;
• Picor and reddening in the skin;
• Hinchazón de los labios or párpados;
• Hinchazón of the hands, feet, face and throat.

Generally, people who know that they are allergic to shellfish do not eat this type of food, however, it is possible that symptoms develop when they eat something that they are in contact with shellfish proteins, because they have been served on the mismo plato or for having traces of seafood, for example. Find out more about shrimp allergy.