Fish Allergies in Children

While fish is an important part of the human diet and provides important nutrients, it is also one of the most common food allergens in children.

Symptoms

• An allergic reaction to fish may include a variety of symptoms that ranges from hives, to itching, cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. The severity of the symptoms depends on the extent of the allergic reaction. In severe reactions, children may cough, wheeze, have difficulty breathing and lose consciousness. A severe allergic reaction to fish can result in anaphylaxis. Those children who have asthma and food allergies have an increased risk for anaphylaxis which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention is required.

Delaying Exposure

• It is possible to prevent or even delay the development of food allergies in children by not introducing solid food into the diet until a child reaches the age of six months. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children under the age of three not have fish in their diets.

Prevention

• The key to preventing allergic reactions in children is to avoid exposure to allergens. Children who have severe fish allergies may have a reaction just from coming into contact with the fish or even from breathing in the cooking fumes. Children with fish allergies and the adults who care for them should be aware of less obvious food products that might contain fish. These include Worcestershire sauce, barbecue sauce and meatloaf. Salad dressings such as Caesar salad dressing often contain anchovies.