Medicines for a Fish Allergy

Medicines for fish allergies do not cure the allergy, but are effective in reducing symptoms and reversing the effects of inflammation caused by histamine production throughout the body. Mild fish allergies can be treated with an array of over-the-counter remedies, whereas moderate allergies require prescription medicines and inhalers, with severe fish allergies necessitating emergency preparedness.

• Allergy medicines reverse the effects of seafood reactions.

Significance

• Allergic reactions to seafood occur when the body overreacts to an ingested, inhaled or contact with a fish, shellfish or mollusk allergen, causing IgE antibodies to promote the release of chemical histamines throughout the body. Histamine causes inflammation, leading to skin irritation, oral allergy syndrome, asthma attacks, congestion and anaphylaxis. Medicines for fish allergies function by reducing the histamine swelling that causes reactions, reversing symptoms by opening blocked airways and nasal passages and reducing skin, mouth and eye irritations.

Function

• Topical antihistamines, ointments and sprays are applied directly to allergic skin irritations such as hives and eczema to reduce itching, dryness and spreading rashes in reaction to fish allergens. Oral antihistamines and corticosteroids can be taken to reduce allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and allergic asthma reactions in the nasal passages and lungs for extended relief. Bronchodilator inhalers provide fast-acting relief while nebulizer treatments offer extended relief, opening the airways to improve breathing in prevention of an asthma attack.

Effects

• Anaphylaxis occurs within five minutes of contact with a life-threatening fish allergen and can be brought on by minimal circumstances such as inhaling cooking fumes or making brief skin contact. Anaphylaxis reactions include: hot, peppery tastes, hives, itchy skin, swelling, dizziness, confusion, wheezing and constricted breathing. EpiPen and TwinJect epinephrine shots treat emergency anaphylaxis reactions by injecting epinephrine into the body to prevent unconsciousness and allergic shock that can result in death.

Identification

• Medical identification bracelets that detail fish, shellfish or mollusk allergies assist doctors and paramedics in assessing emergency situations, as fish allergies are commonly life-threatening. Wearing a bracelet and keeping medicine on hand at all times can be life savers. Individuals with life-threatening fish allergies benefit from carrying an asthma and allergy kit, supplied with oral antihistamines, inhalers, epinephrine shots and usage directions. Allergy medication should be taken at the onset of symptoms to reverse reactions and provide relief.

Warning

• Parents with a family history of allergies should have children tested, as food allergies such as those to fish are hereditary and may affect children. Supplies of medicine should be kept at schools, day cares and in accessible household areas. Keeping track of medicine expiration dates and handling instructions is important, as the effective agents, particularly in emergency epinephrine shots, become ineffective when exposed to high temperatures for a prolonged period of time or when administered once expired.