|  | Conditions Treatments | Allergies

Symptoms of a Scallop Allergy

An allergy to scallops falls under the general category of shellfish allergies and can be quite a dangerous situation for the sufferer. It all depends on how severe your allergy is, but you could experience something as minor as hives or as serious as anaphylactic shock. However, it is important you know the symptoms of an allergic reaction to scallops so you can seek medical attention if necessary.

  1. Swelling

    • One of the most common symptoms of a scallop or shellfish allergy is swelling anywhere on the body following ingestion of the substance or even touching it. You may notice your face swelling a bit, or your throat might swell. This is where things get dangerous, however, because a swollen throat can make it difficult to breathe.

    Hives

    • Hives are another common identifier of an allergic reaction to scallops. They will appear shortly after eating or handling the scallops and can appear all over the body. They'll typically look like round, red spots of rash. This is one of the more mild symptoms of a scallop allergy, but it should still be treated seriously.

    Confusion

    • In more serious cases of a scallop allergy, you might experience a period of confusion or you might have trouble thinking clearly for awhile. You will need medical attention if this happens to you, because it's a sign that you are quite allergic to shellfish and will need treatment to get back to normal.

    Stomach Upset

    • If your allergy to scallops is serious but not severe, you might experience stomach upset, which can include a range of symptoms including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. You might need to have your stomach pumped if you've eaten the shellfish, though some people might not need medical attention at all unless they become dehydrated from diarrhea.

    Anaphylactic Shock

    • The most serious symptom of a scallop allergic reaction is going into shock. Anaphylactic shock occurs when your blood pressure drops to unsafe levels. If you're not treated with a shot of adrenaline right away, you could possibly die. That's why, regardless of how serious you think your scallop allergy is, you shouldn't tempt fate. Stay away from shellfish of all kinds just to be on the safe side.

Allergies - Related Articles