The fish is one of the foods that causes more allergies. The reactions are caused by their proteins, histamine and the parasite anisakis.
In our country fish allergy is quite common, and in children it occupies the third place of incidence, after milk and egg. The biggest allergens in fish are proteins called parvoalbumin. These proteins are specific to each species, although they are similar in all.
In Spain it is observed that the rooster, hake and whiting are the most frequent reactions. Less common are reactions to swordfish, mackerel, tuna
We are told by the Spanish Association of food and latex allergy that allergic reactions to fish and shellfish can be severe, and often cause anaphylaxis.
The manifestation of allergy translates into symptoms of itching, hives etc., which appear an hour and a half to two after ingested. Asthmatic patients have a higher risk of developing serious reactions.
The allergy caused by fish or shellfish is more lasting in its sensitization and can last for decades or for a lifetime. In fact It is the food responsible for 12-14% of allergies in adults in Spain.
In these cases, The only proven and effective treatment is to have a diet free of fish and fish-causing products, without forgetting that there are other products on the market that include various fish components among its ingredients.
Although those allergic to fish can react to crustaceans and other shellfish, no cross-reactivity has been demonstrated between these foods
Recommendations for parents of allergic children
Children allergic to some fish they are usually also to most fish. Therefore, it is recommended that, when a child is allergic to fish, avoid ingestion of any species (both white and blue), until the specialist does not indicate otherwise.
In principle, it is not necessary to avoid other seafood products, such as crustaceans (shrimp, prawns, crayfish, etc.), cephalopods (squid, octopus) or mollusks (mussels, clams, sea snails, etc.).
But nevertheless When cooking several of these foods together there may be some confusion as to which of these has been the real responsible for the allergic reaction. Until it has been cleared by allergy tests, you should avoid giving everything that is suspicious.
In addition, it should be borne in mind that people with a fish allergy may have reactions after eating other foods such as animal meats (pork, chicken, etc.) fed with fishmeal.
In those allergic to fish, it is recommended to include in the usual diet seed oils (sunflower, soy, corn) and nuts (provided they are tolerated), in moderate amounts, for their contribution in the contribution in unsaturated fatty acids, of characteristics comparable to the fish's own healthy fat.
Fish is also part of:
Be very careful when buying packaged food, because fish can be present in: soups, crab rolls, jellies, products enriched with vitamins or omega 3 (if they are taken from the oil of some fish), paella, pizzas, etc.
Cod liver tablets or suspensions will also cause allergic reactions. Y curiously sometimes it is also used in the preparation of glues and glues.
If we usually eat fried foods of any kind at home and there is a child (or adult) allergic to fish, the oil used will be different depending on the food. It is a general rule but we will apply more carefully in these situations.
The rest of the recommendations are common to other allergies: consult the doctor about the need to carry adrenaline to cope with severe reactions, reduce the consumption of industrial products, do not exchange containers containing different types of food without having washed them well, etc. And above all get all the necessary information to deal with the allergy naturally and safely.
