How common is seafood allergy in South Africa?
Currently there is no exact data available on how common seafood allergy is in South Africa. A recent survey by the UCT Allergology Unit indicates that allergy to different mollusc and crustacea species is far more common that allergy to fish. The study of 80 students found that 44% of subjects reacted to crustaceans, 38% to one or more mollusks and 18% to fish. The allergens in seafood are very stable and are not destroyed by cooking. What are the symptoms of seafood allergy? Reactions are reported to be mostly within two hours of ingestion or handling of seafood, or even inhaling of cooking vapour. Reactions can also be delayed for up to six hours. The more common symptoms include skin, stomach and respiratory problems. Respiratory problems are very common in sensitive subjects following inhalation of fish or crustacean vapours, such as from cooking. What is to be done? If you have a seafood allergy you need to be aware that its likely to persist for several years. If you have a conf
