One of the most common types of allergy found in adults is the shellfish allergy and this allergy is more likely than most others to manifest for the first time in adults although children may also suffer from this allergy. Shellfish allergy symptoms mainly occur due to the body’s immune system’s negative reaction to the protein contained in the shellfish. A large number of people with shellfish allergy do not loose the allergy through out their entire lives.

Shellfish allergy symptoms can surface within minutes after eating the shellfish contained food. People with shellfish sensitivity may manifest allergic symptoms even when they ingest a very small amount of it. It can occur to people who had previously no problems with shellfish also. The symptoms vary from patient to patient depending upon his or her intolerance level of shellfish. The symptoms can appear in a mild form to some people with only itching and a few hives while some people with severe sensitivity to shellfish may experience a number of very complicated and painful symptoms. In a few rare cases shellfish may trigger a deadly condition known as Anaphylaxis in some individuals with extreme sensitivity to shellfish.

Shellfish allergy symptoms may come in the form of gastrointestinal problems, skin problem, respiratory problems and even cardiovascular problems. The most common symptoms of shellfish allergy are:

• Runny and itchy nose
• Nasal congestion and post nasal drip
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Allergic shiners
• Swelling of lips mouth and throat
• Hives
• Eczema
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Gas
• Vomiting and nausea
• Shortness of breath and wheezing
• Coughing
• Sneezing

Anaphylaxis

Along with peanuts, shellfish is the most common food cause of anaphylaxis in people. When shellfish allergy symptoms manifest in the form of Anaphylactic shock than the situation should be treated as medical emergency. Anaphylaxis is a life threatening condition which affects a number of body functions at one time and it can attack very suddenly also. The symptoms of Anaphylaxis may include:

• Swelling of tongue throat and other airways to the lungs .His results in the patient’s inability to breathe
• Tightness in the chest accompanied by pain
• Loss of blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Numbness
• Loss of consciousness