Seafood Allergies: Concerns and Treatment Options

Q: Seafood Allergies: Concerns and Treatment Options

Hello, Xiao Cheng：<br>You mentioned that your mother has been experiencing skin allergies after consuming seafood, and tests have confirmed that she is allergic to seafood. <br>Therefore, to answer your questions：<br>1. <br>Taking antihistamines before or after eating seafood may

The serious concerns of food allergies?

My mother is over 50 years old and loves seafood, but she suddenly started experiencing skin allergic reactions, such as rashes and intense itching, regardless of whether the seafood is fresh or not.
She has undergone testing and confirmed that she is allergic to seafood.
She expressed that not being able to eat seafood is very painful for her and makes life feel meaningless.
I would like to ask the doctor a few questions:
1.
If she takes antihistamines before or after eating seafood, it prevents the allergic reaction, but will doing this long-term cause other harm to her body?
2.
Following up on the previous question, will prolonged use lead to drug resistance? If resistance develops, can she still consume seafood?
3.
Are the symptoms of food allergies suitable for so-called "desensitization therapy"?
4.
Regarding the currently popular LP33 strain, do corresponding medications such as "Hong Yi Min Su," "Yi Li Min," and "Le Yi Kang" effectively improve the symptoms of food allergies?
Thank you for your patience in reading and answering these questions.

Xiao Cheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/02/28

Dr. Chen Baoli reply Internal Medicine

Hello, Xiao Cheng:
You mentioned that your mother has been experiencing skin allergies after consuming seafood, and tests have confirmed that she is allergic to seafood.
Therefore, to answer your questions:
1.
Taking antihistamines before or after eating seafood may prevent allergic reactions, but relying on this method long-term could potentially harm her health.

2.
Additionally, prolonged use of antihistamines may lead to drug resistance.
If this occurs, can she still consume seafood? The basic principle for managing allergies is to avoid exposure to allergens rather than relying on medications to alleviate symptoms.
Therefore, it is not advisable for your mother to use this method to avoid allergies.
Particularly, allergic reactions can become more severe over time, potentially leading to symptoms beyond skin irritation, such as respiratory difficulties or even anaphylactic shock, which requires caution.
3.
Are food allergy symptoms suitable for so-called "desensitization therapy"? Currently, there is no desensitization therapy specifically for food allergies.
4.
Regarding the popular LP33 strain and related products like "Hong Yi Min Su," "Yi Li Min," and "Le Yi Kang," can they effectively improve food allergy symptoms? According to literature, probiotics may provide some degree of assistance for allergic individuals, but there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate their effectiveness in improving food allergies.
Wishing you and your family good health!
Changhua Hospital, Department of Immunology and Rheumatology

Reply Date: 2006/02/28

More Info

Understanding seafood allergies can be quite challenging, especially when it impacts the quality of life for individuals who enjoy these foods. Your mother's recent onset of skin allergies after consuming seafood, despite her previous enjoyment of it, indicates a significant change in her immune response. Let's address your questions one by one, while also providing some additional context regarding seafood allergies and their management.

1. Long-term use of antihistamines: While taking antihistamines before or after consuming seafood may temporarily alleviate symptoms, relying on them long-term is not advisable. Antihistamines can have side effects, including drowsiness, dry mouth, and potential impacts on cognitive function, especially in older adults. More importantly, they do not address the underlying issue—food allergies. Continuous exposure to allergens can lead to more severe reactions over time, including anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition. Therefore, the best approach is to avoid the allergen altogether rather than masking symptoms with medication.

2. Antihistamine resistance: Over time, some individuals may develop a tolerance to certain medications, including antihistamines. This means that the same dose may become less effective, leading to the need for higher doses or different medications. However, this does not mean that one can safely consume the allergen. If tolerance develops, it may lead to a false sense of security, potentially resulting in severe allergic reactions if the allergen is ingested.

3. Desensitization therapy: Currently, there is no established desensitization therapy specifically for seafood allergies, unlike some other food allergies (e.g., peanut allergies). Research is ongoing in this area, but as of now, the most effective management strategy remains strict avoidance of the allergenic food. If your mother is interested in exploring this further, consulting with an allergist who specializes in food allergies would be beneficial.

4. Probiotics and food allergies: The use of probiotics, such as LP33, has gained popularity in recent years for various health benefits, including potential effects on allergies. Some studies suggest that certain probiotics may help modulate the immune response and improve gut health, which could theoretically benefit individuals with allergies. However, the evidence supporting the effectiveness of specific probiotics in treating food allergies is still limited and not conclusive. Products like [宏醫敏素], [益立敏], and [樂亦康] may offer some benefits for gut health, but they should not be viewed as a substitute for avoiding allergens or as a primary treatment for food allergies.

In conclusion, managing seafood allergies requires a comprehensive approach that includes strict avoidance of the allergen, education about the condition, and possibly working with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized management plan. It's important for your mother to understand that while her love for seafood may be difficult to reconcile with her allergy, there are many other delicious and safe food options available. Encouraging her to explore new culinary experiences can help her find joy in her diet without compromising her health. If she experiences severe symptoms or has concerns about her allergy, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.

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