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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : February 7, 2019 7:21 PM IST
Seafood carries toxins which can trigger your allergy. ©Shutterstock
Singer Sonu Nigam shared an Instagram post on Wednesday (06-02-2019) with a caption revealing about the skin allergy he developed after having seafood. This playback singer with a golden voice, was rushed to Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital, where he was admitted to the ICU for treatment. The singer shared two pictures; one showing him on the hospital bed with an oxygen mask and another with face swollen due to allergy.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtiD_sbBwAr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
In the post, Sonu thanked his fans for their concern and advised them not to take chance with allergies. The singer cum actor is fine now and is travelling back after managing a concert in the state of Orrisa. "If Nanavati Hospital wasn't near by, my trachea would have swollen up further and lead to asphyxiation. Happy and Healthy life to everyone," the post read. Notably, trachea is the windpipe and if your trachea swells up, it can deprive you of oxygen, resulting in unconsciousness or even death.
We all know about the health benefits of seafood: It is rich in heart and brain-boosting Omega 3 fatty acids, and low in cholesterol and fats. But the flip side is, some people are allergic to seafood because of the toxins it has. According to the estimates of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, around 45 per cent of adults experience food allergy post 17 years of age. The study further noted that over 35 per cent of food allergies occur due to various seafood items such as shrimp, crab and lobster. The allergy from seafood can lead to itching, swelling of the face and lips, dizziness or even lead to asphyxiation (trouble in breathing). Here, is all you need to know about seafood allergy.
What causes seafood allergy?
Seafood allergies can be caused by fish like salmon, tuna, trout and shellfish like prawns, lobster and squid. Additionally, sauces and condiments made of fish or fish by-products (eg. Worcestershire sauce, Caesar salad dressing), can also trigger allergic reactions. Even the fish gelatin which is derived from fish s bones and cartilage, is generally used as a setting agent in processed meats like hot dogs and pepperoni.
What are the symptoms?
Seafood allergy can cause various symptoms from mild to severe. Although, some food allergies do no cause severe symptoms, they can be deadly and need proper attention. When you suffer from seafood allergy, you may witness symptoms like swelling of the lips, itchy skin, tightness of your throat and raised red bumps of skin.
How to diagnose?
If you witness symptoms of seafood allergy, your doctor may recommend you to take two minimally invasive tests. One is a skin-prick test, which includes introduction of trace amount of a suspected allergen under your skin. The second test is called blood antibody test which measures the presence of an immune protein which your body produces to tackle the seafood allergen.
How to treat seafood allergy:
When you are suffering from seafood allergy your doctor will advise you to avoid all types of seafood. However, if your allergy is limited to a particular fish and you want to consume other seafood items, consult with your doctor regarding other types of fish and allergic tests. Treatment of an acute reaction can be done using an antihistamine that helps in reducing skin rashes, hives and swellings. However, if your allergic reaction reaches anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction, you will need emergency medical care and immediate treatment with epinephrine drug. Also, on the occurrence of your first allergic reaction, your doctor may recommend you to carry epinephrine injector as a preventive measure.
