Allergy to shrimp is a potentially dangerous situation, as it can prevent breathing when it leads to swelling of the glottis in the throat, causing asphyxiation and possibly leading to death, depending on how long the person is without oxygen.
So, in case of a severe allergy to shrimp, with shortness of breath, you should:
- Call an ambulance immediately or ask someone to do so by calling 192; Lay the person on their back on the floor, turning them on their sides so as not to suffocate if they start to vomit; Loosen tight clothing, such as a shirt, tie or belt, for example; Start cardiac massage if breathing stops, until medical help arrives. Learn how to do cardiac massage correctly.
When a person already knows that he is allergic to shrimp, he is likely to have an injection of epinephrine, in the form of a pen, in a bag or pocket, for example. If such a pen can be found, it should be applied as quickly as possible on the thighs or arm, to facilitate breathing.
It is important to know the first aid procedures in allergy to shrimp, especially when working in restaurants or if you know someone with this type of allergy. Despite the difficulty in breathing, one should not pierce the person's throat, as there is a very high risk of causing damage to the structures that are inside the throat.
What to do in case of a mild allergy
If the person does not have shortness of breath, but has other allergy symptoms such as a swollen or red face, an antiallergic, such as Cetirizine or Desloratadine, should be used to prevent the symptoms from continuing to develop and may cause difficulty in breathing.
Initially, the tablet should be placed under the tongue so that it is absorbed more easily and takes less time to take effect. However, as the tablets usually have a very bitter taste, it may not be possible to let them melt completely, and you can drink the rest with water.
What symptoms may indicate allergy
Symptoms of shrimp allergy usually start with:
- Dizziness and tiredness; Drop in blood pressure; Itching and redness of the skin; Swelling of the lips or eyelids; Swelling of the hands, feet, face and throat.
Generally, people who know they are allergic to shrimp do not eat this type of food, however, it is still possible that they develop symptoms when they eat something that was in contact with the shrimp proteins, because it was served in the same dish or because traces of seafood, for example.
Find out more about this type of allergy and what foods to avoid.
