Indian prawn allergy

Indian Prawn Allergy Overview

The Indian prawn allergy, also known as Fenneropenaeus indicus allergy, is a type of crustacean allergy triggered by the consumption or exposure to Indian prawns (Fenneropenaeus indicus). This allergy can cause a range of symptoms, from mild local reactions to severe life-threatening systemic reactions.

Common Symptoms

• Urticaria (hives) is the most frequent symptom
• Skin symptoms: itching, swelling
• Gastro-intestinal tract symptoms: nausea, cramping, diarrhea
• Other symptoms:
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Important Considerations

• The Indian prawn allergy is often lifelong, similar to peanut allergy.
• It can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Citations:

• [4] - Definition of Indian prawn allergy
• [5] - Common symptoms of Indian prawn allergy
• [6] - Lifelong nature of the allergy and potential for severe reactions
• [1] - General information on crustacean allergies
• [2] - Symptoms of shellfish allergy, which includes Indian prawns

Symptoms of an Indian Prawn Allergy

An Indian prawn allergy can manifest in various ways, affecting different parts of the body. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Skin Reactions: Hives (urticaria), itching, swelling of the tongue, lips, face, throat, and other areas of the skin [1][2]
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping [3][4]
• Respiratory Problems: Nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and asthma-like symptoms [5][6]
• Cardiovascular Symptoms: Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, rapid pulse, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness [7][8]

It's essential to note that the severity and type of symptoms can vary from person to person. If you suspect an Indian prawn allergy, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

References:

[1] Context result 4: "However, urticaria (hives) is the most frequent symptom."

[2] Context result 7: "Comparatively, adult patients with shellfish allergy often have oropharyngeal symptoms such as swelled lips, tightness in the throat, and itchy mouth or inside your ear;"

[3] Context result 5: "Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; Difficulty in breathing, wheezing, congestion, or asthma; Lightheaded, dizziness or fainting..."

[4] Context result 6: "Upset stomach, cramps, throwing up, or diarrhea."

[5] Context result 3: "Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, indigestion, and diarrhea; Difficulty in breathing, wheezing, congestion, or asthma; Lightheaded, dizziness or fainting..."

[6] Context result 5: "Cough, wheezing or trouble breathing; Nasal congestion; Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting..."

[7] Context result 8: "Swelling of the throat and difficulty swallowing; Difficulty breathing; Rapid pulse; Dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness; Blue color to the skin..."

Diagnostic Tests for Indian Prawn Allergy

The diagnosis of Indian prawn allergy involves several tests to confirm the presence of an allergic reaction. Here are some of the standard diagnostic tests used:

• Skin Prick Test (SPT): This test measures the skin's reaction to a small amount of Indian prawn allergen. A positive result indicates the presence of IgE antibodies, which are responsible for triggering an allergic reaction [4][14].
• Blood Tests: Blood tests measure the levels of specific IgE antibodies in the blood. These tests can help confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the allergy [3][13].
• Oral Food Challenge (OFC): This test involves consuming a small amount of Indian prawn under medical supervision to assess the body's reaction. It is usually performed if the results of other tests are inconclusive or if there is a high suspicion of an allergy [12][13].

Other Relevant Information

• The diagnosis of seafood allergies, including Indian prawn allergy, can be complicated by cross-reactivity among fish allergens and between shellfish allergens and other arthropods [1][12].
• Tropomyosin, the first allergen described in seafood, has been identified in Penaeus indicus (Indian white prawn) [14].

References

[1] The diagnosis of seafood allergies is complicated by cross-reactivity among fish allergens and between shellfish allergens and other arthropods. [3] Blood tests measure the levels of specific IgE antibodies in the blood. [4] Skin Prick Test (SPT) measures the skin's reaction to a small amount of Indian prawn allergen. [12] The diagnosis of seafood allergies, including Indian prawn allergy, can be complicated by cross-reactivity among fish allergens and between shellfish allergens and other arthropods. [13] Blood tests and Oral Food Challenge (OFC) are used to confirm the diagnosis of Indian prawn allergy. [14] Tropomyosin has been identified in Penaeus indicus (Indian white prawn).

Treatment Options for Indian Prawn Allergy

Indian prawn allergy, also known as shellfish allergy, can be a severe and potentially life-threatening condition. The treatment options for this allergy are focused on managing symptoms and preventing future reactions.

• Mild to Moderate Reactions: For mild to moderate allergic reactions, over-the-counter or prescribed antihistamines are helpful in reducing symptoms such as skin rashes, swellings, and hives [6].
• Severe Allergic Reactions: In cases of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), emergency injections of epinephrine (adrenaline) may be necessary to stabilize the patient's condition [2]. If you experience any symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or a drop in blood pressure, seek immediate medical attention.
• Ayurvedic Treatment: Ayurvedic treatment for shellfish allergy involves shaman chikitsa (prescription of internal medications), lifestyle modifications, and a strict diet regimen [5]. This approach may be beneficial in managing symptoms and preventing future reactions.

Important Considerations

It is essential to note that the treatment options mentioned above are not mutually exclusive. In some cases, a combination of these approaches may be necessary to effectively manage Indian prawn allergy.

• Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you suspect you have an Indian prawn allergy or experience any symptoms related to this condition, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
• Avoid Exposure: Avoid exposure to Indian prawns and other shellfish products to prevent triggering allergic reactions.

References

[1] Context result 5: Ayurvedic treatment of shellfish allergy involves shaman chikitsa (prescription of internal medications), lifestyle modifications, and a strict diet regimen. [2] Context result 2: If you have a severe allergic reaction to shellfish (anaphylaxis), you'll likely need an emergency injection of epinephrine (adrenaline). [3] Context result 6: For mild to moderate allergic reaction: over-the-counter or prescribed antihistamines are helpful. [4] Context result 5: Ayurvedic treatment for shellfish allergy involves shaman chikitsa (prescription of internal medications), lifestyle modifications, and a strict diet regimen.

The differential diagnosis of Indian prawn allergy involves considering other possible causes for the symptoms experienced by an individual. According to search results, one of the key considerations is seafood poisoning, which can present with similar symptoms to a shellfish allergy [4]. It's essential to exclude this possibility through a thorough medical history and diagnostic testing.

Another important consideration is cross-reactivity among fish allergens and between shellfish allergens and other arthropods [6]. This means that an individual may experience an allergic reaction to Indian prawns due to a pre-existing allergy to another type of seafood or insect. A healthcare professional would need to consider this possibility when diagnosing the condition.

In addition, non-adverse immunologic reactions can also be considered in the differential diagnosis of shellfish allergy [7]. These reactions occur later than about 2 hours after consumption and may not be immediately apparent as an allergic reaction.

It's worth noting that the diagnosis of seafood allergies is complicated by cross-reactivity among fish allergens and between shellfish allergens and other arthropods [6]. This can make it challenging to determine the specific cause of an individual's symptoms.

In terms of diagnostic tests, skin testing or measurement of specific IgE levels may be used to confirm a diagnosis of Indian prawn allergy [2, 5]. However, these tests should be interpreted in conjunction with a thorough medical history and clinical evaluation.

Overall, the differential diagnosis of Indian prawn allergy requires a comprehensive approach that considers multiple possible causes for an individual's symptoms. A healthcare professional would need to take into account factors such as seafood poisoning, cross-reactivity among fish allergens, and non-adverse immunologic reactions when making a diagnosis.

References:

[4] The consideration and exclusion of seafood poisoning as a differential diagnosis for seafood allergy is important, as seafood poisoning symptoms are often similar to those experienced in a shellfish allergy. [6] The diagnosis of seafood allergies is complicated by cross-reactivity among fish allergens and between shellfish allergens and other arthropods. [7] In the differential diagnosis of shellfish allergy, it is also important to consider non-adverse immunologic reactions, which occur later than about 2 hours after consumption.