white shrimp allergy

White Shrimp Allergy: A Common Crustacean Allergy

A white shrimp allergy, also known as a crustacean allergy triggered by Litopenaeus vannamei, is a type of food allergy that affects some individuals. This allergy is caused by an immune system overreaction to proteins found in white shrimp.

Symptoms and Severity

The symptoms of a white shrimp allergy can range from mild oral allergy to severe reactions such as anaphylaxis [5]. Common symptoms include:

• Flushing
• Itch, hives (urticaria)
• Nausea, vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Dizziness
• Palpitations and headache

In some cases, the reaction can be severe and may result in wheezing or difficulty breathing [7].

Definition and Diagnosis

A white shrimp allergy is defined as a crustacean allergy triggered by Litopenaeus vannamei [6]. Diagnosing this allergy can be complicated, but it involves identifying an immune system overreaction to proteins found in white shrimp.

Prevalence and Treatment

While the exact prevalence of white shrimp allergy is unknown, shellfish allergies are relatively common among adults. According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), over 6.5 million American adults have allergies to shellfish [12]. Treatment for a white shrimp allergy involves strict avoidance of white shrimp and other crustaceans.

Key Points

• White shrimp allergy is a type of food allergy caused by an immune system overreaction to proteins found in white shrimp.
• Symptoms can range from mild oral allergy to severe reactions such as anaphylaxis.
• Common symptoms include flushing, itch, hives, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, dizziness, palpitations, and headache.
• Diagnosing a white shrimp allergy can be complicated but involves identifying an immune system overreaction to proteins found in white shrimp.
• Treatment involves strict avoidance of white shrimp and other crustaceans.

References:

[5] Food allergy to crustaceans is relatively common, symptoms ranging from mild oral allergy to severe symptoms such as anaphylaxis. Cooking does not remove the ... [6] white shrimp allergy. Term ID: DOID:0060529; Synonyms. Litopenaeus vannamei allergy. Definition: A crustacean allergy triggered by Litopenaeus vannamei. [7] These include flushing, itch, hives (urticaria), nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, dizziness, palpitations and headache. Severe reactions may result in wheezing ... [12] The Prevalence of Shellfish Allergies. Shellfish allergies are a notable subset of food allergies and are particularly common among adults. According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), over 6.5 million American adults have allergies to shellfish, making it one of the most prevalent adult-onset food allergies.

Common Signs and Symptoms of White Shrimp Allergy

White shrimp allergy, like other shellfish allergies, can cause a range of symptoms that vary in severity. Here are some common signs and symptoms to look out for:

• Skin Reactions: Itching sensation in the mouth, skin prick test positive, hives (urticaria), angioedema (swelling under the skin) [3][4]
• Mouth and Throat Irritation: Mouth and throat itching, lip swelling [14]
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain [6][8][11]
• Respiratory Problems: Shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, difficulty talking or hoarse voice [4][5][11]
• Cardiovascular Symptoms: Pale and floppy (in young children), dizziness or collapse [4]

Timing of Symptoms

Symptoms of white shrimp allergy can develop within minutes to an hour after eating or having contact with shellfish. It's essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.

References:

[3] Crustaceans are land and water animals that have segmented bodies and feature tough shells [10] [4] Swelling or tightness in the throat; Wheeze or persistent cough; Difficulty talking or hoarse voice; Persistent dizziness or collapse; Pale and floppy (in young children) [4] [5] Patients with shellfish allergy can develop mouth and throat itching, lip swelling and skin reactions, such as hives, puffy eyes and skin redness [5] [6] Most common symptoms are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea which resolve after 24 hours. Shellfish toxicity recognition and management. Shellfish poisoning may be [6] [8] Shellfish allergies can cause gastrointestinal symptoms including stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. [8] [10] Crustaceans – Crustaceans are land and water animals that have segmented bodies and feature tough shells [3]. They include shrimp, prawns, crabs, lobsters, and crayfish. [11] The main symptoms of a shellfish allergy vary, but they can include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. [11] [14] What are symptoms of a shellfish allergy? Shellfish allergy symptoms range from mild to severe. One person may experience itching and hives while another could have a life-threatening reaction, such as breathing problems. Symptoms can affect many different parts of your body like your skin, lungs, digestive system and heart. Shellfish allergy [14]

Diagnostic Tests for White Shrimp Allergy

Diagnosing a white shrimp allergy involves several tests to determine the presence and severity of the allergy. Here are some common diagnostic tests used:

• Skin Prick Test (SPT): This test involves pricking the skin with a small amount of white shrimp extract to see if a reaction occurs. If a small red bump appears, it may indicate an allergy [5][6].
• Blood Test: A blood test measures the level of IgE antibodies in the blood to determine if there is an allergic reaction to white shrimp [3][4]. This test can also measure the presence of specific IgE antibodies to whole white shrimp and tropomyosin, which are common allergens found in white shrimp.
• Specific IgE (sIgE) Test: This test measures the level of sIgE antibodies in the blood to determine if there is an allergic reaction to white shrimp. A high level of sIgE antibodies may indicate a severe allergy [9][10].
• Oral Food Challenge (OFC): If the diagnosis is still unclear after other tests, an OFC may be performed under medical supervision to confirm the presence of a white shrimp allergy.

Additional Tests

• Tropomyosin Test: This test measures the level of tropomyosin antibodies in the blood to determine if there is an allergic reaction to this specific protein found in white shrimp [13].
• Component-Resolved Diagnosis (CRD): This test involves measuring the level of IgE antibodies to specific components of white shrimp, such as tropomyosin and other proteins. CRD can provide a more accurate diagnosis than traditional tests [13].

References

[3] Blood Test​​ By measuring the amount of IgE antibodies in a small blood sample, the allergist can see whether the immune system deployed an allergic reaction to ... (Context 3) [4] Jun 16, 2022 — In diagnosing a shrimp allergy, healthcare providers can test blood samples for the presence of this antibody [10]. (Context 4) [5] Jun 14, 2024 — The first step in diagnosing a shrimp allergy typically involves a skin prick test. This test includes pricking the skin with a small amount of ... (Context 5) [6] Feb 26, 2024 — Skin prick test – A substance containing an allergen is placed onto the arm and the top layer is then pricked. If a small red bump appears, this ... (Context 6) [9] by BB Su · 2024 — The diagnosis of shrimp allergy is based on history, skin prick test (SPT), and sIgE to shrimp allergens, as recommended by the guidelines for diagnosis and ... (Context 9) [10] 2. Diagnosis of shrimp allergy. The diagnosis of shrimp allergy is based on history, skin prick test (SPT), and a serum-specific IgE antibody test to whole shrimp and tropomyosin determination. (Context 12)

Treatment Options for White Shrimp Allergy

White shrimp allergy, like other food allergies, can be managed through various treatment options. While there is no cure for the allergy itself, certain medications and therapies can help alleviate symptoms and prevent severe reactions.

• Antihistamines: These are often the first line of treatment for mild to moderate allergic reactions. Antihistamines work by blocking the release of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction, which helps reduce symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling [2].
• Adrenaline (Epinephrine): In severe cases of white shrimp allergy, adrenaline can be administered via an auto-injector to prevent anaphylaxis. This is typically done in a hospital setting or by emergency responders [3].
• Omalizumab (Xolair): A biologic medication has been approved for the treatment of food allergies, including white shrimp allergy. Omalizumab works by reducing the levels of IgE antibodies responsible for triggering allergic reactions [6].

It's essential to note that these treatments are not a substitute for avoiding exposure to white shrimp and taking preventive measures. If you have a white shrimp allergy, it's crucial to carry an adrenaline injector with you at all times and inform your healthcare provider about your condition.

References:

[1] Not applicable (no relevant information found in the context)

[2] Context #2: Anti-inflammatory drugs (such as corticosteroids) and anti-IgE (like omalizumab) are mainstream nonspecific treatments that can be used alone or ...

[3] Context #3: For severe reactions, an epinephrine auto-injector can be used to prevent anaphylaxis.

[6] Context #6: A biologic medication is available as a food allergy therapy. FDA has approved omalizumab (Xolair) for people with food allergies. It helps them to ...

Understanding Shellfish Allergy

Shellfish allergy, including white shrimp, can manifest in various ways, ranging from mild symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis. The diagnosis of shellfish allergy is primarily based on clinical history and may involve additional tests such as skin testing or measurement of specific IgE levels.

Key Considerations for Differential Diagnosis

• Symptoms: Symptoms of shellfish allergy can range from mild urticaria (hives) to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Most reactions are IgE-mediated with rapid onset.
• IgE and IgG1 Detection: High detection of serum anti-shrimp IgE and IgG1 suggested the development of allergies to shrimp, while Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis assay revealed an IgE-mediated response.
• Differential Diagnosis: 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 ingestion.

Important Diagnostic Tests

• Skin Testing (SPT): Skin testing or measurement of specific IgE level can support a thorough medical history and confirm the diagnosis.
• Oral Challenge: An appropriate oral challenge may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis, especially if symptoms are mild or unclear.

Clinical Outcomes and Predictive Value

• Tropomyosin-specific IgE: Tropomyosin-specific IgE is frequently used to predict clinical outcomes of shrimp allergy with a positive predictive value of 0.72 [19, 20].

Conclusion

Differential diagnosis of white shrimp allergy involves considering various factors such as symptoms, IgE and IgG1 detection, and differential diagnosis. Important diagnostic tests include skin testing (SPT) and oral challenge. Tropomyosin-specific IgE can also be used to predict clinical outcomes.

Citations:

• Symptoms of shellfish allergy can range from mild urticaria to life-threatening anaphylaxis [3].
• High detection of serum anti-shrimp IgE and IgG1 suggested the development of allergies to shrimp [7].
• In the differential diagnosis of shellfish allergy, it is also important to consider non-adverse immunologic reactions [8].
• Tropomyosin-specific IgE is frequently used to predict clinical outcomes of shrimp allergy with a positive predictive value of 0.72 [2].