Shrimp/Prawn are crustaceans belonging to the shellfish family. Shrimp allergy is found to be more common in adults than children. This is probably due to increased consumption in adults. The major symptoms of shrimp allergy are itching and swelling of the mouth, however urticaria(hives) and anaphylaxis(shock) have also been reported. If you are shrimp allergic, you should avoid all shellfish. The shellfish family includes abalone, clams, crabs, lobster, mussels, squid and etc. Seeing a qualified Allergy & Immunology specialist can help you decide what to avoid and how to manage your food allergy.
It is also important to understand that when dining outside in a restaurant, your food can be contaminated with shrimp during food preparation. As a result, if you have shrimp allergy, you should carry portable epinephrine (Epipen) with you at all times.
