Shellfish Allergy
Testing & Treatment
in DFW and North Texas

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Where treatment leads 2 Freedom

Transforming food allergy care, one bite at a time

Did you know that shellfish allergies are the most common food allergies among adults and children? Like other common food allergies, shellfish allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe, and even life-threatening without careful management. At Safe2Bite | Texas Food Allergy Center, we offer expert shellfish and seafood allergy testing in DFW and North Texas. Families trust us to manage their food allergy needs, allowing them to enjoy more of life's simple pleasures. We are here to offer treatment and guidance and help enhance your quality of life.

Our offices, located in McKinney, Prosper, Southlake and Frisco, proudly serve families from across DFW and the broader North Texas area who seek expert shellfish allergy treatment.

Convenient Appointments
with After Hours Telehealth
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How Shellfish Allergies Trigger Symptoms

A shellfish allergy occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies proteins in shellfish as a threat. Proteins in the shellfish bind to specific IgE antibodies produced by the immune system. When this happens, the body releases chemicals, including histamine, leading to symptoms that range from mild to severe, and can be life-threatening.

Shellfish allergy can develop at any age, including in babies and toddlers. However, it is more common in adults. In fact, about 60% of people with shellfish allergies experience their first reactions as adults.

The good news is that you can live a safe, fulfilling life with proper treatment and management. Our board-certified food allergy specialist and team at Safe2Bite offer food allergy treatment across the Metroplex, managing severe allergies with skill and expertise. We are the go-to clinic when it comes to managing severe allergies in North Texas and beyond.

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What Are Common Shellfish and
Shrimp Allergy Symptoms?

Shellfish allergy typically triggers a rapid immune response, leading to symptoms appearing soon after exposure. However, in some cases, delayed symptoms may occur, especially after consuming shellfish like oysters, squid or shrimp. The symptoms range from mild to severe and can be life-threatening.

Mild to moderate shellfish allergy symptoms may include the following.

Hives, welts or rashes anywhere on the body.

Swelling of the lips, face or eyes.

A tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth or throat.

Stomach pain, nausea or vomiting.

More severe shellfish allergy symptoms may include the following.

Swelling of the throat or tongue.

A hoarse voice.

Difficulty swallowing.

Sudden onset of wheezing.

Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing.

Dizziness or feeling faint.

Pale, clammy skin or loss of consciousness.

Shellfish Allergy Guidance

Living With Food Allergies
Food Allergy vs. Intolerance

What Is the Difference Between Crustaceans and Mollusks?

Shellfish come in two groups: crustaceans and mollusks. Crustaceans typically have hard, segmented exoskeletons and jointed limbs. They include crabs, lobsters, shrimp, prawns, crayfish, barnacles and krill. Mollusks, on the other hand, have soft, unsegmented bodies. They include octopus, clams, oysters, squid, mussels and scallops.

In general, people who react to one type of shellfish are likely to be allergic to others in the same group. For example, if you are allergic to shrimp, you will likely react to other crustaceans. Many people who are allergic to crustaceans can eat mollusks with no problem. However, it’s always advisable to consult with your food allergist before consuming any other type of shellfish.

Common Tests Used to Diagnose Shellfish Allergies

A history of allergic reactions soon after shellfish exposure is a clear sign of a shellfish allergy. However, testing is the only conclusive way to diagnose a food allergy. Our board-certified food allergist may recommend one or a combination of the following.

Skin Prick Testing (SPT)

Skin prick testing involves placing small amounts of shellfish proteins onto the skin of the arm or upper back.  If you’re allergic, raised bumps or redness should appear in 15 to 20 minutes.

Blood Testing

This test determines the immune system’s response to a specific allergen by measuring the amount of shellfish-specific antibodies in the bloodstream, known as immunoglobulin E (IgE).

Oral Food Challenge (OFC)

If the diagnosis is unclear after skin prick tests and blood testing, we may recommend a supervised oral food challenge. This involves ingesting gradually increasing amounts of the suspected shellfish under strict medical supervision to monitor for signs of allergic reactions. 

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What Are the Treatment Options for Shellfish Allergies?

The only sure way to prevent an adverse reaction to shellfish is to avoid it altogether. If you have severe allergic reactions, make sure to carry an epinephrine delivery device for your safety.

Depending on your unique needs, our food allergy specialist may recommend one or a combination of the following treatments to help build tolerance to shellfish.

Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)

OIT involves introducing gradually increasing doses of the allergen in the mouth under strict supervision by our team. The goal is to increase tolerance to the proteins in shellfish and reduce the risk of severe reactions.

Food Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)

SLIT involves introducing gradually increased doses of the shellfish allergen under the tongue. This may help build tolerance over time and lower the risk of severe allergic reactions in the future.

Tips to Avoid Exposure to Shellfish When Dining Out

Dining out with a shellfish allergy can be stressful, but with the right planning and precautions, you can enjoy time with family and friends without worry. The biggest challenge patients face is cross-contamination and sauces with shellfish ingredients. Even though the dish you select may not have shellfish, it’s important to stay aware and safe.

We recommend avoiding foods like gumbo, paella or seafood chowders, even if they don’t list shellfish as a main ingredient. More importantly, inform your server of your food allergy and have them check with the chef to ensure your meal does not contain shellfish, nor has it come in contact with it during preparation. Most chefs or restaurant managers are helpful and will answer your questions. If they cannot guarantee the safety of your dish, you may want to opt for a different restaurant.

In the unfortunate event that you are exposed to shellfish and have a severe reaction, act fast. Use your epinephrine auto-injector immediately and call 911 for assistance.

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Personalized Shellfish Allergy Treatment
for DFW Families

Safe2Bite offers shellfish allergy testing near Dallas and the entire Metroplex. We also provide innovative treatment, such as single-food oral immunotherapy and allergy drops, to keep you safe while enjoying life to the fullest. We have created a unique care model with your comfort and well-being in mind.  

The following is what you can expect.

Convenient
Appointments

Your journey with Safe2Bite begins with a telehealth consultation with our board-certified food allergy specialist who will ask about your symptoms and medical history to best prepare for your in-office visit.

In-Office
Visit

We will evaluate your symptoms and offer advanced diagnostic testing to determine whether you are allergic to shellfish.

Personalized
Treatment Plans

We create customized treatment plans to help manage your food allergies and also address you as a whole person, in terms of your nutritional, emotional, and day-to-day management needs.

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Questions Patients Ask About Shellfish Allergies

Visit Us for Shellfish Allergy Testing in DFW

Ready to find out if you have a shellfish allergy? Contact Safe2Bite to discover why patients across North Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth area trust our board-certified allergist for their food allergy testing, treatment and management needs. We are here to support you every step of the way. We invite you to call (469) 916-5504 or book your consultation today.

Call (469) 916-5504
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