🕷️ Crawler Inspector

[\[Skip to Content\]](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/shellfish-allergy.html#thelou) Find care at [Nemours Children's Health](https://www.nemours.org/?external_id=RE2350835010600) [Doctors](https://www.nemours.org/find-a-doctor.html?external_id=RE2350835010600) [Locations](https://www.nemours.org/locations.html?external_id=RE2350835010600) [](https://kidshealth.org/) [Sign Up](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/milestones-newsletter.html) - For Parents - For Kids - For Teens - For Educators Search Menu [](https://kidshealth.org/) Close Menu - For Parents - For Kids - For Teens - For Educators - ##### MILESTONES NEWSLETTER Subscribe for trustworthy health information delivered directly to your inbox [Sign Up](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/milestones-newsletter.html) Back Featured Topics For Parents - [Sitio para padres](https://kidshealth.org/es/parents/) - [Parents Home](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/) - [General Health](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/general/) - [Growth & Development](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/growth/) - [Infections](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/infections/) - [Diseases & Conditions](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/medical/) - [Pregnancy & Baby](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/pregnancy-newborn/) - [Nutrition & Fitness](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nutrition-center/) - [Emotions & Behavior](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/emotions/) - [School & Family Life](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/positive/) - [First Aid & Safety](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/firstaid-safe/) - [Doctors & Hospitals](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/system/) - [Videos](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/videos/) - [Expert Answers (Q\&A)](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/question/) - [All Categories](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/all-categories.html) - [All Wellness Centers](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/centers/center.html) [ Nemours KidsHealth® Is Celebrating! We've been providing trusted health information for 30 years. Learn More](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/celebrating-30-years.html) - [Parents Home](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/) - [Sitio para padres](https://kidshealth.org/es/parents/) - [All Categories](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/all-categories.html) - [All Wellness Centers](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/centers/center.html) Back Featured Topics For Kids - [Sitio para niños](https://kidshealth.org/es/kids/) - [Kids Home](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/) - [How the Body Works](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/center/htbw-main-page.html) - [Puberty & Growing Up](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/grow/) - [Staying Healthy](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/stay-healthy/) - [Staying Safe](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/watch/) - [Dictionary](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/word/) - [Health Problems](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/health-problems/) - [Illnesses & Injuries](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/ill-injure/) - [Relax & Unwind](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/center/relax-center.html) - [People, Places & Things That Help](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/feel-better/) - [Feelings](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/feeling/) - [Expert Answers (Q\&A)](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/talk/) - [Videos](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/videos/) - [All Categories](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/all-categories.html) - [All Wellness Centers](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/centers/center.html) [ Nemours KidsHealth® Is Celebrating! We've been providing trusted health information for 30 years. Learn More](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/celebrating-30-years.html) - [Kids Home](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/) - [Sitio para niños](https://kidshealth.org/es/kids/) - [All Categories](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/all-categories.html) - [All Wellness Centers](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/centers/center.html) Back Featured Topics For Teens - [Sitio para adolescentes](https://kidshealth.org/es/teens/) - [Teens Home](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/) - [Body](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/your-body/) - [Mind](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/your-mind/) - [Sexual Health](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/sexual-health/) - [Food & Fitness](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/food-fitness/) - [Diseases & Conditions](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/diseases-conditions/) - [Infections](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/infections/) - [Drugs & Alcohol](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/drug-alcohol/) - [School & Jobs](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/school-jobs/) - [Sports](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/sports-center/) - [Expert Answers (Q\&A)](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/expert/) - [Staying Safe](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/safety/) - [Videos](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/videos/) - [All Categories](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/all-categories.html) - [All Wellness Centers](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/centers/center.html) [ Nemours KidsHealth® Is Celebrating! We've been providing trusted health information for 30 years. Learn More](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/celebrating-30-years.html) - [Teens Home](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/) - [Sitio para adolescentes](https://kidshealth.org/es/teens/) - [All Categories](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/all-categories.html) - [All Wellness Centers](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/centers/center.html) - [KidsHealth](https://kidshealth.org/) - [Parents](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/) - Shellfish Allergy # Shellfish Allergy en español: [Alergia a los mariscos](https://kidshealth.org/es/parents/shellfish-allergy.html) Medically reviewed by: [Larissa Hirsch, MDThis link opens in a new tab](https://www.nemours.org/about/kidshealth-medical-editors.html) [Learn About Allergy & Immunology Care at Nemours Children's HealthThis link opens in a new tab](https://www.nemours.org/services/allergy-and-immunology.html) - [Listen](https://app-na.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=5202&lang=en_us&readid=khcontent_article&url=kidshealth.org/en/parents/shellfish-allergy.html "Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker") Play Stop Volume [mp3](https://app-na.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=5202&lang=en_us&readid=khcontent_article&url=kidshealth.org/en/parents/shellfish-allergy.html&audiofilename=KidsHealth_&save=1 "mp3") Settings Close Player - Larger text size Large text size Regular text size - [Print]() ## Overview ### What Is a Shellfish Allergy? A shellfish allergy isn't exactly the same as a seafood allergy. Seafood includes fish (like tuna or cod) and shellfish (like lobster or clams). Even though they both fall into the category of "seafood," fish and shellfish are biologically different. So fish won't cause an allergic reaction in someone with a shellfish allergy, unless that person also has a [fish allergy](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/fish-allergy.html). #### What Are Shellfish? Shellfish fall into two different groups: - **crustaceans**, like shrimp, crab, or lobster - **mollusks**, like clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, octopus, or squid Some people with shellfish allergies are allergic to both groups, but some are allergic to only one. Most allergic reactions to shellfish happen when someone eats shellfish. But **sometimes a person can react to touching shellfish or breathing in vapors from cooking shellfish**. Some people with shellfish allergies need to avoid restaurants and other areas where shellfish is being cooked. A shellfish allergy can develop at any age. Even people who have eaten shellfish in the past can develop an allergy. Some people outgrow certain food allergies over time, but those with shellfish allergies usually have the allergy for the rest of their lives. ## Signs & Symptoms ### What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Shellfish Allergy? When someone is allergic to shellfish, the body's [immune system](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/immune.html), which normally fights infections, overreacts to proteins in the shellfish. Every time the person eats (or, in some cases, handles or breathes in) shellfish, the body thinks these proteins are harmful invaders and releases chemicals like histamine. This can cause symptoms such as: - wheezing - trouble breathing - coughing - hoarseness - throat tightness - belly pain - [vomiting](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/vomit.html) - [diarrhea](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/diarrhea.html) - itchy, watery, or swollen eyes - [hives](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hives.html) - red spots - swelling - a drop in blood pressure, causing lightheadedness or loss of consciousness (passing out) Allergic reactions to shellfish can differ. **Sometimes the same person can react differently at different times.** Some reactions can be very mild and involve only one system of the body, like hives on the skin. Other reactions can be more severe and involve more than one part of the body. A shellfish allergy can cause a severe reaction called [anaphylaxis](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/anaphylaxis.html) (an-eh-fih-LAK-siss), even if a previous reaction was mild. Anaphylaxis might start with some of the same symptoms as a less severe reaction, but can quickly get worse. The person may have trouble breathing or pass out. More than one part of the body might be involved. If it isn't treated, anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. ## How Is an Allergic Reaction to Shellfish Treated? ### Emergency Medicine If your child has a shellfish allergy, or any kind of serious food allergy, always keeptwo doses of **epinephrine** (eh-puh-NEH-frin) available in case of a severe reaction. Epinephrine is a prescription medicine that comes in a small, easy-to-carry container. It's easy to use. Your doctor will show you how. Kids who are old enough can be taught how to give themselves the medicine. If they carry the epinephrine, it should be nearby, not left in a locker or in the nurse's office. ### Allergy Action Plan The doctor can also give you an allergy action plan, which helps you prepare for, recognize, and treat an allergic reaction. Share it with anyone who takes care of your child, including relatives, school officials, and parents at playdates. Also consider having your child wear a medical alert bracelet. [](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/allergic-reaction-sheet.html) Every second counts in an allergic reaction. **If your child starts having serious allergic symptoms, like swelling of the mouth or throat or trouble breathing, give the epinephrine right away.** Also give it right away if the symptoms involve two different parts of the body, like hives with vomiting. Then call 911 and take your child to the [emergency room](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/emergency-room.html). Your child needs to be under medical supervision because even if the worst seems to have passed, a second wave of serious symptoms can happen. Sometimes [allergists](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hcp-allergy.html) recommend also carrying over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines, as these can help treat mild allergy symptoms. Use an antihistamine after — not as a replacement for — the epinephrine shot during a serious reaction. ## How Can I Avoid Exposure to Shellfish? It's possible to help keep your child safe from shellfish and shellfish products with a little planning and preparation. Here's what to keep in mind. ### Food Labels Read [food labels](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/foodallergy-labels.html) carefully because ingredients can change, and shellfish can be found in unexpected places. Some foods look OK from the ingredient list, but while being made they can come in contact with shellfish. This is called **cross-contamination**. Look for advisory statements such as: - "May contain shellfish" - "Processed in a facility that also processes shellfish" - "Manufactured on equipment also used for shellfish" Not all companies label for cross-contamination, so if in doubt, call or email the company to be sure. #### **Mollusk Shellfish Ingredients** **Manufacturers also do not have to list mollusk shellfish ingredients** because mollusk shellfish (clams, mussels, oysters, or scallops) are not considered a major food allergen. When labels say a food contains shellfish, they refer to crustacean shellfish. Contact the company to see about cross-contamination risk with mollusks. ### Eating Out Cross-contamination often happens in restaurants. In kitchens, shellfish can get into a food product because the staff use the same surfaces, utensils (like knives, cutting boards, or pans), or oil to prepare both shellfish and other foods. This is particularly common in seafood restaurants, so some people find it safer to avoid these restaurants. Shellfish is also used in a lot of Asian cooking, so there's a risk of cross-contamination in Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, or Japanese restaurants. When eating at restaurants, it may be best to avoid fried foods because many places cook chicken, French fries, and shellfish in the same oil. When eating away from home, your child should always bring two doses of epinephrine that haven’t expired. Also, **tell the people preparing or serving your child's food about the shellfish allergy**. Sometimes, you may want to bring food with you that you know is safe. Don't eat at the restaurant if the chef, manager, or owner seems uncomfortable with your request for a safe meal. Also talk to the staff at school about cross-contamination risks for foods in the cafeteria. Some families feel most comfortable packing lunches from home. ### More Information For more about managing food allergies, visit: - [Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)](http://www.foodallergy.org/) **Medically reviewed by:** [Larissa Hirsch, MDThis link opens in a new tab](https://www.nemours.org/about/kidshealth-medical-editors.html) Date reviewed: November 2024 ## More on this topic for: - Parents - Kids - Teens ## More on this topic For Parents - [Food Allergies (Topic Center)](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/center/foodallergies-center.html) - [What Should I Look for on Food Labels if My Child Has Food Allergies?](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/foodallergy-labels.html) - [Kids & Allergies](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/allergy.html) - [How to Handle an Allergic Reaction](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/allergic-reaction-sheet.html) - [Fish Allergy](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/fish-allergy.html) - [Food Allergies](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/food-allergies.html) - [5 Ways to Prepare for an Allergy Emergency](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/allergy-emergency.html) - [Going to School With Food Allergies](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/school-foodallergy.html) ## More on this topic For Kids - [Egg Allergy](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/egg-allergy.html) - [Food Allergies](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/food-allergies.html) ## More on this topic For Teens - [Food Allergies and Travel](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/travel-allergies.html) - [Allergy Testing](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/allergy-tests.html) - [Food Allergies](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/food-allergies.html) - [Serious Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/anaphylaxis.html) View more Share: - Share to Facebook - Share to Twitter - Share to Pinterest ## RELATED CATEGORY - [Allergies & the Immune System](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/medical/allergies.html) /content/kidshealth/misc/medicalcodes/parents/articles/shellfish-allergy ##### Who We Are - [About Us](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/about.html) ##### Working With Us - [Partners](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/partners.html) - [Editorial Policy](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/editorial-policy.html) - [Permissions Guidelines](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/permissions-guidelines.html) - [Media Requests This link opens in a new tab](https://nemours.mediaroom.com/journalist-resources) - [Contact Us](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/general-information/contact-us) ##### Legal & Privacy - [Privacy Policy & Terms of Use](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/policy.html) - [Notice of Nondiscrimination](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nondiscrimination.html) ##### All Categories - [For Parents](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/all-categories.html) - [For Kids](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/all-categories.html) - [For Teens](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/all-categories.html) ##### Wellness Centers - [For Parents](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/centers/center.html) - [For Kids](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/centers/center.html) - [For Teens](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/centers/center.html) - [](https://www.facebook.com/nemourskidshealth/) - [](https://x.com/nemours) - [](https://www.youtube.com/@NemoursKidsHealth) [](https://www.nemours.org/?external_id=RE2350803010600) Note: All information on Nemours KidsHealth® is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2026. The Nemours Foundation. Nemours Children's Health®, Nemours KidsHealth®, KidsHealth®, and Well Beyond Medicine® are registered trademarks of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved. Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.

## Overview ### What Is a Shellfish Allergy? A shellfish allergy isn't exactly the same as a seafood allergy. Seafood includes fish (like tuna or cod) and shellfish (like lobster or clams). Even though they both fall into the category of "seafood," fish and shellfish are biologically different. So fish won't cause an allergic reaction in someone with a shellfish allergy, unless that person also has a [fish allergy](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/fish-allergy.html). #### What Are Shellfish? Shellfish fall into two different groups: - **crustaceans**, like shrimp, crab, or lobster - **mollusks**, like clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, octopus, or squid Some people with shellfish allergies are allergic to both groups, but some are allergic to only one. Most allergic reactions to shellfish happen when someone eats shellfish. But **sometimes a person can react to touching shellfish or breathing in vapors from cooking shellfish**. Some people with shellfish allergies need to avoid restaurants and other areas where shellfish is being cooked. A shellfish allergy can develop at any age. Even people who have eaten shellfish in the past can develop an allergy. Some people outgrow certain food allergies over time, but those with shellfish allergies usually have the allergy for the rest of their lives. ## Signs & Symptoms ### What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Shellfish Allergy? When someone is allergic to shellfish, the body's [immune system](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/immune.html), which normally fights infections, overreacts to proteins in the shellfish. Every time the person eats (or, in some cases, handles or breathes in) shellfish, the body thinks these proteins are harmful invaders and releases chemicals like histamine. This can cause symptoms such as: - wheezing - trouble breathing - coughing - hoarseness - throat tightness - belly pain - [vomiting](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/vomit.html) - [diarrhea](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/diarrhea.html) - itchy, watery, or swollen eyes - [hives](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hives.html) - red spots - swelling - a drop in blood pressure, causing lightheadedness or loss of consciousness (passing out) Allergic reactions to shellfish can differ. **Sometimes the same person can react differently at different times.** Some reactions can be very mild and involve only one system of the body, like hives on the skin. Other reactions can be more severe and involve more than one part of the body. A shellfish allergy can cause a severe reaction called [anaphylaxis](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/anaphylaxis.html) (an-eh-fih-LAK-siss), even if a previous reaction was mild. Anaphylaxis might start with some of the same symptoms as a less severe reaction, but can quickly get worse. The person may have trouble breathing or pass out. More than one part of the body might be involved. If it isn't treated, anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. ## How Is an Allergic Reaction to Shellfish Treated? ### Emergency Medicine If your child has a shellfish allergy, or any kind of serious food allergy, always keeptwo doses of **epinephrine** (eh-puh-NEH-frin) available in case of a severe reaction. Epinephrine is a prescription medicine that comes in a small, easy-to-carry container. It's easy to use. Your doctor will show you how. Kids who are old enough can be taught how to give themselves the medicine. If they carry the epinephrine, it should be nearby, not left in a locker or in the nurse's office. ### Allergy Action Plan The doctor can also give you an allergy action plan, which helps you prepare for, recognize, and treat an allergic reaction. Share it with anyone who takes care of your child, including relatives, school officials, and parents at playdates. Also consider having your child wear a medical alert bracelet. [](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/allergic-reaction-sheet.html) Every second counts in an allergic reaction. **If your child starts having serious allergic symptoms, like swelling of the mouth or throat or trouble breathing, give the epinephrine right away.** Also give it right away if the symptoms involve two different parts of the body, like hives with vomiting. Then call 911 and take your child to the [emergency room](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/emergency-room.html). Your child needs to be under medical supervision because even if the worst seems to have passed, a second wave of serious symptoms can happen. Sometimes [allergists](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hcp-allergy.html) recommend also carrying over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines, as these can help treat mild allergy symptoms. Use an antihistamine after — not as a replacement for — the epinephrine shot during a serious reaction. ## How Can I Avoid Exposure to Shellfish? It's possible to help keep your child safe from shellfish and shellfish products with a little planning and preparation. Here's what to keep in mind. ### Food Labels Read [food labels](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/foodallergy-labels.html) carefully because ingredients can change, and shellfish can be found in unexpected places. Some foods look OK from the ingredient list, but while being made they can come in contact with shellfish. This is called **cross-contamination**. Look for advisory statements such as: - "May contain shellfish" - "Processed in a facility that also processes shellfish" - "Manufactured on equipment also used for shellfish" Not all companies label for cross-contamination, so if in doubt, call or email the company to be sure. #### **Mollusk Shellfish Ingredients** **Manufacturers also do not have to list mollusk shellfish ingredients** because mollusk shellfish (clams, mussels, oysters, or scallops) are not considered a major food allergen. When labels say a food contains shellfish, they refer to crustacean shellfish. Contact the company to see about cross-contamination risk with mollusks. ### Eating Out Cross-contamination often happens in restaurants. In kitchens, shellfish can get into a food product because the staff use the same surfaces, utensils (like knives, cutting boards, or pans), or oil to prepare both shellfish and other foods. This is particularly common in seafood restaurants, so some people find it safer to avoid these restaurants. Shellfish is also used in a lot of Asian cooking, so there's a risk of cross-contamination in Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, or Japanese restaurants. When eating at restaurants, it may be best to avoid fried foods because many places cook chicken, French fries, and shellfish in the same oil. When eating away from home, your child should always bring two doses of epinephrine that haven’t expired. Also, **tell the people preparing or serving your child's food about the shellfish allergy**. Sometimes, you may want to bring food with you that you know is safe. Don't eat at the restaurant if the chef, manager, or owner seems uncomfortable with your request for a safe meal. Also talk to the staff at school about cross-contamination risks for foods in the cafeteria. Some families feel most comfortable packing lunches from home. ### More Information For more about managing food allergies, visit: - [Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)](http://www.foodallergy.org/)