HomeAnswersGeneral Medicineseafood allergyCan a person with sea food allergy swim in ocean?

A person is allergic to seafood. Can he swim in the ocean?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Sandeep V. Nair

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Divya Banu M

Published At October 27, 2019
Reviewed AtAugust 28, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

If a person is allergic to seafood, can they swim in the ocean? This person cannot touch seafood or have sea-salt either.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If a person is allergic to sea food and sea salt both, he should ideally avoid swimming in the ocean so as to avoid getting an attack of anaphylaxis (lethal allergic reaction) while under water. In my years of practice I have never come across any person with allergy to sea salt. It is usually the sea food which contains proteins, to which allergy occurs. Sea salt contains NaCl and KCl and other minerals which are usually inert and do not cause any reaction. However, to be on the safer side, avoid swimming if you are truly allergic to sea food and sea water.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sandeep V. Nair

Dr. Sandeep V. Nair

Medical Gastroenterology

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