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I am 25, with itching after seafood. Can this lead to anaphylaxis?

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 25-year-old woman who started experiencing sudden hives and itching about an hour after eating seafood. It happens every time I eat prawns or crabs. The rashes appear on my face and arms, along with mild swelling of my lips and eyelids.

My total IgE level is 480 IU/mL. Could this be a food allergy causing urticaria or angioedema? Should I completely avoid seafood or get an allergy panel test done to confirm? My doctor advised carrying an epinephrine pen, but I am scared to use it. Is this condition dangerous, and can it lead to anaphylaxis?

Kindly advise.
Answered by Dr. Ali Osman

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ali Osman is a dedicated obstetrics and gynecology specialist committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for women at every stage of life. He has experience in managing a wide range of women’s health concerns, including pregnancy care, menstrual disorders, reproductive health, and gynecological conditions. Dr. Osman focuses on patient education, preventive care, and personalized treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcomes. Known for his supportive and professional approach, he strives to create a comfortable environment where patients feel heard, respected, and confident in their healthcare journey.      

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I am deeply concerned about your worries.

Yes, this condition can be dangerous. Even if you have only experienced hives and mild swelling so far, future exposures can sometimes cause anaphylaxis, a rapid, severe allergic reaction that can include:

  • Shortness of breath or wheezing.

  • Throat tightness.

  • Dizziness or fainting.

  • Drop in blood pressure.

Because allergic reactions can worsen unpredictably, your doctor was right to advise you to carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen). If you ever experience difficulty breathing, throat tightness, or dizziness after eating seafood, use the epinephrine immediately and go to the emergency room. It is life-saving and safe when used correctly.

While your history is already highly suggestive, an allergy work-up can help:

  • Specific IgE blood test or skin prick test for shellfish allergens (prawn, crab, lobster, or shrimp). Testing under the supervision of an allergist helps identify exactly which seafood you must avoid.

  • Treatment:

    • Tablet Kestine (Ebastine) 10 mg twice daily for two weeks.

    • Tablet Prednisolone 5 mg twice daily for 10 days, then once daily for the next 10 days, then stop it.

    • Tablet Azithromycin 500 mg twice daily for two weeks.

Consult your specialist doctor, discuss and then start the medications.

I hope this helps you answer your query.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ali Osman
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At December 22, 2025
Reviewed At December 22, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ali Osman is a dedicated obstetrics and gynecology specialist committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for women at every stage of life. He has experience in managing a wide range of women’s health concerns, including pregnancy care, menstrual disorders, reproductive health, and gynecological conditions. Dr. Osman focuses on patient education, preventive care, and personalized treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcomes. Known for his supportive and professional approach, he strives to create a comfortable environment where patients feel heard, respected, and confident in their healthcare journey.      

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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Dr. Ali Osman
Dr. Ali Osman

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ali Osman is a dedicated obstetrics and gynecology specialist committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for women at every stage of life. He has experience in managing a wide range of women’s health concerns, including pregnancy care, menstrual disorders, reproductive health, and gynecological conditions. Dr. Osman focuses on patient education, preventive care, and personalized treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcomes. Known for his supportive and professional approach, he strives to create a comfortable environment where patients feel heard, respected, and confident in their healthcare journey.      

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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