Fish Allergy or reaction to Fish Parasite?

Fish Allergy or reaction to Fish Parasite?
Fish that commonly triggers fish allergies are: Makarel, pollock, salmon, cod, tuna, snapper, sardines, eel, and tilapia. Allergy to fish - such as cod and other white fish - may begin in childhood and is likely to be lifelong.

Fish allergies are similar to shellfish allergies in that they are more likely than many food allergies to start during adulthood and less likely than other allergies to be outgrown. Fish allergies are often quite severe. Because of the protein- parvalbumin - present in many fish, there is a high cross-reactivity among different types of fish and people with allergies to one type are likely to have (or to develop) allergies to others.

Symptoms:
linked to an increased risk of severe asthma in adults. Oral allergy syndrome (in which the mouth itches or tingles after eating an allergen), anaphylaxis, a severe systemic reaction in which the body releases large amounts of histamine, causing tissues throughout the body to swell. This can cause life-threatening breathing, cardiac, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Anyone with a fish allergy should carry any medication prescribed by their doctor at all times.

Fish Parasites:
One allergy that may masquerade as a fish allergy is allergy to a fish parasite called Anisakis simplex. This parasite is considered a major allergen and, like fish allergies, can cause severe allergic reactions including anaphylactic shock. If you have a severe allergic reaction after eating fish but tests come up negative, consider asking your allergist to test you for an allergy to this parasite.

Note: while Anisakis larvae can be killed by freezing or cooking, they can still trigger allergies after being killed, so people with Anisakis allergies should avoid fish and shellfish altogether.