Who needs an Epi-Pen?

[Jane's4]

DD, age 4 was given a RAST, which came back low positive for crab--I forget the exact number but it was around a .40 or something, and shrimp--.85 ish. The doctor said she doesn't need an epi-pen because shellfish are easy to avoid. She has had skin and GI reactions to mayonnaise, dairy and tomato, so we avoid those foods as well, even though her RAST was negative for those things. She has never had shellfish, so I have no idea how or if she would actually react.

How seriously do we need to take the shellfish allergy? My understanding is that the low positive is a good sign--either of a false positive or a low likelihood of reacting. On the other hand, I understand that ANA reactions can happen out of nowhere, and we live on the East Coast where seafood is everywhere. I feel like I would rather have the epi-pen and not worry about whether she might have a reaction out of nowhere that I am totally unprepared for. But I feel silly pushing the issue if her RAST numbers indicate that there is no reason to expect a severe reaction.

Any thoughts?

[wendy1221]

I would have epi-pens for shellfish allergy, just in case. Shellfish can be airborne. It's better to be safe than sorry. I can't believe your allergist said that. A positive is a positive and the #'s don't always indicate how severe a reaction will be.Sometimes they correlate, but you never know! My allergist gave me epi-pens for Liam and he tested completely neg to peanut, but has reacted w/ hives to skin contact.

[Shantimama]

I have a shellfish allergy and carried an Epi-pen for many years. I don't now but probably should - it is just that I kept purchasing new ones every time they expired without actually using them.

Shellfish is easy to avoid but you have to be dilligent. I do not eat at Chinese buffets ebcause of the risk of cross contamination at the serving table. Before I go into a restaurant, I always check th menu for shellfish. I inform the wait staff of my allergy but I do not go into places that offer any form of deep fried fish and french fries on the menu - they probably use the same oil. (Not that I eat out much anyway )

I have only had anaphyllactic reactions from injesting shelfish. I once broke out in hives and massive facial swelling when someone kissed me on the cheek after having a bite of shrimp - it was horrible, but not life threatening.

Allergic reactions can get worse with repeated exposures - if you are worried I would go back and talk to the doctor some more.

[PeacefulSeams]

My DS has an epi-pen. He is shellfish allergic. My allergist told us that if he is allergic to shellfish, he could also be allergic to soy because there is something in them that is similar.He is also anaphalaxyis to dairy.

[VisionQuest]

I carry an Epi-pen for myself. I am allergic to hot peppers, banana peppers, almonds, cod and other foods and medications. I've fortunately never had to use it but just have comfort knowing that I have it with me.

[WC_hapamama]

Originally Posted by zenenlightened

My DS has an epi-pen. He is shellfish allergic. My allergist told us that if he is allergic to shellfish, he could also be allergic to soy because there is something in them that is similar.He is also anaphalaxyis to dairy.

I've never heard that one. Usually soy is linked to peanut allergies. Iodine allergy is generally linked to a shellfish allergy.

My son is ana to tree nuts and shellfish, also allergic to sesame, coconut and peanut and has epi-pens.

[Meiri]

I haven't found shellfish to be all that difficult to avoid. We don't go to restaurants in which they are the main focus though, due to the airborn issue.

I ask if I'm not sure about something, am allergic to a few food items, never have had an epi-pen--but do carry Benedryl as well as my emergency inhaler at all times.