Is there anything I can take to allow me to enjoy a good shrimp meal for once? Im allergic to shellfish...?

Question

...but I really love popcorn shrimp. My husband orders some sometimes when we go out to eat. I dont want to deprive him of enjoying himself for my sake. But my mouth waters at the site of it. But if I was to eat any, Id blow up like a big puffer-fish. Im even allergic to iodine, break out when it touches my skin. Is there anyway I can overcome it and enjoy a nice meal as my husband does. I know Im probably at a loss but Id thought Id give it a try anyways.

What are these 'Epi-Pens'? I dont have one

Answer 1

I know some people who take allergy medicine before they eat it. Also maybe little by little you could try, some people outgrow it. Or try getting a different kind from maybe a health food store, organic if there's such a thing.

Answer 2

Allergies develop after repeated exposure to something. You never have a reaction the first time you are exposed to something. The first time you are exposed to a potential allergen your body builds up antibodies to the allergen. When you are exposed to this same allergen a second time, the antibodies "attack" the allergen causing an allergic reaction. Each time you are exposed to the allergen the reaction becomes worse. The first reaction may be a simple rash, the second might be a more severe rash with wheezing and difficulty breathing, the third might be full out ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK, which is the most severe, and is life threatening. This causes swelling of the airway to the point where you can not breathe without being intubated, among other things. Shrimp is not worth your life!!Also keep your Epi-Pen available for treatment of accidental exposure. This alone will not save you if you experience anaphylactic shock, but will buy you enough time (hopefully) to get to your nearest ER.

Answer 3

You could die. Talk to an allergy clinic and see if there is anyway you can develop tolerance by being exposed to the allergen and if there are any antihistamines that could possibly control your reaction.

You should always have an EpiPen ready in case you ingest shellfish unknowingly. Allergies can intensify over time, and if you had a foolish moment and popped some shrimp, you could lose your airway. Be careful.