Finned Fish Allergy

Hypersensitivity type may be- Type I Allergy
Immune reactions may be from- IgE
Reactions may occur in- Minutes

There are many, many species of Finned Fish that come from oceans, rivers, lakes, etc, which if eaten, touched or inhaled can can cause an immune based reaction for people that have a Finned Fish Allergy.

Finned Fish are not the same as Shellfish (Crustaceans and Mollusks), with the most distinct feature difference being that they have fins and backbones, whereas Shellfish have shells instead of backbones.

An allergy caused from the protein found in particular Finned Fish, it often develops in adulthood. If a person has a Finned Fish allergy it is common for them to stay away from fish completely and seek Fish Free alternatives. 

Finned Fish aren't just consumed whole or directly, but make their way into many surprising places (scroll below to see list) such as some Barbecue Sauces.

Common Finned Fish include but are not limited to:

• Anchovies
• Anchovy
• Barramundi
• Bass
• Bluefish
• Bream
• Carp
• Catfish
• Caviar
• Char
• Chub
• Cisco
• Cod
• Eel
• Fish
• Flake
• Flathead
• Flounder
• Grouper
• Haddock
• Hake
• Halibut
• Herring
• Imitation crab
• Mackerel
• Mahi mahi
• Marlin
• Monkfish
• Orange Roughy
• Perch
• Pickerel
• Pike
• Plaice
• Pollock
• Pompano
• Porgy
• Rockfish
• Salmon
• Sardine
• Sashimi
• Scrod
• Shark
• Smelt
• Snapper
• Sole
• Surimi
• Swordfish
• Tilapia
• Trout
• Tuna
• White Fish
• Whiting

FINNED FISH are one of the 10 most common food allergens in Australia, that all together account for 90% of food allergies in Australia.

SYMPTOMS

Some of the symptoms may be characterised by:

• Stomach pain
• Stomach cramps
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Trouble swallowing
• Itching of the mouth, throat, eyes, skin or any other area
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Nausea
• Urticaria/ Hives
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Asthma aggravation
• ANAPHYLAXIS

The validity and severity of these symptoms are dependent on the individual and the level of exposure, as determined by a qualified health care provider.

TREATMENT

If you experience or are in the presence of someone that encounters an immediate serious reaction (this may include difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat tightening, swelling, collapse, etc), call or have someone call triple zero (000) immediately.

In the case of a minor allergic reaction, people may use Antihistamines along with other medications based on their individual symptoms and prescribed treatments.

For severe allergic reactions Epinephrine may be used, followed by seeking emergency medical attention. However, some people may not be able to use Epinephrine due to particular reasons.

It’s important for anyone with an Allergy, to discuss treatments with a qualified health care provider to understand how to manage individual allergies and also to set up an Allergy Action Plan in the case of a reaction.

Always present your Allergy Card, Medical Alert Bracelet or Necklace to ensure health care providers, family members, friends, colleagues and others are aware of your Allergy or Allergies.

TESTING

A skin prick test or blood test may be used to test for a Finned Fish Allergy.

LABELLING

Some labels or terms you may come across on Finned Fish Allergy friendly products:

"Fish Free" "Finned Fish Free" "No Finned Fish" "No Fish" "Fish Alternative"

RANDOM ALLERGY FACT

Fish speak to each other using low frequency squeaks, only detectable by technology. They also have been known to use sign language. 

WHERE YOU MAY COME ACROSS FINNED FISH

The below is not a complete list, but just some of the places you may come across Finned Fish:

• Antipasto
• Boats
• Barbecue sauce
• Bouillabaisse
• Caesar dressing
• Caesar salad
• Canned spreads
• Caponata
• Cosmetics
• Dips
• Fish gelatin
• Fish oil
• Fish sauce
• Fish sticks
• Fish stock
• Gelatin
• Greek dishes
• Imitation or artificial fish
• Lakes
• Lotions
• Marshmallow
• Moisturisers
• Oceans
• Pizza toppings
• Rivers
• Salad dressings
• Shampoos
• Shellfish
• Soups
• Surimi
• Sushi
• Worcestershire sauce

The information provided on Allergy Life Australia is to generally educate and inform you about living with allergies, intolerances and conditions, and is not intended as medical instruction or as a substitute for diagnosis, examination and advice by a qualified health care provider.

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ARE THERE ANY OTHER PLACES YOU HAVE COME ACROSS FINNED FISH? HAVE YOU HAD AN EXPERIENCE WITH A FINNED FISH ALLERGY OR KNOW SOMEONE THAT HAS? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW