Allergy, Blue Mussel in Jadavpur, Kolkata

As the name suggests, the Blue Mussel Allergy Test is used to diagnose an allergy to blue mussels. This shellfish variant is found in shallow waters and can trigger allergic reactions in certain people after consumption.

If you have a Blue mussel allergy, your body will mistake the protein Tropomyosin as a threat. This protein forces your immune system to produce the chemical histamine, which triggers an allergic reaction, and you will experience the following symptoms:

• Hives 
• Itching 
• Stomach problems like indigestion, vomiting, pain, diarrhoea, etc. 
• Dizziness
• Weak pulse
• Stomach cramps 
• Recurring cough 
• Pale or blue skin colour 
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing 
• Anaphylaxis

The symptoms mentioned above generally announce the onset of the Blue mussel allergy. If you experience these symptoms, get Apollo 24|7’s Blue Mussel Allergy test done now.

However, there is a chance you might experience severe life-threatening allergic reactions as well. These severe allergic reactions, or Anaphylaxis, are as follows:

• An extreme drop in blood pressure
• A raging pulse 
• Swollen throat 
• Loss of consciousness 
• Anxiety 
• Confusion 
• Clammy skin 
• Breathing issues 
• Inflammation of throat, face, etc.

In this case, an immediate dose of epinephrin is needed, after which you will have to rush to the hospital. Your healthcare practitioner will ask you certain questions to diagnose your allergy accurately. They are as follows:

• What did you eat?
• If you did consume blue mussel, how much?
• Are you experiencing any symptoms?
• How long did you experience the symptoms for?

If you have experienced symptoms, get the test done now. There are no such preparations required for the test. However, you will have to inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently consuming.

You will have to temporarily stop the dosage of anything that might interfere with the test (e.g., antihistamines).

If you test positive for a Blue mussel allergy, you must take necessary precautions immediately. Onset of an allergic reaction can trigger life-threatening complications.

Some of the precautions you can take to avoid allergic reactions:

• Ask the staff beforehand about food preparation methods in their restaurant. This is because certain cuisines might be served with fish sauce. This may or may not have blue mussel in it. 
• Pay attention to food labels. Make sure that the food item doesn’t contain shellfish. 
• Stay away from fish markets and seafood restaurants in general. Inhaling vapour or steam emanating from blue mussels might also trigger allergic reactions. 
• Let people around you know about your allergy so they can be mindful of it and help you avoid shellfish altogether.