Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Shellfish is the third most common food allergy to cause anaphylaxis. However, according to a study being presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in Baltimore, Nov. 7-11, anaphylaxis due to shrimp is rare in children, under 8 percent.
Researchers found shrimp allergy in children studied presented moderate reactions, such as rapid skin swelling, itching and redness. They also found that asthma may be a possible risk for anaphylactic reactions in children with shrimp allergy.