Fish Allergy and Related Conditions in Children: A Review

Curr Pediatr Rev. 2024;20(3):224-239. doi: 10.2174/0115733963267330230919094037.

Abstract

Fish allergy is the important food allergies in childhood, often persisting into adulthood. It can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions, including fatal anaphylaxis; furthermore, avoiding-fish diet has negative nutritional and psychological effects. Recent research studies focus on epitope structures and aim to develop sensitive and specific diagnostic tools, which have a better correlation with clinical reactions. Protocols with hypoallergenic parvalbumin or other recombinant antigens are also under study and will likely lead to new immunotherapy protocols. IgE-mediated fish allergy differs substantially from other forms of immunological adverse reactions to fish, such as Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome and eosinophilic esophagitis. In addition, fish ingestion can cause non-immunological adverse reactions, such as in the case of scombroid poisoning, anisakiasis and toxic poisoning. This review aims to summarize the characteristics of the main immunological and non-immunological fish reactions, analyzing the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and therapy, with a particular focus on clinical management.

Keywords: FPIES; Fish; IgE; allergy; anisakis.; children; poisoning; scombroid.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Allergens
  • Anaphylaxis / diagnosis
  • Anaphylaxis / etiology
  • Anaphylaxis / therapy
  • Child
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis
  • Food Hypersensitivity* / diagnosis
  • Food Hypersensitivity* / etiology
  • Food Hypersensitivity* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Seafood* / adverse effects

Substances

  • Allergens