From the Guidelines
Yes, babies can still develop allergies to shrimp even if they showed no allergic reactions during their first 15 months of life. Food allergies, including shellfish allergies, can develop at any age, even if a child has previously consumed the food without problems 1. When introducing shellfish like shrimp to babies, it's best to start with a small amount and watch for any signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or changes in behavior. If you notice any concerning symptoms, stop feeding the food immediately and contact your pediatrician or seek emergency care if the reaction is severe. For severe allergic reactions, emergency medication like epinephrine (EpiPen Jr or Auvi-Q for children) may be necessary 1. The immune system can become sensitized to proteins in shellfish over time, which explains why allergies can appear suddenly. Some guidelines recommend introduction of common food allergens between age 4 and 6 months, but there is no evidence that delaying the introduction of allergenic foods, including peanuts, eggs, and fish, beyond age 4 to 6 months prevents food allergy 1. Parents with a family history of food allergies should be particularly vigilant, as genetics plays a role in allergy development. Key considerations for introducing allergenic foods include:
- Starting with a small amount and monitoring for signs of an allergic reaction
- Being aware of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis
- Having a plan in place for emergency situations, including the use of epinephrine autoinjectors
- Consulting with a pediatrician or healthcare provider for personalized advice on introducing allergenic foods.
From the Research
Allergies in Infants
- Infants can still develop allergies to foods like shrimp even if they did not show any signs of allergy in the first 15 months 2.
- The introduction of potentially allergenic foods, including shrimp, between 4 and 6 months of age is recommended for infants at low risk for food allergies 2.
- Delayed introduction of solid foods and allergenic foods may be associated with an increased risk of allergy development 2.
Food Allergy Development
- The development of food allergies is a complex process, and the timing of introduction of potentially allergenic foods is just one of the factors that can influence the risk of allergy development 2, 3.
- Other factors, such as family history, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors, can also play a role in the development of food allergies 4, 5, 6.
Management of Allergic Reactions
- Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening systemic reaction that can occur within one to two hours of exposure to an allergen, including foods like shrimp 4, 5, 6.
- The management of anaphylaxis involves the administration of epinephrine, removal of the trigger, and supportive care for the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation 4, 5, 6.
- Antihistamines and corticosteroids may also be used as adjunctive therapies in the management of anaphylaxis, but their use should be guided by clinical judgment and evidence-based guidelines 6.