Fish oil is a biologically active additive, which at the moment is at the peak of its popularity. It is prescribed for many diseases, it is advised to take it during heavy physical training and for preventive purposes. In the US, it officially became classified as a medicinal product, which speaks of high efficiency and proven benefits. Allergy to fish oil is a rare occurrence, but it does occur, so people who want to be treated with this drug need to know about the possible consequences.
Reasons for
Why people develop an allergic reaction to these or other products so far no one can say for sure, however, there are a number of theories and patterns that deserve attention. Many scientists note that those living in rural areas suffer less often in individual intolerance to pollen, bee stings and food products. This is due to the fact that residents of villages and villages have more contact with various antigens.
On the other hand, urban residents have less contact with various microorganisms, more use antiseptics and antibacterial drugs. The immune system is programmed for a certain amount of work. If she does not provide contact with the required amount of pathological antigens, then the immunity will attack something innocuous, like flower pollen, chocolate or fish oil.
In addition, there is territorial dependence. People living in cities specializing in fishing are less prone to allergic reactions. This is due to genetic predisposition and adaptation to the daily intake of fish antigens. At the same time, if parents or close relatives have allergic reactions to fish products, it is likely to be passed on to children.
Symptoms of
Symptoms of fish oil allergy may have different manifestations. Depending on the amount of allergen or individual characteristics of the body, the intensity and intensity of the reaction varies. Typical manifestations of allergy:
- Hives. This condition is the answer to the contact of the body with the allergen. Visually manifested in the form of an extensive rash, itching and rising above the skin. It is observed almost over the entire surface of the skin.
- Angioedema. It is manifested in the form of edema of subcutaneous fat. Very pronounced in the face( lips, eyelids, cheeks) and genitals.
- In case of ingestion of fish oil, allergic conjunctivitis may develop.
- In rare cases, the allergy is manifested by bronchial spasm. This is a serious condition, which often ends in a fatal outcome. When you have yourself or your loved ones signs of suffocation, you need to call an ambulance team.
Symptoms of an overdose of fish oil are manifested in the form of diarrhea, uncontrolled vomiting and abdominal pain. To avoid such reactions, you should carefully read the annotation and follow the recommended dosages.
Diagnosis
To begin with, the diagnosis should be performed by the patient himself. To do this, it is recommended to keep a diary in which to write down all the products eaten per day. This is very important, as with the appearance of allergic reactions you can look into this diary, perform an analysis and an exclusion method to determine the allergen.
Special diagnostics should be performed by an allergist. One of the methods for determining the allergen are scarification tests. To carry them out, you need a scarifier and a set of allergens. Using a scarifier, the forearm skin is scratched, and then a solution with an allergen is applied to the damaged area. To accurately establish the cause of the allergic reaction, the effect is repeated several times. Each scratch is given a number( letter) in order to evaluate the skin reaction in a few days and find out what the patient is allergic to.
Allergic reactions can manifest themselves in different ways and at the same time mask for other diseases. To determine what is the cause of the disease, it is necessary to perform a special blood test, thanks to which it is possible to reliably confirm the allergic origin of the pathology. There are several varieties of immunoglobulins( antibodies) and each of them is responsible for a certain protective reaction. When entering a hospital with a suspected allergy, a special immunological blood test is performed. If the result is a significant increase in IgE, then, as a rule, an allergic reaction is diagnosed.
Contraindications
Despite its proven effectiveness, it can adversely affect the functioning of the body. For most people, fish oil is not dangerous, however, there are a number of contraindications, in which its use is not recommended.
- Admission of fish oil on an empty stomach can cause a spasm of the gastric muscles and provoke vomiting. In addition, the absorption of vitamin E decreases. This drug should be taken together or after eating.
- Severe hypotension. It is not recommended to use fish oil for people suffering from low blood pressure.
- Renal failure in neglected form.
Treatment of
If the patient is not aware of the allergy and has symptoms of an individual intolerance, then it is recommended to wash the stomach. If the last use of this dietary supplement was a large amount of time, then allergens managed to leave the stomach cavity and washing will be meaningless. In such cases it is necessary to use special preparations from a group of sorbents. These drugs absorb on their surface antigens and prevent their absorption through the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. Similarly, an overdose of fish oil can also be treated.
Recommendations in the text are not a guide to action. For more detailed information about the treatment of your disease, you should contact a specialist.
In parallel with this patient, antihistamines are recommended. They can eliminate allergic reactions and prevent the development of complications. As a rule, they are prescribed for allergy of moderate or moderate severity.
With severe allergic reactions that can endanger life and health, prescribe drugs and groups of corticosteroids. They do not act as fast as blockers of histamine receptors, but the effect is more pronounced and persistent.
Prevention
The main point in the prevention of allergic reactions is the prevention of contact with the allergen. If the patient is aware of the existing intolerance to fish oil, then all interactions with him should be avoided. You can also consult with an allergist and conduct a specific immunotherapy, which helps to eliminate the manifestation of allergies.