what causes shellfish allergy?
Allergies aren't the only medical conditions related to shellfish. Shellfish poisoning (also called paralytic shellfish poisoning and red tide) is a condition caused by a very potent toxin called saxitoxin that is released by algae-like organisms that live in two-shelled mollusks, such as clams and oysters.
Although most major food allergies begin in childhood, one allergy in particular stands apart: shellfish. An allergy to shellfish may develop any time during a person's life, but tends to present in adulthood. It can be caused by foods that youâve eaten before with no issues. There are two kinds of shellfish, crustaceans and mollusks. Here are a few examples of crustaceans to watch out for if youâre allergic: