Scombroid Poisoning: A Brief Review
Improper fish storage is all it takes to bring about a myriad of allergic-like symptoms.
Scombroid fish are a family of spiny-finned, bony fish that is widely consumed globally. These include tuna, swordfish, bonitos, skipjack, mackerel, butterfly kingfish, mahi-mahi, bluefish, kahawai, etc.
These fish usually have dark meat and create a toxic, allergic-like reaction when not stored properly. Do you want to know more about this topic? My brief review will answer all your questions!
Scombroid Poisoning: What is it?
Scombroid poisoning is a syndrome that triggers an adverse allergic-like reaction after consuming a scombroid fish containing excessive histamine levels. Huh? Your “aha moment” will come. Let me explain it in a much simpler way.
These dark meat-containing fish possess a chemical histidine. Improper storage causes the bacteria to multiply in their bodies and converts histidine into scombrotoxin.
Not to mention, scombrotoxin’s main component is histamine that is responsible for causing scombroid poisoning. Thus, the terrible symptoms result.
Different preparation methods like smoking or cooking will kill the bacteria but will not minimize the histamine levels. However, it is vital to note that this type of poisoning is neither an allergic reaction nor contagious.
Signs That Shows a Fish Has Excessive Histamine Levels
The contaminated fish usually have a terrible odor, a peppery taste, and its skin appears to be honey-combed once cooked.
Cooking does not eradicate histamine levels, as I mentioned, and is unevenly distributed in the fish. Therefore, its symptoms might vary if the contaminated fish is shared among individuals.
Scombroid Poisoning Symptoms
The symptoms might begin to appear within two to thirty minutes to an hour. A person may feel flushed, and a rash can develop in various areas like the upper back, chest, neck, and face. The affected areas can become itchy, hot, and red.
Moreover, a person can also feel a burning or a tingling sensation around his mouth, develop a headache, and experience vomiting, sweating, nausea, dizziness, palpitations, and chills.
Severe symptoms are pretty rare, but these include heart-stopping, tongue swelling, and difficulty breathing.
Longevity of Scombroid Poisoning Symptoms
Mild or moderate symptoms usually resolve in a few hours or several days. However, in severe cases, medications and inhalers are prescribed.
Scombroid Poisoning Diagnosis and Treatment
A patient’s physical exam is conducted, and a urine sample is analyzed for diagnosis. Once diagnosed, antihistamines are prescribed to address the symptoms related to this poisoning.
Furthermore, if the condition is severe, antihistamines are given for a couple of days. The health practitioner may also prescribe other agents like albuterol inhalers, Epi-pens, H2-blockers for reducing stomach acidity, and steroids.
Since this fish poisoning is not an infection or an allergy, adrenaline, corticosteroids, and antibiotics will not help.
Scombroid Poisoning Prevention
Immediately refrigerate your freshly caught or store-bought fish. Plus, correctly store them in a chilled environment to prevent this fish poisoning.
Not to mention, purchase the fish from reputable outlets only and try to eat them on the same day.
According to the FDA, histamine levels should not surpass 50mg/kg. Levels higher than this are considered hazardous.
Bottom line
An improperly stored fish can elicit an allergic-like response called scombroid poisoning. Ingestion of excessive histamine is the main culprit, and antihistamines are the first-line antidote.
