Bethenny Frankel’s Allergy to Fish Raises Awareness on Medical ID Bracelets

“Purchased a new @americanmedicalid and changed the inscription to ensure that I receive epinephrine and that 911 is called!” – @Liladri317

Food allergy to fish or shellfish affects 2.3% of the US Population. Approximately 6.6 million Americans are affected by seafood allergy which often develops in adulthood. A study showed that both fish and shellfish allergies were more common among adults ages 40 to 60.

Allergic reaction to seafood which includes finned fish like tuna, cod, and salmon; and shellfish like shrimp, crab, lobster, scallops, clams, and squid, can be sudden, severe, and sometimes fatal. Business woman and The Real Housewives of New York City star, Bethenny Frankel shared on Twitter how eating soup containing fish triggered a near-fatal allergic reaction.

Bethenny tweeted, “I had soup, itched and was unconscious for 15 minutes then to ER & ICU for 2 days with BP of 60/40. I couldn’t talk, see, thought I had a stroke and dying and told if 5 minutes later I’d be dead. 911 and EPI saved me.”

Medical IDs Recommended for Fish Allergy

Bethenny Frankel’s experience started a conversation on fish and seafood allergy and raised awareness on the importance of wearing a medical ID. On Twitter, followers shared their own experience of having similar allergic reactions and most importantly, tips on food allergy safety. These tips include always mentioning fish allergy when ordering food, use of an emergency wallet card, having an Epi-pen (two pens are better than one) and wearing a form of medical alert jewelry at all times.

Organizations like the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) recommend wearing a medical alert bracelet (or necklace) as part of an effective allergy management plan. A medical ID can alert others that you have a serious allergy. It can be critical if you have a reaction and unable to communicate.

What to put on Fish Allergy Medical ID

A medial ID is most effective when it holds accurate medical information that can help responders treat someone better in an emergency. It is recommended to custom-engrave unique and specific health information on a medical ID, such as putting “fish allergy” versus “food allergy”.

Here is a list on what to engrave on a medical ID for fish, shellfish, or seafood allergy:

1. 1. Your name to quickly identify yourself

1. 1. Your specific food allergy. Allergy can be abbreviated to ALGY on your medical ID. Example: ALGY: FISH or ALGYS: FISH, SHELLFISH

1. 1. Other medical conditions

1. 1. Medications and if you carry an Epi-pen in your bag or purse. Example: USE EPI IN BAG, EPI IN BAG

1. In case of emergency contact or an alert to call 911

Any form of food allergy must be taken seriously. Allergic reactions are not the same and can range from mild to severe, including anaphylaxis.

Do you have a food allergy story or food allergy tips you’d like to share? Leave us a comment below and receive a special discount on our medical IDs! (First 10 to comment)