Scombroid Fish Poisoning

Scombroid Fish Poisoning – Is it Hazardous?

Scombroid fish poisoning is illness that happens when you eat certain types of fish that have not been properly refrigerated or stored. These types of fish naturally contain higher levels of a substance called histidine.

When these fish are not stored properly, bacteria can change histidine into chemicals (histamines) that can make you sick and give you allergy-like symptoms. Other names for this type of food poisoning are histamine fish poisoning and scombrotoxin fish poisoning.

Affected fish often has a metallic, bitter, or peppery taste. However, sometimes the fish looks and tastes the way it should.

Cooking, freezing, or canning fish that has a high histamine level does not prevent scombroid fish poisoning. Some types of fish are more likely to cause scombroid fish poisoning. These include:

  • Tuna.
  • Mackerel.
  • Bonito.
  • Mahi-mahi.
  • Sardines.
  • Anchovies.
  • Herring.
  • Bluefish.
  • Amberjack.
  • Marlin.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by eating fish that has a high histidine or histamine level and is not stored or refrigerated properly.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of scombroid fish poisoning can vary, and they go away within a few hours. The most common symptoms are:

  • Cramps and pain in the abdomen.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Rash.
  • Itchy, red, swollen areas of skin (hives).
  • Itching.
  • Becoming red in the face (flushing).
  • Sweating.
  • Headache.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Dizziness.
  • Irregular heartbeat.
  • Burning sensation in the mouth.
  • Metallic taste in the mouth.
  • Swelling of the face and tongue.
  • Breathing loudly (wheezing). This is rare.
  • A drop in blood pressure. This is rare.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

  • Your symptoms.
  • Whether you have recently eaten certain types of seafood. If possible, the seafood that you ate may be tested for high levels of histamines, but this is rare.

How is this treated?

Scombroid fish poisoning usually clears up in about 12 hours without treatment. Your health care provider may recommend taking an antihistamine to help break down the histamines that you ate.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow. This is especially important if you have vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Rest and return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider.

How is this prevented?

  • Refrigerate, freeze, or put fish on ice immediately after catching it. Fish should be stored at a temperature that is colder than 38°F (3.33°C).
  • Do not eat fish that:
    • Smells bad.
    • Has a metallic, salty, sharp, or peppery taste.
    • Has a bubbly or honeycombed appearance.
    • Is sold as bait. Products used for bait do not need to meet the same food safety standards as seafood that people eat.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • You have a fever.
  • You cannot eat or drink without vomiting.

Get help right away if:

  • You are wheezing or you have trouble breathing.
  • You have a tight feeling in your chest or throat.
  • You have a swollen tongue.
  • You have hives or swelling all over your body.
  • You feel faint or you pass out.
  • You develop chest pain.

Summary

  • Scombroid fish poisoning is illness that happens when you eat certain types of fish that have not been properly refrigerated or stored.
  • These types of fish naturally contain higher levels of a substance called histidine.
  • Scombroid fish poisoning can make you sick and give you allergy-like symptoms.
  • Your health care provider may recommend taking an antihistamine to help with this condition.
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