Introduction
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 have 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 …show more content…
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 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 lower 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
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 have 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 …show more content…
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 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 lower 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