Allergies - any need to advise the airlines?

[Keith009]

I developed an allergic reaction to some shellfish I ate in LA and was hospitalised for 7 hours - never knew I was allergic to shellfish till then having happily eaten them with no probs all my life.

I just need some advice on whether there is a need to advise the airlines of my newly discovered allergy.

Cheers.

 

[Commuter]

I am by no means an expert so take what I say with a pinch of salt but I don't think you 'need to' disclose your allergy to airlines.

But if you want to make sure that you don't inadvertently end up with a meal with shellfish in it, you might like to check with the staff to make sure the things you can't eat is not in there, and you might also like to have a discreet word with the CSM/CSD to let him/her know about the possibility in case you have an allergic reaction in flight (just so they know the best course of action - probably 'is there a doctor on board?') - or wear a medical bracelet.

If you are carrying the likes of Epi-Pen it would be a good idea to carry a doctor's letter with you so that you can carry it through security. If you have not been offered an opportunity to discuss an Epi-Pen option I would suggest you discuss it with your doctor at the next opportunity, and seeing your own doctor would be a good idea in any case so that you can get referral to a specialist as necessary.


If you react to the presence of shellfish nearby, then that could be a differernt matter and you may like to inform the airline though... and in this case definitely get referred to a specialist ASAP because your risk would be higher than if you only reacted when you eat it.

 

[HardieBoys]

I'd suggest first consulting with your GP, and if required, an immunologist, to clarify the extent of your newly-found allergy, and in particular, develop a strategy to manage any further symptoms. That done, you can then work on strategies to manage the problem when in the air.

 

[Keith009]

I have an Epi-pen which I'm going to carry with me - I guess the prescription note from the doctor is sufficient for getting it through security?

That said I was only in ER and I didn't get much medical advise other than to not eat shellfish, and to consult my own GP back in Melbourne upon arriving home to identify the specific allergen.

 

[Commuter]

I should think it would be sufficient, especially considering that there appear to be quite a lot of people who carry it (so the security should be somewhat used to seeing them), but it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a letter issued on the doctor's letter head with his signature at the next opportunity in case a security personnel decides to be awkward.

 

[HardieBoys]

Most airlines have slightly different policies about disclosure of medical conditions and about medication. It's highly unlikely that you'd have a duty of disclosure about a food allergy, but I'd still check.

With respect to an Epi-pen, I'd advise keeping a copy of the prescription, as well as obtaining a letter from your prescribing doctor.

 

[Keith009]

I should think it would be sufficient, especially considering that there appear to be quite a lot of people who carry it (so the security should be somewhat used to seeing them).

D'oh I just remembered that I carried it on to my flight to Vegas earlier this week with no probs. That was LAX T4 - they didn't even ask to see doctor letters or anything. Hopefully TSA at other airports will be just as cool.

I completely forgot about the doctor's letter and it's too late now since the prescribing doctor is in LA and I won't be heading back there anytime soon.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[SeaWolf]

Security is probably also used to seeing diabetics carrying needles and insulin onto flights very regularly, so I don't think an EpiPen (which looks like a white board marker anyway) would raise any eyebrows.

 

[Commuter]

Just get it organised for your next trip when you see a doctor next time - I think you should be fine for this trip (and most likely others anyway). It's just good to have 'just in case of an akward one'.

I guess the accommodation at the LA hospital wasn't as nice as the hotel you stayed at in Rome?

 

[Keith009]

Thanks so much for the advice I really appreciate it. Am kinda lost as I've never had these things before...:-|

I guess the accommodation at the LA hospital wasn't as nice as the hotel you stayed at in Rome?

Not quite.
I'm reliably informed that it's the same hospital (Cedars-Sinai) Britney goes to everytime she has a meltdown (though I think she went to UCLA for her involuntary commitment), and lots of celebrity babies were born there. I guess I ought've taken a picture in spite of looking like Will Smith's character in Hitch.

 

[Commuter]

Damn, no pictures then

Well I'm glad you got rescued. Getting a sudden severe allergic reaction can be pretty scary (especially when you haven't had one before).

 

[Keith009]

Damn, no pictures then

Well I'm glad you got rescued. Getting a sudden severe allergic reaction can be pretty scary (especially when you haven't had one before).

At least I now have some drama for when I update my trip report.

 

[drron]

Yes you definitely need this sorted out when you get home and find out what the allergy really is.If you have been having shellfish all your life(and judging by your trip reports you could well have)then they may be being blamed unneccessarily.My son was diagnosed in the USA with a shellfish allergy which on investigation turned out to be a sulphur based preservative often used with shellfish.This is a problem though as now he doesnt know which have the preservative and which not.generally used when not so fresh.
It is best to let the airline know if you are sure of a specific food allergy.I have an 8 yr old grandaughter who has severe allergies to eggs,nuts and shellfish and has needed to use her epipen on occasions.It is also interesting to see an airlines reaction-eg on Emirates to LHR was told bring your own food.MH a little better,QF not too bad,JL v good and AA excellent.
As an aside her father is Malaysian Chinese and one of her allergies,fortunately not severe is rice.

 

[Yada Yada]

Yes, I'd recommend seeing an allergist when you return. They can check this one relatively easily.

I've been allergic to shellfish all my life and while I don't need an epi-pen, each time I have an event it gets more serious (last one was 3 days in hospital).

I do have note in my QFF file that I am allergic to shellfish but it doesn't seem to get through to the crew on international flights. So I just tell my crew member as early as possible so that they know to be careful.

 

[HardieBoys]

Instances where security / airlines allow you onto a plane without documentation are obviously no problem. Problems arise when an officious security agent doesn't allow the EpiPen onto the plane without documentation.

 

[Keith009]

Seeing that I will not be able to see an allergist till I get home end of the month - I am taking care to avoid anything that might contain the same allergens as shellfish on my holiday....

INCLUDING CAVIAR!!! :shock:

 

[drron]

Now are you really sure you didnt have champagne with those shellfish?

 

[Keith009]

Now are you really sure you didnt have champagne with those shellfish?

Between my parents and myself we polished off a red, and 2 bottles of champers (I hate new Veuve for the record). Dear god I really do hope it's not a champagne allergy I've got. I only need allergies to champagne and donuts and that'd be the end of life...

I can't drink for an entire month anyway as I'm on meds - those catering the Mis En Cave on QF108 for the 28th of Feb can rest easy now...

 

[Keith009]

So today I went to my doctor, hoping to make a Grand Discovery.

Several 'umm's, 'ahhh's, document scrutiny, and furious typing failed to produce said Grand Discovery. Instead - I was referred to an 'allergist.'
I now have to wait 'weeks' to see an allergist at the Royal Melb Hospital because apparently there's a long waitlist to see a specialist of any description due to chronic shortages, public or private. Was told going to the private system won't help. I was even told not to bother calling them, the doctor had organised the referral and all I could do was wait for them to get back to me.

In my previous capacity as an electorate officer (ie a political hack with a heart...as least I like to delude myself) I'd helped countless people with hospital waitlists, often for kneecap replacements, hip replacements and the like. This is obviously far more minor. But nonetheless I now fully understand their frustration with the 'system.'

Totally anti-climatic....

 

[kpc]

Hi Keith,

If you can't wait, may I suggest you look at this list from the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy:
The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy - Victoria, ring up yourself and see who has the earliest appointment, and then get your GP to change the referral to that particular specialist.

regards