Podcast # 342: Scombroid

Author: Jared Scott, MD

Educational Pearls:

• Scombroid is a type of food poisoning associated with dark fish (i.e. tuna, salmon, mackerel) that mimics anaphylaxis.

• Occurs through conversion of histidine to histamine by bacteria in the fish.

• Symptoms include flushing, lips swelling, nausea, diarrhea in setting of recent fish consumption.

• Treat with antihistamines.

References

Ridolo E, Martignago I, Senna G, Ricci G. Scombroid syndrome: it seems to be fish allergy but... it isn't. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2016. 16(5):516-21. doi: 10.1097/ACI.0000000000000297.

Patterson R, Little B, Tolan J, Sweeney C. How to manage a urinary catheter balloon that will not deflate. Int Urol Nephrol. 2006;38(1):57-61. Review. PubMed PMID: 16502053.