Scombroid (Scombrotoxin poisoning)


Background

  • Often confused with allergy
  • Most common cause is scrombotoxin in spoiled oily fish:
    • Tuna, mackerel, bonito and skipjack
  • Also known as Histamine Fish Poisoning (up to 25% of wt ingested may be pure histamine)

Clinical

Symptoms and signs include:

  • flushing, urticaria, headache, palpitations, GI upset
  • Onset minutes after ingestion and can last hours

Management


Content by Dr Íomhar O' Sullivan. Last review Dr ÍOS 11/04/23.