PETALING JAYA: For someone who is allergic to shellfish, Tan Kai Xuan is often anxious about accidental exposure, especially at events or shared meals.
“I always ask if there’s shellfish, even in soups or sauces. If I’m not 100% sure, I won’t eat it,” he said.
The mechanical engineer recounted a near-fatal incident after unknowingly eating a dish containing prawns.
“Within minutes, my lips and throat started swelling and I couldn’t breathe properly. I collapsed and was rushed to the emergency room,” he said.
Since then, Tan carries emergency medication at all times.
“I always have antihistamines with me, and my doctor has prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector in case of severe reactions. You don’t wait and see with allergies like this,” he said.
“One mistake almost cost me my life. Being careful is not optional.”
Graphic designer Zhareef Ahmad, 26, has learnt to be cautious after experiencing an allergic reaction to peanuts in his teens.
“My skin began to itch and developed rashes. My throat felt tight. It wasn’t life-threatening, but it scared me enough to be more careful.
“Now I try to avoid foods without clear ingredient labels. And I always inform friends before dining out,” he said.
For social media executive Veronica Poh, 32, food allergies affect daily routines and social life.
“I always check menus beforehand and ask servers detailed questions. Sometimes people think I’m being difficult,” she said.
Poh recalled once accidentally consuming food containing dairy, which left her struggling to breathe.
“That incident taught me not to take chances,” she said.
