Why does my head hurt after eating crab?
Nov 11, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Introduction
In general, headaches caused by eating crabs may be due to overeating, metabolic abnormalities, allergies, histamine poisoning, acute gastroenteritis, and other factors. It is recommended that patients receive symptomatic treatment according to the specific cause, following medical advice. At the same time, attention should be paid to food hygiene and the principle of moderate consumption in daily life, to avoid excessive eating or improper consumption leading to physical discomfort.
Generally, headaches after eating crabs may be caused by excessive intake, abnormal metabolism, allergy, histamine poisoning, or acute gastroenteritis. It is recommended that patients receive symptomatic treatment according to the specific cause under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Excessive intake: Although crabs are nutritious, they are high-protein and high-fat foods. Consuming excessive amounts at one time can increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and may cause insufficient blood supply to the brain, resulting in headaches. In addition to headaches, symptoms such as stomach distension, nausea, vomiting, and other signs of indigestion may also occur. Patients are advised to stop eating crabs, rest appropriately, and observe whether symptoms improve.
2. Metabolic abnormalities: Crabs contain high levels of purines. Individuals with purine metabolism disorders may experience elevated uric acid levels after consuming excessive crab, which can lead to headaches. Besides headaches, symptoms such as joint pain and redness and swelling, especially in the toes and ankles, may also occur. Patients should take medications such as febuxostat tablets, benzbromarone tablets, or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets as directed by a physician.
3. Allergy: Some individuals are allergic to components in crab, such as proteins, and may experience allergic reactions after ingestion, causing headaches. Symptoms may also include skin itching, rashes, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the throat. Patients should take antiallergic medications such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, loratadine tablets, or cetirizine hydrochloride oral solution as directed by a doctor.
4. Histamine poisoning: After crabs die, the level of histamine in their bodies increases rapidly. Consuming dead or undercooked crabs may lead to histamine poisoning, causing headaches. Patients may also experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In such cases, patients should promptly seek treatment at a regular hospital for gastric lavage.
5. Acute gastroenteritis: Crabs may carry bacteria or parasites. Consuming undercooked or improperly handled crabs may cause acute gastroenteritis, which can lead to headaches. Patients may also experience symptoms such as vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. In such cases, it is recommended that patients follow medical advice to use medications such as levofloxacin tablets, cefotaxime sodium injection, or montmorillonite powder for treatment.
If symptoms persist, worsen, or recur, timely medical attention should be sought for standardized treatment under medical guidance. Additionally, in daily life, attention should be paid to food hygiene and the principle of moderate consumption to avoid bodily discomfort caused by excessive intake or improper consumption.
