Pilot Study on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Allergy

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 8 years or older with a history of allergic reaction to cod, shrimp or crab, manifested by any of the following: urticaria, angioedema, asthma or anaphylaxis, within 60 mins of ingestion. * Having a positive skin prick test to the cod, shrimp or crab as defined by a weal diameter 3 mm greater than the diluent control. * Having a positive oral challenge with freeze-dried cod, shrimp or crab. * Asthma must be under control with a FEV1 of at least 80% predicted value. * Aspirin, anti-histamines/anti-allergic medicines and antidepressants are not permitted for 3 days, one week and two weeks, respectively, before skin testing or oral food challenge. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy. * Requiring systemic glucocorticoids, beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors. * Having poorly controlled asthma, poorly controlled atopic dermatitis prior to study. * Inability to discontinue antihistamines or other medication for skin testing and oral challenges. * Unable to comply with the study protocol for any reason.