(HealthDayNews) -- That fish you just ate might have looked and smelled fine, but marine toxins could make you sick.
Diseases caused by naturally occurring bacterial toxins include
scombrotoxic fish poisoning, also known as scombroid or histamine fish poisoning, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Finfish such as tuna, mackerel and bonito are especially prone, the agency adds.
As bacteria break down fish proteins, byproducts like histamine build up in fish. Eating fish that has high histamine levels can cause a rash, diarrhea, sweating, headache and vomiting from two minutes to two hours after a meal. Other symptoms could include swelling of the mouth, abdominal pain or a metallic taste.
While most have mild symptoms that resolve within a few hours, some sensitive people may need antihistamines or epinephrine to prevent serious reactions.
