Eggs are one of the best sources of nutrition, being full of proteins and healthy fats. Humans have been consuming eggs for millions of years. We mainly eat the eggs of fowl, especially hens. Sadly, a lot of children have allergy reaction to eggs. Symptoms of egg allergies usually show up in varying periods, ranging from a few minutes up to even a few hours after consumption of eggs or any food that contains eggs. Allergic reaction to egg symptoms may be mild or severe ranging from skin rashes to digestive issues and in rare cases may also be fatal.
In this article you’ll learn about what is egg allergy, its symptoms, causes and course of treatment. Continue reading!
What is Egg Allergy?
Egg allergy, or an allergy reaction to eggs is a common symptom commonly seen in a lot of children. It is one of the more common allergic reactions that affect children. By the time they attain adolescence, most children, but not all, usually outgrow their egg allergic reaction symptoms.
Symptoms of allergic reaction to eggs may be mild in nature and also range from severe to serious symptoms. Egg food allergy symptoms commonly range from egg allergy skin rash, eyes itching and watering similar to hay fever, runny nose, nausea, vomiting and cramps. Egg intolerance symptoms may also turn fatal if it results in anaphylaxis.
What is Egg Allery Caused By?
All allergies are caused when the antibodies in your immune system overreact to certain triggers from any external stimuli, called allergens. This reaction results in inflammatory reactions and other allergic symptoms including hay fever and hives.
Symptoms of allergic reaction to eggs may be triggered by the proteins present in either the yolk or the white of the egg. Egg white allergy symptoms are more common and the egg sensitivity symptoms may originate from chicken eggs, duck eggs or both, in a phenomenon referred to as cross-reactivity.
The main proteins that are the cause of allergic reaction to egg symptoms are as follows:
- Ovomucoid: Ovomucoids are present in egg whites.
- Ovotransferrin: This protein does not break down even when it is exposed to high temperatures. In case you are allergic to ovotransferrin, you cannot have cooked eggs or raw eggs.
- Ovalbumin: Ovalbumin is broken when exposed to high temperatures, so you may eat cooked eggs without having to worry about egg allergic reaction symptoms.
- Lysozyme: Lysozyme is found in hens egg whites and a large number of persons allergic to eggs are actually allergic to lysozyme.
Symptoms of Egg Allergies
The immune system differs from person to person and the sensitivity to eggs symptoms varies in intensity and as well as the type of egg food allergy symptoms in different persons. Egg allergy symptoms in adults and children may appear immediately or after the elapsing of a few hours, depending on various factors. In egg allergy adults may suffer from mild as well as life-threatening symptoms. In the case of both adults and children, it is safe to say that if you have experienced the symptoms of egg intolerance once, then the chances of a severe reaction are higher.
The symptoms of egg allergies include:
Hives or Inflammation of the Skin from Egg Allergy Rash
The most common allergic reaction to eggs rash is hives, a type of itchy welts outbreak on the skin. Egg allergy rash pictures are scary to look at as it may result in eczema and the outbreak is over a large area and is normally in a deep red shade.
Nasal Congestion
You may suffer from a runny nose or nasal congestion as a result of the inflammation of the membranes of the nose. Allergic rhinitis may also result in repetitive sneezing.
Afflictions of the Digestive System
Sudden egg allergy in adults may cause cramps in the stomach. You may also feel nauseous and want to vomit.
Respiratory Difficulties
Egg allergy may affect your respiratory system and result in conditions, which cause asthma or make its effects severe. You may additionally suffer from severe coughing and wheezing. People also suffer from tightness in their chest or from shortness of breath.
Effect on Eyes
Egg allergy may cause your eyes watery or become red as the membranes get affected.
In case your reaction to the allergy caused by egg intolerance is severe, it may lead to the occurrence of anaphylaxis. This is a condition which may turn fatal and requires a shot of adrenaline called epinephrine to be administered immediately and may require emergency care at a healthcare facility. The symptoms of anaphylaxis include the following signs:
- Blockage in airways, including swelling in your throat or the formation of a lump in your throat which makes breathing difficult. You voice may become hoarse or you are unable to talk.
- Severe cramps and pain in your abdominal areas.
- Your pulse rate will increase rapidly.
- Your tongue may swell.
- You may go into shock along with a sudden and rapid drop in blood pressure levels. You may feel lightheaded, dizzy or lose consciousness.
Factor Affecting Egg Allergy
The following are risk factors which may lead to increased chances of developing egg allergy:
- Atopic Dermatitis: This is a type of skin reaction which is found in children. Children who have this reaction are more likely to suffer from egg allergy rather than those without this condition.
- Family History: If your family has a history of food allergy, asthma or any other type of allergic reaction such as hives, eczema or hay fever, the chances of you suffering from a food allergy or egg allergy increase to a great extent.
- Age: Egg allergy affects children the most. As children grow into adolescence, with the maturing of their digestive system, egg allergies are less likely to occur.
Diagnosis of Egg Allergies
Discuss the situation with your physician if any member of your family, especially children displays the symptoms of egg allergy. You will be referred to an allergist who will want to know the following:
- History of allergies to eggs or any food in your biological family
- Whether you have ever been diagnosed with food allergies
- Details of the symptoms you are suffering from
- The timeline of the symptoms – when did your symptoms start to appear
- Whether you took any medication to treat the symptoms
- Whether you maintain a food journal containing details of the food you have taken
The allergist may recommend or carry out the following tests to check whether you suffer from egg allergy:
- Skin prick test also known as a scratch test, takes around 1 hour to carry out and diagnose.
- Blood test in the laboratory to check for the level of IgE antibodies in your blood. This takes around 1 week or longer to carry out.
- Graded oral challenge as a method of definitely diagnosing or ruling out an egg allergy. This takes around 4 hours to carry out.
Treatment of Egg Allergy
There is no treatment known for egg allergy. The only thing to do is not to eat eggs or products that contain eggs. However, by following a few tips you can manage your egg allergy well. Here you go:
1. Study the Labels on Food Carefully: A lot of food contains eggs. You need to study the labels on products you eat very carefully in order to be sure that you are not getting exposed to eggs in any form.
2. Mention Your Allergy when Eating out: Mention that you are allergic to eggs and egg products when you are eating out to remain yourself unexposed to eggs in any form.
3. Get Your Child an Allergy Bracelet: An allergy bracelet is a bracelet for your child mentioning that he or she is allergic to eggs and egg products. This will ensure that your child is not given anything containing eggs by mistake when you are not around.
4. Be Mindful of Hidden Sources of Eggs: Some foods, even though they are labelled as being egg-free may contain traces of egg proteins. You need to be aware of this and avoid consuming such foods. The following foods may contain eggs or egg proteins:
- Marshmallows
- Meringue
- Marzipan
- Mayonnaise
- Baked goods
- Foods which are breaded
- Frostings
- Processed meat and products like meatballs and meatloaf
- Salad dressing
- Puddings and custards
- Pretzels
- Many types of pasta
- Foam on certain food items
Can Vaccines Trigger Egg Allergies?
Some vaccines administered for children to increase their immunity to certain diseases contain egg proteins. If your child suffers from egg allergies, then these vaccines may trigger an allergic reaction.
- Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) Vaccines: The MMR vaccines are considered to be safe to administer to children, even if they suffer from egg allergy.
- Influenza Vaccines: Vaccines for influenza, or flu, contain some traces of egg protein. However, most people with egg allergies may be safely administered this vaccine without the risk of any side effects. Moreover, there is a vaccine for influenza available for those who are aged 18 years and above in which these egg proteins are not present. These are the Flublok Quadrivalent and Flucelvax Quadrivalent flu shots.
- Yellow Fever Vaccine: This is a compulsory vaccine for people when entering certain African and South American countries. People who are suffering from egg allergies may avoid this vaccine with a certificate from their physician.
Wrapping it Up!
If you or your child is suffering from an egg allergy, you need to be aware of what you are eating and adopt a lifestyle where you are aware and careful. In case you are apprehensive that you may somehow get exposed to eggs or egg products in spite of your best precautions, you may discuss this with your physician and you may be advised to carry an epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times.
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