SymptomsEgg allergy reactions vary from person to person and usually occur soon after exposure to egg. Egg allergy symptoms can include:. Skin inflammation or hives — the most common egg allergy reaction. Nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing (allergic rhinitis). Digestive symptoms, such as cramps, nausea and vomiting.
Directions: Separate one egg at a time into a small bowl, letting the white fall into the bowl and discarding the yolk. If there’s any trace of yolk in the white, discard the white and start over. Egg Allergy If you're allergic to eggs, you may be allergic to the egg white, the yolk or both parts of the egg. During an egg allergy, your immune system fails to identify the proteins in the egg whites as safe, which triggers the body to produce certain antibodies that attempt to neutralize the proteins.
Asthma signs and symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breathAnaphylaxisA severe allergic reaction can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency that requires an immediate epinephrine (adrenaline) shot and a trip to the emergency room. Anaphylaxis signs and symptoms include:. Constriction of airways, including a swollen throat or a lump in your throat that makes it difficult to breathe. Abdominal pain and cramping.
Rapid pulse. Shock, with a severe drop in blood pressure felt as dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousnessDiscuss with your doctor any reaction — no matter how mild — you or your child has to eggs. The severity of egg allergy reactions can vary each time one occurs, so even if a past reaction was mild, the next one could be more serious.If your doctor thinks you or your child may be at risk of a severe reaction, he or she may prescribe an emergency epinephrine shot to be used if anaphylaxis occurs.
The shot comes in a device that makes it easy to deliver, called an autoinjector. When to see a doctorSee a doctor if you or your child has signs or symptoms of a food allergy shortly after eating eggs or an egg-containing product. If possible, see the doctor when the allergic reaction is occurring. This may help in making a diagnosis.If you or your child has signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, seek immediate emergency treatment and use an autoinjector if one has been prescribed. CausesAn immune system overreaction causes food allergies.
For egg allergy, the immune system mistakenly identifies certain egg proteins as harmful. When you or your child comes in contact with egg proteins, immune system cells (antibodies) recognize them and signal the immune system to release histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic signs and symptoms.Both egg yolks and egg whites contain proteins that can cause allergies, but allergy to egg whites is most common. It's possible for breast-fed infants to have an allergic reaction to egg proteins in breast milk if the mother consumes eggs.
Risk factorsCertain factors can increase the risk of developing an egg allergy:. Atopic dermatitis. Children with this type of skin reaction are much more likely to develop a food allergy than are children who don't have skin problems. Family history. You're at increased risk of a food allergy if one or both of your parents have asthma, food allergy or another type of allergy — such as hay fever, hives or eczema. Age. Egg allergy is most common in children.
With age, the digestive system matures and allergic food reactions are less likely to occur.ComplicationsThe most significant complication of egg allergy is having a severe allergic reaction requiring an epinephrine injection and emergency treatment.The same immune system reaction that causes egg allergy can also cause other conditions. If you or your child has an egg allergy, you or your child may be at increased risk of:. Allergies to other foods, such as milk, soy or peanuts. Allergies to pet dander, dust mites or grass pollen. Allergic skin reactions such as atopic dermatitis. Asthma, which in turn increases the risk of having a severe allergic reaction to eggs or other foodsPreventionHere are some things you can do to avoid an allergic reaction, and to keep it from getting worse if one does occur.
Read food labels carefully. Some people react to foods with only trace amounts of egg. Be cautious when eating out. Your server or even the cook may not be completely certain about whether a food contains egg proteins. Wear an allergy bracelet or necklace. This can be especially important if you or your child has a severe reaction and can't tell caregivers or others what's going on.
Let your child's caregivers know about an egg allergy. Talk to your child's babysitters, teachers, relatives or other caregivers about the egg allergy so that they don't accidently give your child egg-containing products. Make sure they understand what to do in an emergency. If you're breast-feeding, avoid eggs. If your child has an egg allergy, he or she may react to proteins passed through your milk.Hidden sources of egg productsUnfortunately, even if a food is labeled egg-free it may still contain some egg proteins. Food allergy: An overview.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Accessed July 3, 2014. Wang J, et al. Egg allergy: Clinical features and diagnosis. Accessed July 3, 2014. Wang J. Egg allergy: Management.
Accessed July 3, 2014. Egg allergy. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Accessed July 3, 2014. About food allergies: Egg allergy. Food Allergy Research and Education.
Accessed July 3, 2014. Tips for avoiding your allergen.
Food Allergy Research and Education. Accessed July 3, 2014. Sicherer SH. Management of food allergy: Avoidance.
Accessed July 3, 2014.
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