Egg Allergy

Egg Allergy

Eggs are among the most common foods that can prompt allergic reactions in infants and young children. While many children outgrow their egg allergy by the time they start school, some may continue to experience it throughout later childhood or adulthood in rare cases. Occasionally, egg allergies can also develop in grown-ups.

The allergic reaction is often caused by proteins found in the egg, particularly in the egg white. Babies with eczema are at a higher risk of getting an egg allergy. Additionally, having another food allergy, such as cow’s milk allergy, or a family history of allergies (atopy) further raises the likelihood.

Symptoms

Egg allergy symptoms can vary between individuals and typically appear shortly after exposure. Common symptoms include:

  • Inflammation or hives on the skin, which are the most frequent allergic response.
  • Nasal congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose (allergic rhinitis).
  • Stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting.
  • Asthma-related symptoms including coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.

Anaphylaxis:

In severe cases, an egg allergy can result in anaphylaxis—a potentially life-threatening condition that necessitates immediate treatment with an epinephrine (adrenaline) injection and emergency medical attention. Signs of anaphylaxis include:

  • Restricted airways due to swelling or a lump in the throat that causes breathing difficulty.
  • Abdominal discomfort and cramping.
  • Rapid heart rate.
  • Shock, accompanied by a significant drop in blood pressure. This leads to lightheadedness, dizziness, or unconsciousness.

Causes

Egg allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to certain proteins in eggs, mistakenly identifying them as harmful. Upon exposure to these proteins, the immune system produces antibodies that trigger the release of histamine as well as other chemicals, leading to allergic symptoms.

Both the egg whites and yolk contain proteins likely to provoke allergies, although reactions to egg whites are more common. In some cases, breastfed infants may experience an allergic response to egg proteins present in breast milk, especially if the mother eats eggs.

Risk Factors

Some of the factors that can increase the likelihood of an egg allergy include:

  • Atopic dermatitis: Kids with this skin condition are at a higher risk of developing food allergies compared to those without skin problems.
  • Family history: The risk of food allergies increases if one or both parents have asthma, food allergies, or other allergic conditions such as hay fever, hives, or eczema.
  • Age: Egg allergy is more prevalent in young children. However, as they grow older, their digestive systems mature, reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions to food.

Complications

The most serious egg allergy complication is anaphylaxis. In addition, the immune system response that triggers egg allergy can increase the likelihood of developing other conditions. Individuals with an egg allergy may be at a higher risk of the following:

  • Allergies to foods like soy, milk, or peanuts.
  • Sensitivities to dust mites, pet dander, or grass pollen.
  • Allergic reactions like atopic dermatitis.
  • This increases the likelihood of severe allergic responses to eggs or other foods.

Diagnosis

Egg allergy diagnosis is done using a combination of methods to rule out other potential causes of symptoms. In most cases, what appears to be an egg allergy may actually be food intolerance, which is less severe and isn’t linked to the immune system.

Your physician will first perform a physical examination and obtain a medical history. After that, one or more of these diagnostic tests may be recommended:

  • Skin prick test: During this test, a small amount of egg protein is applied to a pricked area of the skin. If a raised bump (hive) forms, it may indicate an allergy. Allergy specialists are best suited to conduct and interpret these tests.
  • Blood test: This test measures specific antibodies in the bloodstream that may indicate an immune response to egg proteins.
  • Food challenge: This involves consuming a small amount of egg under close medical supervision to monitor for an allergic reaction. If no reaction occurs, the amount of egg is gradually increased. This test should only be conducted by an allergy specialist due to the risk of severe reactions.
  • Food diary or elimination diet: Your doctor may ask you to keep a detailed record of foods consumed or eliminate eggs (and potentially other foods) from the diet to observe if the symptoms get better.

Egg Allergy Treatment

The most effective way of preventing symptoms of an egg allergy is to refrain from eggs and products containing eggs. However, some individuals with an egg allergy are likely to tolerate foods that include well-cooked eggs, like those found in baked goods.

Common treatment options for egg allergy include:

  • Antihistamine medications: These can help alleviate mild symptoms of egg allergy if taken following an exposure. However, they are not suitable for preventing or treating severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.
  • Emergency epinephrine: For severe allergic reactions, an epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen, Auvi-Q) is essential. If anaphylaxis occurs, immediate administration of epinephrine is required, followed by a visit to the emergency room for monitoring to ensure symptoms do not recur.

It’s important to know how to properly use the auto-injector. Ensure caregivers, teachers, and other responsible adults access and understand how to use it. Also, older children should be taught how to use the injector correctly. Remember to regularly check the expiration date and replace the injector as needed.

Many children outgrow their egg allergy over time. Consult your doctor about how often you should test to determine if eggs are still causing symptoms. Testing should always be done under medical supervision, especially if there has been a history of severe reactions, as it can be dangerous to test this at home.

Foods to Avoid with an Egg Allergy

If you have an egg allergy, avoiding foods that may contain eggs or egg-derived ingredients is important. Common foods to watch out for include:

  • Breaded foods
  • Baked goods
  • Cake and pie fillings
  • Eggnog
  • Mayonnaise
  • Custard
  • Marshmallows
  • Meat alternatives such as veggie meats
  • Processed meats
  • Pasta
  • Pretzels
  • Pudding
  • Salad dressings

Always check food labels for ingredients such as albumin, ovalbumin, or other egg-based terms. Moreover, inform staff about your allergy to ensure your meal is safe when dining out.

Conclusion

An egg allergy can be both frustrating and, in some cases, alarming. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and it’s natural to feel uncertain about what’s triggering them. However, a healthcare provider can offer clarity by conducting tests to diagnose an egg allergy. In addition, they can refer you to a professional dietitian who can provide guidance on safe foods and drinks to consume.

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