Egg Allergy

An egg allergy is most commonly found in children below the age of five, and they are most likely to gradually grow out of it after the age of five. It’s the protein in the egg white that’s usually responsible for the allergic reaction, though in some cases the protein found in the yolk can be responsible.

Symptoms of an egg allergy reflect the symptoms of most food allergies and include skin rashes and eczema, hives, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, coughing, sneezing, runny eyes and nose, and wheezing. A severe egg allergy can result in anaphylaxis, which closes the respiratory tract, causing the inability to breathe normally. This can be fatal in some cases and is especially dangerous in the case of infants.

Diagnosing And Treating An Egg Allergy

As with other allergies, there are two primary tests that will help your physician determine the source of your allergy. The first is a skin scratch test, the second is a blood test. Once you’re sure it’s eggs that are causing your reactions, the best way to prevent future allergic reactions is to avoid those products containing eggs or egg extract.

Unfortunately, there are numerous foods that contain eggs. It’s therefore important that you learn to read package labels carefully. Any mention of egg whites or egg yolks are ref flags. Those are foods to avoid.

Not everything comes in a package, however. Many fast food items also contain eggs. Milk shakes, bread, and baked goods can all contain eggs and/or egg products. Do a little research first. Discovering the ingredients of your favorite fast food items ahead of time can save you plenty of misery and discomfort.

In those cases when you have a young child who’s been diagnosed with an egg allergy, especially if it’s a severe allergy, your physician may suggest that you keep epinephrine on hand. In the case of the most dangerous allergic reactions, Epinephrine (adrenalin) is often used as an emergency medication. The form of delivery is most often an EpiPen, which is a self-injecting shot of epinephrine.

As always, consult with your physician if you suspect you or a loved one may have an egg allergy. Once the allergy is confirmed, your physician can help you set up a treatment plan to minimize your allergy symptoms.