Overview
Egg allergy is a type of food allergy that occurs when the immune system misidentifies certain proteins in eggs as harmful. This causes the immune system to release histamine and other chemicals, leading to allergic reactions. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and may include skin rashes, hives, nasal congestion, digestive issues, and in rare cases, anaphylaxis. Egg allergy is most common in children and typically occurs early in life. While many children outgrow their egg allergy, it can persist into adulthood.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of egg allergy can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include skin inflammation or hives, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing (allergic rhinitis), digestive symptoms like cramps, nausea, and vomiting, and asthma signs such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Egg allergy can also cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. If you or your child experiences any reaction to eggs, it is important to consult a doctor, as the severity of reactions can vary and even mild reactions can escalate in the future.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for developing egg allergy include:
- Family history of allergies, such as asthma, food allergy, hay fever, hives, or eczema.
- Having other allergies, such as milk, soy, or peanut allergies.
- Allergies to pet dander, dust mites, or grass pollen.
- Having allergic skin reactions such as atopic dermatitis.
- Having asthma, which increases the risk of having a severe allergic reaction to eggs or other foods.
Development
Egg allergy typically develops in childhood and is caused by an immune system overreaction. When a person with an egg allergy consumes egg proteins, their immune system mistakenly identifies these proteins as harmful and triggers an allergic reaction. Both egg yolks and egg whites contain proteins that can cause allergies, but an allergy to egg whites is more common. In some cases, an egg allergy can also be triggered by exposure to egg proteins through breast milk if the mother consumes eggs. Risk factors for developing an egg allergy include a family history of allergies, atopic dermatitis, and asthma.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see 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, as 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.
Diagnosis
To diagnose egg allergy, your doctor will use several approaches, including ruling out other conditions that could be causing symptoms. They will take a medical history and conduct a physical exam. Your doctor may also recommend one or more of the following tests:
- Skin prick test: The skin is pricked and exposed to small amounts of the proteins found in eggs. If you or your child has egg allergy, a raised bump (hive) may develop at the test location.
- Blood test: A blood test can measure the immune system's response to eggs by checking the amount of certain antibodies in the bloodstream that may indicate an allergic reaction.
- Food challenge: This test involves giving you or your child a small amount of egg to see if it causes a reaction. If nothing happens, more egg is given while the doctor watches for signs of a food allergy. A food challenge should be conducted by an allergy specialist.
- Food tracking or elimination diet: Your or your child's doctor may have you keep a detailed diary of foods eaten and may ask you to eliminate eggs or other foods from the diet one at a time to see whether symptoms improve. Remember that it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of egg allergy include severe allergic reactions requiring epinephrine injection and emergency treatment, 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, and asthma. If you or your child has a reaction to eggs, it is essential to discuss it with your doctor, as the severity of reactions can vary. If your doctor thinks there is a risk of a severe reaction, they may prescribe an emergency epinephrine shot to be used in case of anaphylaxis. Seek immediate emergency treatment and use the autoinjector if one has been prescribed if you or your child experiences signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Home Remedies
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of egg allergy. They can provide guidance on managing symptoms, avoiding allergens, and potentially introducing egg-related foods into your diet through an egg challenge or under medical guidance.
Treatment
Treatment for egg allergy primarily involves avoiding eggs and egg-containing products. Here are some steps to manage egg allergy:
- Read food labels carefully: Check the ingredient list for any form of eggs, egg proteins, or albumin. Even trace amounts can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals.
- Be cautious when eating out: Inform your server or cook about your egg allergy to avoid any dishes that may contain eggs.
- Wear an allergy bracelet or necklace: This can be helpful in case of a severe allergic reaction when you or your child is unable to communicate your condition.
- Seek emergency medical attention: In case of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), use an epinephrine auto-injector if prescribed by your doctor and seek immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, there is no cure for egg allergy, and avoiding eggs is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction. Consult your doctor for more specific advice and guidance on managing your egg allergy.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for egg allergy, you should:
- Avoid eggs or egg products for a specified period before the appointment, if advised by your doctor for allergy testing.
- Write down symptoms, including those that may seem unrelated to egg allergy.
- Make a list of medications, vitamins, and supplements that you or your child is taking.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask the doctor, such as:
- What tests are needed? Do they require special preparation?
- Is this reaction most likely caused by egg allergy?
- What other conditions may be causing these symptoms?
- Will my child or I need to avoid eggs, or are certain egg products OK?
- Where can I find information on foods most likely to contain eggs?
- What should I tell my child's school about his or her allergy?
- Consider asking about managing other health conditions together.
- Ask if there are any brochures or printed materials you can take, and if the doctor recommends any websites for further information.
- Be prepared to describe the symptoms and their severity, as well as the timing of when they occur after consuming eggs or products containing eggs. Remember to bring this information with you to your appointment and discuss any concerns or questions with your doctor.