What is Egg Allergy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention

Egg allergy is usually most common in kids but can occur in adults as well. It is the allergy in which the person develops hypersensitivity towards the yolk of the egg. There are millions of people who are suffering from egg allergy and it is the second highest food allergies found in the kids. The best way to combat such a problem is to keep away from egg and products made from it or else in extreme conditions you need to consult the doctor and they will advise you accordingly. In some cases, the egg allergy goes away with time while in few cases it becomes a problem for a lifetime.

The egg allergy can both be mild as well as extreme depending upon the case. There are several cases in which the allergy can be threatening for one’s life and hence utmost care has to be taken. That is why it is necessary to ensure the right care whether it is the mild case or an extreme one because mild cases can even become complex if one neglects it.

If you want to know more about egg allergy, here is everything you must be aware of.

One of the biggest causes of developing egg allergy is because of the body reacting adversely to one of the four elements namely lysozyme, ovomucoid, ovotransferrin and ovalbumin found in the egg yolk. Usually, the body is unable to adjust and this can lead to immune system attack. Mostly the children are allergic to only the white portion of the egg while the adults are allergic to the yolk.

Though the signs and symptoms vary from person to person but some of the common signs that you can look for in egg allergy are:

• Problem in breathing is the common symptom of egg allergy.
• Fast heart beat.
• Skin reactions like rashes, swelling etc…
• Stuffy nose.
• Vomiting.
• Pain in stomach.
• Diarrhea.

If you come across any of the above signs it is a clear indication that the person is suffering from egg allergy and you need to take the right action to deal with it. There are cases when the person who is allergic to chicken eggs may have similar problems with eggs of other animals as well. That is why it is better to stay away from it in order to avoid complications.

There are a lot of risk factors associated if the egg allergy is not treated at the proper time or if the advice of the doctor is not followed correctly.

• Usually, the children of less than 5 years of age are prone to egg allergy and as they grow, the immune system becomes strong and it is able to deal with the allergy on its own.
• In case any of your parents have a similar kind of allergy there are high chances that you too can face it. So, in this case, the parents need to be extra careful.
• Some of the children have less risk while some may have more depend on the criticality of their allergy and only the doctor can determine and prescribe the treatment for it.

The only complication that occurs with the egg allergy is that even a small quantity can prove hazardous to life and you may need emergency help in that concern. So if your kids have the severe form of egg allergy you need to ensure that their food is free from the egg and not even the smallest particles goes into it. Apart from this, there are higher chances that your child may get prone to asthma as well. There are other food allergies too which they can develop thus complicating the situation to a large extent.

Hence one should not compromise with anything but make sure that proper diagnosis is done in order to overcome the symptoms for the better and healthy body.

Diagnosis of egg allergy at the early age can really prove beneficial because things are under control and it becomes easier to deal with it. That is why it is suggested that one should consult the doctor as soon as a few of the above symptoms come before you. Once the doctor checks the symptoms, they may ask you to get some tests done so to decide whether one is suffering from egg allergy or not.

• The first is the blood test in which a sample of your blood is taken is sent for testing in the laboratories to identify whether or not you have the egg allergy.
• Skin prick testing is another way to find out about the egg allergy is quite effective too. That is why most of the experts and the doctor go for this testing method only.
• Food tracking to diagnose egg allergy is another way through which your doctor will ask about the different food items that you eat and their impact on your body. In this way, they will keep ruling out the options which are of no use and focus on the others.
• A food challenge is also effective egg allergy test because the expert will give some eggs to you and see whether it causes allergy or not. In this way, they will get a clear idea as what is affecting your immune system.

Also, the symptoms are enough to provide a clear indication but the tests confirm the same.

The best way to get rid of egg allergy is to stop eating eggs and food that contains the same. It is because of the simple reason that once you develop any allergy, finding a complete solution is almost impossible. You can only lower down the symptoms but cannot overcome it completely.

In some cases, the doctors even prescribe the medicines which are effective to a great extent. Antihistamines are the drug which can be used to bring down egg allergy. The best part is that if you have severe egg allergy then taking such medications can really make a difference and reduce the risk factors too. So in all you can say that starting the medicines can be a good decision but only if your doctors allows you to. Do take their advice as they will offer the right consultation based on your symptoms and the reports.

Sometimes there are emergency situations as well and therefore you need something that can provide quick relief to you. The epinephrine injectors for egg allergy are quite beneficial in this concern as they provide instant relief and relaxation you have been looking for. One can carry it along with them and use it whenever they have an egg allergy attack. But learning the right method of using the injector is essential and in the case of the children make sure that it is given under the guidance of the expert only or else a small mistake can cause you a lot. So never be in a hurry but have patience in order to get rid of the situation. Panicking will only increase your tension and things can go wrong.

Visit the doctor on a regular basis to get your children checked whether the symptoms of egg allergy are lowering down or increasing. This will help you to keep a check on the same and take necessary action if required.

The only way to prevent egg allergy is by keeping away from the egg as well as food products having the same. If you are not sure of any food item, do not eat it as it can have a negative impact on the body. For better results, go for homemade food only as it is healthy and will help you to combat the allergy as well. So do take proper measures only then you will be able to find a solution to your problem.

As per the research was done by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology in the year 2007,it was found that 50% of the cases get resolved till the children reach the age of 17 years while 45% of the cases get resolved after the age of five. This means that the ratio of allergies like egg allergy decline and have a good prognosis as one grows because the immune system becomes powerful and develops the capability to fight with the foreign particles.

You can use the following home remedies for egg allergy as well:

• Use apple cider vinegar with warm water, it gives huge relief to such problems.
• You can go for ginger tea as a home remedy for egg allergy as well because it is really effective.
• Use lemon and honey and combine it with water. Consume it on daily basis to get excellent results.
• Green tea is also a superb choice and will help you to overcome the egg allergy in an easy way.

So if you do not want to take medicines, then try the above home remedies for egg allergy which are a good option and effective too.

Coping will egg allergy is not easy as you have to avoid all food having eggs and others as well. If proper care is taken, things can become better with time thus relieving you from this allergy not fully but partially.

Your doctor can best advise you on the healing time/recovery period depending on your case. So make sure you consult the doctor on this and they will provide complete information regarding it. This was all about egg allergy you must know.

Also Read:

• What is Food Allergy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention, Home Remedies
• Lamb Allergy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention, Coping
• What is Chicken Allergy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
• Difference Between Food Allergy and Food Intolerance
• Role of Elimination Diet in Food Allergy & Can You Eat Anything You Want On An Elimination Diet for Food Allergy?