Allergy to Eggs

About this topic

An egg allergy is one kind of food allergy. It happens when your body reacts to a protein found in eggs. Your body thinks the egg protein is something that may harm you. Then, your body attacks it by mistake. This causes your body to let chemicals loose into your blood. The chemicals can cause problems with many parts of your body. � �

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What are the causes?

A food allergy is caused when your immune system treats a harmless substance in a food as a threat. Then, it lets loose chemicals to keep the "threat " � from harming your body. Instead, the chemicals cause the signs of an allergic response. You may be allergic to the egg white or the egg yolk. � �

What can make this more likely to happen?

Your family history may raise your risk for an egg allergy. You are at a higher risk for a food allergy if someone in your family has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
Younger children are more likely to have this kind of allergy.

What are the main signs?

Skin reaction:
- Itchy skin
- Itchy, red, watery eyes
- Skin rashes and redness
- Skin swelling
- Hives
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, and face
Belly reaction:
- Belly cramps
- Throwing up
- Loose stools
Lung reaction:
- Swelling of the throat
- Chest tightness
- Trouble breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Runny nose

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?

Your doctor will talk to you about your history. Your doctor will ask about: � �

Any history of allergies or food allergies that you or your family may have
What your signs are and when they started
If you have other illnesses like the flu and colds

Your doctor will do an exam and may look for: � �

Skin rashes or redness
Swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, throat, and face
Breathing problems
Belly problems

You may be asked to keep a food diary. You will need to list all of the foods that you eat. You will also list all the drugs you take. Also, write down any signs you are having. This will help the doctor learn if a specific food is causing your problems. � �
Your doctor may do special tests to learn more about your allergies. � �

Skin test � � � Your doctor will inject a small amount of egg protein in your skin. If you have an egg allergy, you will see redness or other skin reactions.
Blood tests � � � Your doctor will take a blood sample to check how your immune system responds to eggs.
Oral challenge test � � � Your doctor will ask you to skip foods that have eggs in them for a few weeks. Your doctor will slowly add foods with eggs into your diet. Your doctor will watch you closely. If a reaction happens, it often means you have an allergy to eggs.

How does the doctor treat this health problem?

Care will depend on your signs. If you think you or someone else is having an allergic reaction, get help right away.
Most often, the best care is to avoid egg and egg products. These include baked goods, battered and fried foods, mayonnaise, salad dressings, and pastas.
Learn to read food labels to find egg or egg products.
Your doctor may give you drugs to help control the allergy. You may need to use these in an emergency if you have accidentally eaten a food that has egg in it.

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order drugs to:
- Ease signs like swelling and itching
- Control allergic reactions
- Help with discomfort
Your doctor may give you an emergency shot to control very bad allergic reactions. You may also be given a special shot to carry with you. This would be used if you have some other bad reaction to eggs.

Will there be any other care needed?

Wear a medic alert ID. Make sure that you carry your emergency drugs all the time.
Tell family and friends about your health problem and how to help.
Do not eat foods you are not familiar with. Make a list of the foods you need to avoid.
Clean the kitchen area and tools you use with care when cooking. This will help keep them from being contaminated by other foods. Be sure to wash knives, spoons, or forks after they have touched egg or egg products.
Know all the sources of egg and egg products. These may include baking mixes, cream-filled desserts, egg and fat substitutes, sauces, foam and milk toppings, and soups.
Always ask for the ingredients when eating out. It may be easy avoiding eggs, but be careful with foods that are served by others or in restaurants.
Take extra care with ready-to-eat foods. Ask if eggs were used in making the food. Some eggs are often hidden in ready-to-eat and manufactured foods like cakes, biscuits, pancakes, donuts, ice cream, veggie burgers, and sandwiches.
Be careful when you eat out. Sometimes ingredients in a dish may change.
Always tell your other doctors that you have an egg allergy. There are certain drugs and vaccines that you need to avoid. These include yellow fever and flu vaccines. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines are safe for you.
Be careful when using certain hair products and cosmetics. Some may contain egg and could be labeled as "ovum. " �

What can be done to prevent this health problem?

There is no sure way to prevent an egg allergy. � �

Where can I learn more?

Allergist � �
http://www.acaai.org/allergist/allergies/Types/food-allergies/types/Pages/egg-allergy.aspx � �
Canadian Food Inspection Agency � �
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/eggs-and-egg-products/eng/1299796526271/1299796885258 � �
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network � �
http://www.foodallergy.org/page/egg-allergy � �
KidsHealth � �
http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/feeding/egg_allergy.html � �

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �

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