Egg Allergies

The number of people in the United States who suffers from food allergies ranges around 1% of the total population. Within that number are individuals who are allergic to eggs, whether egg whites, egg yolks or both. Allergies to eggs is much more common in children than in adults and most children outgrow their allergy by the time they reach adulthood. (1)

Reactions to egg allergies can range between the very mild to the very severe. It is the protein molecules within the egg that triggers a hypersensitivity reaction in the body. This reaction is what causes the symptoms of the egg allergy. In rare cases individuals who are older will develop an allergy to eggs but as many as two thirds who are allergic as children will outgrow it by the time they are seven.

Researchers have found that people who have allergies to chicken eggs may also exhibited symptoms to other types of eggs and to the meat of chicken. Most individuals who are allergic to eggs can also eat chicken but there is a protein in both which can cause allergies.

The most common symptoms are skin reactions and gastrointestinal reactions. Egg allergies are the most common trigger for eczema in children. Other common symptoms include hives, redness and swelling, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, running nose, watery eyes, asthma attack and rarely anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction which causes swelling in the mouth, throat and airway which results in difficulty breathing. This is a life threatening emergency and individuals must be taken to an emergency room immediately.

People who are severely sensitive to eggs can have an anaphylactic reaction when eggs are being cooked in the room or they have egg on their skin. In this case, eggs should be kept out of the home completely.

If you suspect you or your child may have an egg allergy discuss this with your primary care physician. You will probably be referred to an allergist or an allergy specialist for further testing. This specialists will take a thorough medical history, do a physical examination and may perform skin tests. These skin tests involve placing liquid extract of egg protein on the forearm were back looking for raised spots indicating an allergic reaction.

If you are taking over-the-counter antihistamines or other anti-allergy medications you may have to stop taking those approximately 3 days before the test because they will interfere with the results. Most cold medications and antidepressants will also affect skin testing. Your allergist should speak to you about the medications you are currently on or anticipate taking to let you know which ones are appropriate to continue and which ones should be eliminated prior to the test.

In some cases a positive skin results is not enough to prove that the symptoms they are experiencing are caused by the egg. In this case, a physician may recommend a food challenge. During this challenge the person can not eat any eggs or have anything made with egg for a few weeks. After that, under close supervision, the individual will be several foods. If the symptoms return after eating the products it is assumed that they originate from the egg allergy.

There are several different ways that eggs are used in food products which are hidden sources for those allergic. Foods that contain eggs include marshmallows, mayonnaise and meringue, most baked goods, mixes and batters, frostings, processed meats, pudding, salad dressings, pastas and root beer and specialty coffees. Those who are especially sensitive may also react to products which are not foods such as shampoo, medications, cosmetics and finger paints.

When checking labels to avoid products that contain eggs it\’s important to know what terms are being used at the manufacturer. There are several different ways that eggs are listed in the ingredients and can include: albumin, globulin, lecithin, livetin, lysozyme, simplesse, vitellin and any foods which start with \”ova\” or \”ovo\”.

At this period in time there is no cure for an egg allergy and so individuals must avoid the protein in order to avoid the symptoms. Of special concern are any immunizations, including flu vaccinations, which are cultured in chicken eggs. Before getting a flu shot or any other vaccine, speak with your primary care physician or pediatrician to determine if it is safe in your individual case. Current protocol according to the American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology is for physicians to administer a skin test using the flu vaccine to determine the amount of risk the individual will be undertaking.

Currently there are ongoing studies which are evaluating oral immunotherapy for children who have egg allergies. Sponsors include The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases In the Consortium of Food Allergy Research. The purpose is to determine if oral immunotherapy will help desensitize a child and eventually lead to the development of tolerance for the egg protein.

Until these studies are completed it is important for individual to avoid the egg protein so they don\’t continue to inoculate themselves and further their risk of developing a stronger allergic reaction.

(1) Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Egg Allergy

RESOURCES

The Children\’s Hospital of Philadelphia: Egg Allergies

KidsHealth.org: Egg Allergy

MayoClinic: Egg Allergy

American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: Egg Allergy

American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: Flu Shot and Egg Allergies