Egg Allergy – Causes, Symptoms & Prevention You Need To Know Now
Everyone might have one or the other food allergic problems, which are generally common nowadays. Allergies may vary from allergies towards nuts, milks, wheat etc. And one of the most common allergy is egg allergy. The most loved and popular food; Egg. It can actually be allergic if your immune system become sensitive towards the proteins in egg whites or yolks. When they are consumed, the protein content which comes inside the body comes as a foreign invader. Hence the body sends out it’s knight; the chemicals to defend against it. These chemicals then cause a symptom for an allergic reaction. Few of the symptom will be like skin reactions, stomach pains etc.
How to know if you have an Egg Allergy ?
Basically an allergy is occurred when the immune system attacks an invader, here an egg; the protein. The immune system then makes antibodies to attack the invader. Hence when the invader comes the next time you eat food, the body releases chemicals; Histamines, which protects the body. The proteins present in the egg whites and yolks causes allergy. However, egg white allergies are often common. These may occur as early when you are a kid; however most children outgrow most of their allergies before they hit their adolescence.
What are the symptoms of an Egg Allergy ?
The symptoms of egg allergy may differ from person to person. These allergies may occur soon after your body comes in contact with the egg. I have listed few common symptoms you need to take a look at, if you have an allergy right after consuming eggs.
- Digestive ailments such as nausea, cramps, vomiting.
- Breathing problems
- Skin inflammation, rashes
- Runny nose and sneezing
- Stomach pain
- Fast heartbeat
While these above symptoms settle down after a while, but in some rare extreme cases, there is a chance of experiencing an Anaphylaxis (Anaphylactic reaction).
What is Anaphylaxis ? Read further to know more…
Anaphylaxis (Anaphylactic Reaction)
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction which needs to be treated right away. If you have one, you need an Epinephrine (adrenaline) shot as soon as possible, and someone should right away call for emergency medical help. Left untreated, it can be deadly. When such reaction occurs, the immune system releases too many chemicals for fighting the virus, furthermore leading to such condition. Consult a doctor right away.
Anaphylaxis signs and symptoms include:
- Constriction of airways (the action of making something narrower by pressure; tightening).
- Including a swollen throat or a lump in your throat that makes it difficult to breathe.
- Abdominal pain and cramping.
- Rapid pulse.
- Shock, with a severe drop in blood pressure felt as dizziness, loss of consciousness
The severity of egg allergy reactions can vary each time one occurs, so even if a past reaction was mild, the next one could be more serious. If your doctor thinks you or your child may be at risk of a severe reaction, he or she may prescribe an emergency epinephrine shot to be used if anaphylaxis occurs. The shot comes in a device that makes it easy to deliver, called an autoinjector.
What are the risk factors of an Egg Allergy ?
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing an egg allergy:
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) is a condition that makes your skin red and itchy. It’s common in children but can occur at any age. Children with this condition are much more likely to develop food allergy than children without skin issues.
If one or both of your parents have asthma, food allergy or any other types of allergies. Then you are probably at a risk of getting a food allergy.
Egg allergy is almost common in children. With their age, the digestive tract system matures and the allergic food reactions are much less likely to occur.
The most safest way to avoid such allergies, is to not consume eggs in any forms. Before consuming any food, don’t forget to read the labels carefully. Be aware of the things which are present in the food. Cautious of foods which you shouldn’t consume. And also the foods which contains egg proteins in products like frostings, mayonnaise, puddings, salad dressing, baked goods, etc. Make sure you consult a doctor to confirm the severity of the allergy to ensure better prevention.
Foods Containing Eggs
Foods that contain eggs can include:
- Baked goods
- Breaded foods
- Processed meat, meatloaf and meatballs
- Puddings and custards
- Salad dressing
- Many pastas
- Foam on alcoholic, specialty coffees