Egg Allergy

An allergic reaction is a body's response to what it perceives to be a

harmful substance. In the case of an egg allergy, the immune system
thinks that proteins in egg whites or egg yolks are a threat so it
triggers IgE (immunoglobulin) antibodies to get rid of the proteins. The
IgE proteins in turn, signal the release of histamine, which causes the
allergic symptoms like hives, swelling, abdominal cramps and vomiting
that are common with an egg allergy. Eggs are one of eight trigger
foods that cause 90% of all food allergy reactions.

Because egg allergy most often occurs first in young children, experts
believe it is caused by an immature immune system. Many kids
outgrow it by the time they are five years old. Doctors recommend
delaying the introduction of egg into a baby's diet until the baby is one
year old, as a precaution against the development of an egg allergy.

An allergy is often discovered when a young child experiences

symptoms after eating egg. The child may exhibit any of the following
symptoms:

• Itching or irritation of the mouth or throat

• Swelling or flushing of lips, eyes, throat, tongue, or face
• Hives or skin irritation and/or redness
• Flare-up of eczema (atopic dermatitis)
• Nasal congestion, watery eyes, runny nose
• Cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

The allergy can be confirmed by a board certified allergist through a

number of tests. They can use a skin test and measure the hives that
result when egg protein is placed with a prick on the skin. Or, they can
measure the IgE levels in a person's blood sample when it is exposed
to egg protein.

Egg allergies can be very serious. They can cause a severe, multi-
system life-threatening allergic condition called anaphylaxis. The only
treatment for anaphylaxis is a shot of epinephrine, which must be
administered as soon as possible after a serious reaction is identified.
Early warning signs of anaphylaxis include wheezing, coughing,
shortness of breath and hoarseness. These are signs that the airways
are constricted. A headache, pallid complexion and blue lips are also
signs that the body is not getting enough oxygen. Dizziness and/or a
sense of impending doom often precede a full-blown anaphylactic
event. If someone is experiencing any of these symptoms, they must
seek emergency treatment immediately.
If an allergy is confirmed, the only way to prevent reactions is to avoid
them. Although most people have to ingest the egg protein for a
reaction to occur, some people so sensitive that they must avoid
touching or smelling them as well.

Read food labels carefully. Egg and egg-based ingredients are used in
many commercially processed foods. Most obviously, most baked
bread products are made with egg. Less obvious is the use of egg as
glazes for baked goods (like pretzels), as a frothing agent for beers and
coffees, and in salad dressings and sauces. The following is a list of
egg-based ingredients that an individual with an allergy should avoid:

• albumin • ovoglobulin
• baking powder • ovomucin
• livetin • ovomucoid
• lysozyme • ovotransferrin
• globulin • silici albuminate
• lysozyme • simplesse
• mayonnaise • vitelin
• meringue • ovovitellin
• ovalbumin • ovovitella

The good news for the egg-allergic population is that as of January

2007, all commercially packaged goods in the U.S. must comply with
new allergen labeling guidelines. The top eight allergy-inducing
substances must now be listed by their common name. Even though
confusing ingredient terms like those you see above will still be listed,
manufacturers must also identify them as "(egg)."

Eggs are also used in shampoos, makeup and medicines. Eggs are
used in the production of the flu shot so for a sensitized individual,
there is a chance for a reaction to the vaccine. Whether or not an egg-
allergic person should receive the flu vaccine is a controversial subject.
The article, “Egg Allergy and Flu Shot” provides additional
information on the issue.

Some health centers explicitly state, "The flu vaccine should not be
taken by anyone who has a history of severe egg allergy or a previous
serious allergic reaction to the flu shot." The advice of a medical
professional is recommended when weighing the risks and benefits of
getting the flu vaccine with an egg allergy.