Egg Allergy

The Basics

Eggs are everywhere. Not only are they served for breakfast, but they're also in all sorts of foods — from muffins to meatloaf. But what if you were allergic to eggs?

Some babies and kids have an allergic reaction to eggs. If that happens, they can't eat eggs. But many kids outgrow this allergy with time.

What Is an Egg Allergy?

When someone has an egg allergy, the body's immune system, which normally fights infections, overreacts to proteins in egg. If the person drinks or eats a product that contains egg, the body thinks these proteins are harmful invaders. The immune system responds by working very hard to fight off the invader. This causes an allergic reaction.

What Could Happen

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of an Egg Allergy?

When someone with an egg allergy has something with egg in it, it can cause symptoms like:

• wheezing
• trouble breathing
• coughing
• hoarseness
• throat tightness
• belly pain
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• itchy, watery, or swollen eyes
• hives
• red spots
• swelling
• feeling lightheaded or passing out

Some reactions to egg are mild and involve only one part of the body, like hives on the skin. But even when someone has had only a mild reaction in the past, the next reaction can be severe.

In rare cases, a person could have a very serious allergic reaction, which can cause anaphylaxis (say: an-uh-fih-LAK-sis). Medical care is needed right away because the person may have breathing problems and a drop in blood pressure.

Anaphylaxis is treated with a medicine called epinephrine (say: ep-uh-NEF-rin), which is given by injection (a shot). Kids who have a severe egg allergy will usually carry — or have a grown-up carry — two doses of epinephrine, just in case.

Going to the Doctor

What Will the Doctor Do?

If your doctor thinks you might have an egg allergy, they will probably send you to see an allergist (allergy doctor), who will ask you about past reactions and what symptoms you have had.

The allergist may also ask whether anyone else in your family has allergies or other allergy conditions, such as eczema or asthma. Researchers aren't sure why some people have food allergies and others don't, but they sometimes run in families.

Testing

The allergist may also want to do a skin test. This is a way of seeing how your body reacts to a very small amount of egg. The allergist will use a liquid extract. During skin testing, a little scratch on your skin is made (it will be a just a quick pinch). That's how just a little of the liquid egg gets into your skin. If you get a reddish, itchy, raised spot, it shows that you may be allergic to eggs.

Skin tests are the best test for food allergies, but if more information is needed, the doctor may also order a blood test.

Sometimes, the doctor tests for food allergies by carefully exposing you to a very small amount of the food. But do not try this at home! The only place for an allergy test is at the allergist's office, where they are specially trained and could give you medicine right away if you had a reaction.

Avoiding Eggs & Staying Safe

Preventing a Reaction

The best way to not have an allergic reaction is to avoid eating eggs or any food containing eggs. Parents will have to help babies and young kids avoid eggs. But kids can learn to watch out for eggs and foods made with eggs.

Prevention is the name of the game with food allergies, so it's important for kids to learn:

• how to treat a reaction if they have one
• how to read food labels to avoid eggs and egg-containing foods

Treating a Reaction

Kids who have an egg allergy should have a plan in case they accidentally eat eggs. Work with your parents, doctor, and school nurse to have a plan in place. It will involve having two doses of epinephrine with you. Epinephrine comes in a small easy-to-carry container. It's simple to use. Your doctor will show your parents (and you, if you're old enough) how to use it.

The doctor and your parents also might want you to wear a medical alert bracelet.

What Else Should I Know?

Always wash your hands before eating. If soap and water aren't available, you can use hand-cleaning wipes. But don't use hand sanitizer gels or sprays. Hand sanitizers can get rid of germs, but they don't get rid of egg proteins.