Eggs are known to be one of the most common foods that trigger allergic reactions in children.
Symptoms of egg allergy often occur within a few minutes or hours after consuming eggs or foods that contain them. Signs and symptoms of egg allergy may range from mild to severe. Signs and symptoms usually include hives, skin rashes, nasal inflammation, vomiting and digestive issues.
Rarely does egg allergy cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.
Egg allergy can occur in infants and most children tend to outgrow this allergy before they reach adolescence. However, it may also continue till adulthood in some cases.
Watch the YouTube video below as Allergist Dr. John Seyerle explains on Egg Allergy
Signs and symptoms of egg allergy
Symptoms for egg allergies may vary amongst individuals and may occur right after exposure.
Symptoms of egg allergy may include:
- Inflammation of the skin
- Nasal inflammation
- Digestive problems such as vomiting, nausea and cramps
- Symptoms of asthma such as coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness
Sometimes allergic reactions may turn severe and life-threatening such as in the case of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is an emergency condition that must be treated promptly with an emergency epinephrine shot followed by a trip to the hospital ER. Anaphylaxis may involve signs and symptoms such as coughing, abdominal pain, constricted airways and swollen throat, rapid pulse, drop in blood pressure and shock (dizziness, loss of consciousness).
Despite how mild a reaction may be, it is important that you consult your doctor about what must be done. Symptoms may intensify with time, so if your child has a mild reaction previously, he or she may suffer from a more severe reaction the next time.
If your child is at risk of experiencing a severe reaction, your doctor will prescribe the use of epinephrine during an attack.
When to seek medical attention if egg allergy persists
See your doctor if your child experiences symptoms and signs of an allergic reaction while eating or after eating an egg or food containing egg. See the doctor during the allergic reaction, this may make diagnosis easier.
First Aid Treatment of Egg Allergy
The only way you can prevent an egg allergy is by preventing the consumption of eggs and products containing eggs completely. However, despite your best efforts this may be difficult as egg is a common ingredient in many food products. In some cases, children may be able to tolerate eggs if they have been cooked properly, for example in baked products such as bread.
Your doctor may recommend the following treatment options for egg allergy:
- Antihistamines to relieve signs and symptoms. Note that antihistamines are not intended to prevent an allergic reaction or control a severe reaction.
- Emergency epinephrine shots must be administered during a severe reaction. This should be followed by a trip to the emergency room.