Egg Allergy

What Causes Egg Allergy?

• Ovomucoid: Primarily found in egg whites, this protein is a common allergen.
• Ovotransferrin: This protein is resistant to high temperatures, meaning it doesn’t break down when eggs are cooked. Individuals allergic to ovotransferrin may react to both raw and cooked eggs.
• Ovalbumin: Unlike ovotransferrin, ovalbumin breaks down at high temperatures. Some individuals with an egg allergy may tolerate well-cooked eggs because of this.
• Lysozyme: Approximately 30% of people with an egg allergy are sensitive to this protein, which is present in both the white and the yolk.

It’s also helpful to be aware of other ingredients that indicate the presence of eggs in food products. These include albumin, globulin, lecithin, livetin, vitellin, and other ingredients that start with “ova” or “ovo”, such as ovoglobulin.

How Common is Egg Allergy?

By the age of 5, approximately half of the children with an egg allergy will have developed a tolerance to eggs. The prognosis improves as they approach adolescence; up to 70% of children are likely to outgrow their egg allergy by the age of 16. Interestingly, about 70% of those with an egg allergy can safely consume egg proteins when they are part of extensively heated (baked) products.

Egg Allergy Foods to Avoid

Individuals with an egg allergy need to be vigilant about the foods they consume, as eggs are a common ingredient in numerous products. Some key egg allergy foods and products to avoid include:

• Baked Goods: Cakes, cookies, and pastries often contain eggs as a binding or leavening agent.
• Breaded Foods and Processed Meats: These include items like breaded chicken, meatloaf, and meatballs, where eggs are used to bind ingredients.
• Dairy and Desserts: Custards, puddings, meringues, and certain types of ice cream may have eggs.
• Condiments: Mayonnaise and some salad dressings use eggs as a primary ingredient.
• Specialty Drinks: Alcoholic coffees that have a foamy top often use egg whites to create the foam.
• Pastas and Meat Alternatives: Some fresh pastas and vegetarian meat products like veggie burgers might contain egg as a binder.

Additionally, less obvious foods such as marshmallows, eggnog, marzipan, frostings, and even some types of pretzels may contain egg products.

Being aware of these common sources and reading labels for egg ingredients can help manage and prevent allergic reactions.

Sudden Egg Allergy in Adults

While egg allergies are most commonly diagnosed in children, it is possible to develop an egg allergy at any stage of life, including adulthood. This sudden egg allergy onset can be surprising and may pose unique challenges in diagnosis and management.

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in St. Louis, Missouri

Egg Allergy Symptoms

An egg allergy reaction can develop within minutes of consuming eggs or foods that contain eggs. The severity and type of symptoms vary widely among individuals. If you have an egg allergy, you may experience:

Mild to moderate egg allergy symptoms:

• Skin reactions: Hives, itching (pruritus), and rashes are common and may appear shortly after ingestion.
• Gastrointestinal issues: Symptoms can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Respiratory problems: Some individuals may experience coughing, as well as tingling or swelling around the lips, tongue, or throat.

Severe egg allergy symptoms:

• Anaphylaxis: This is a rapid, potentially life-threatening reaction that can impair breathing and send the body into shock. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest or throat, dizziness, confusion, a drop in blood pressure, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), loss of consciousness (syncope), and shortness of breath (dyspnea). If you experience anaphylaxis, seek medical attention immediately.

It’s essential for individuals with an egg allergy to recognize these symptoms and understand how to respond, especially if anaphylaxis occurs. Regular consultations with an allergist can help manage the allergy and provide guidance on emergency interventions.

Signs of Egg Allergy

What does an egg allergy look like? The signs of an egg allergy typically appear within a short period after consuming or even touching eggs. Here are the most common signs of an egg allergy:

• Skin Reactions: Look for immediate swelling, rashes, hives, or eczema. These are often the first visible indicators of an egg allergy.
• Respiratory Issues: Wheezing, difficulty breathing, a runny nose, or sneezing can occur shortly after exposure, signaling a respiratory response.
• Eye Symptoms: Redness and watering of the eyes are common allergic reactions to eggs.
• Digestive Problems: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can also develop quickly and are key signs of a gastrointestinal reaction.

Egg Intolerance vs Allergy

Unlike an allergy, egg intolerance does not involve the immune system and is not life-threatening. Symptoms of egg intolerance are generally limited to the gastrointestinal tract and develop more slowly, possibly taking up to 48 hours to appear after eating eggs.

Common symptoms include:

• Stomach pain and cramps
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting

Egg intolerance primarily affects digestion and absorption, and while it can be uncomfortable, it does not carry the same risk of severe respiratory or systemic reactions as an egg allergy.

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in St. Louis, Missouri

Egg Allergy Test

If you suspect that you or your child have an egg allergy, an allergist is best suited to determine if an egg allergy is present or if your symptoms are caused by something else. The typical diagnostic process consists of a thorough medical history and diagnostic egg allergy tests.

Medical History: Dr. Cajigal will begin by gathering a detailed medical and dietary history. Questions may include:

• Does anyone in your biological family have egg or other food allergies?
• Have you been previously diagnosed with any food allergies?
• What symptoms do you experience, and how severe are they?
• When do your symptoms typically appear after eating?
• Do you use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to manage your symptoms?
• Do you maintain a food journal detailing your dietary intake?

Diagnostic Egg Allergy Tests: Based on the initial consultation, Dr. Cajigal may recommend specific tests to confirm an egg allergy:

• Skin Prick Test: This test involves placing a small amount of egg protein on your skin, then pricking the area to allow the allergen to enter just below the surface. A positive reaction typically appears as a raised bump surrounded by redness.
• Blood Test: This test measures the presence of egg-specific IgE antibodies in your blood, indicating an immune response to egg proteins.
• Oral Food Challenge: Under medical supervision, you’ll consume small amounts of egg to monitor for adverse reactions in a controlled setting. This test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies.
• Food Elimination Diet: Dr. Cajigal may recommend a food elimination diet. This involves removing eggs and any egg-containing products from your diet for a period of time to observe if symptoms improve. If symptoms resolve and then reappear upon reintroduction of eggs, this supports a diagnosis of egg allergy.

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Egg Allergy Treatment

Egg Avoidance

Managing an egg allergy effectively requires careful avoidance of eggs in all forms. Here are strategies to help prevent allergic reactions:

• Always check the ingredient labels on packaged foods, even if you’ve safely consumed the product before. Recipes can change.
• Be cautious when dining out. Inform your server of your allergy and ask detailed questions about ingredients and preparation methods.
• Avoiding hidden eggs. Eggs are often hidden ingredients in many foods, including meat dishes like meatballs and meatloaf. Some commercial egg substitutes, which might still contain egg protein.
• Teach children with egg allergies not to accept food from friends or classmates and to be proactive about their allergy.
• Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or carrying a medical alert card to inform others of your allergy in emergencies.
• Be aware of cross-contamination risks. Foods and products that don’t contain eggs might still share processing facilities with egg products. Look for advisory labels such as “Made in a facility that processes eggs.”
• If you are breastfeeding and your child has an egg allergy, avoid consuming eggs as proteins can pass through breast milk.
• Many children outgrow their egg allergy; regularly consulting with an allergist can help determine if and when it is safe to reintroduce eggs into your child’s diet.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of an allergic reaction and manage your or your child’s egg allergy more effectively.

Antihistamines for Egg Allergy

Antihistamines can be beneficial in managing mild egg allergy symptoms, such as itching or minor rashes. These medications work by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that is released during an allergic reaction and contributes to allergy symptoms.

Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) for Egg Allergy

Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) is an emerging egg allergy treatment approach, aimed at increasing tolerance to egg proteins through controlled exposure. Under medical supervision, small amounts of egg are gradually introduced to the patient’s diet, incrementally increasing over time to desensitize the immune system. This method has shown promise in reducing the severity of reactions upon accidental exposure, though it is not suitable for everyone and carries risks, including the potential for severe allergic reactions. Talk to Dr. Cajigal about food desensitization treatments, including oral immunotherapy (OIT).

Epinephrine for Severe Egg Allergy

For individuals with severe egg allergies, Dr. Cajigal will likely prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector (an EpiPen). When prescribed, always carry your EpiPen with you and be prepared to use it, as a severe reaction can occur at any time.

See a Dietician

If you have an egg allergy, seeing a registered dietitian or a nutritionist can be helpful for ensuring a balanced diet and learning how to effectively substitute eggs in your favorite meals or snacks. A dietitian can assist in designing meal plans that effectively compensate for the absence of eggs, helping to maintain adequate protein intake and overall nutritional balance.

See a Food Allergy Doctor

in St. Louis, Missouri

References