An egg allergy occurs when the immune system interprets egg proteins as harmful substances. Thus, in its try to defend the body from these ‘invaders’, it reacts disproportionately and generates an inflammatory and allergic response.
Although it could possibly occur in people of all ages, essentially the most affected are children. In response to data reported by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, that is the second commonest food allergy in young children after cow’s milk.
To be more precise, it affects an estimated 0.9% of all children and 1.3% of kids under 5 years of age. Easy methods to recognize it? What are the risks? Listed here are all the small print.
What’s egg allergy and why does it occur?
Egg allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to the proteins within the egg white or yolk, recognizing them as harmful to the body.
It’s mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE)which is an antibody that binds to antigens – on this case, egg proteins – and triggers the response within the immune system. Thus, when the affected person ingests egg or its derivatives, his or her body releases histamine and other chemicals that provoke an inflammatory response.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and range from a straightforward rash to anaphylaxis (rare cases). Fortunately, 70% of affected children normally outgrow this problem after the age of 16.
An investigation in International Archives of Allergy and Immunology shows that introducing eggs early within the weight loss program can reduce the chance of kids developing this allergy.
The symptoms of an egg allergy
The clinical picture of egg allergy can develop shortly after ingestion of the food or inside two hours. It often has characteristics much like those of other food allergies. It causes skin, gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms reminiscent of the next:
- Diffuse urticaria (hives causing intense itching).
- Itching of the mouth and tongue.
- Angioedema (a swelling that happens under the skin).
- Abdominal pain.
- Diarrhea.
- vomiting
- dehydration
- Nasal congestion and increased mucus.
- Sneezing.
- coughing
- Tightness within the chest or shortness of breath.
Anaphylaxis
When the allergic response is severe, it can trigger a life-threatening anaphylactic response. If that’s the case, it requires immediate medical intervention, as treatment with adrenaline might be vital. Warning symptoms are as follows:
- Severe respiratory distress
- Abdominal pain
- Increased heart rate
- Dizziness, drop in blood pressure, and lack of consciousness
Other complications
Aside from anaphylaxis, the immune system’s response to egg allergy can result in other health complications. Essentially the most frequent are the next:
- Allergies to other foodsreminiscent of milk, peanuts, or soy
- Allergies to dust mites, pollen, or pet dander
- Atopic dermatitis
- Asthma
It’s very essential to concentrate on the symptoms of egg allergy, nevertheless mild they could be. Their severity may vary from one patient to a different. And even when at first it could have been mild, it could possibly later present itself in a more severe form.
When the physician considers that there’s a high risk of anaphylaxis, he/she may indicate an emergency epinephrine injection. This has an auto-injector that facilitates its use.
We expect you could be interested by reading this text, too: What Is an Emotional Allergy and How Is it Treated?
Egg allergies in children
Egg allergy is taken into account a childhood disease, because it normally manifests itself in children under 5 years of age. Its first symptoms are frequently noticed when eggs are first introduced in the newborn’s complementary feeding.
Usually, allergic children are sensitized to the allergens within the egg white, but to not those within the yolk. Even so, this condition normally resolves in 70% of cases before adolescence.
The remaining percentage continues to experience a persistent allergy into maturity. These cases deserve special attention, as the chance of severe reactions also increases.
Egg allergies in adults
Egg allergy onset during maturity is extremely rare. It’s often related to a history of other kinds of food allergy. Nevertheless, cases of sudden allergy have been reported with none history of intolerance.
A publication in Clinical and Molecular Allergy suggests that stress, alterations within the microbiota, inflammatory bowel disorders, and a few medications could also be involved in the event of this allergy in maturity.
Nevertheless, it most frequently starts in childhood and lasts into maturity. The prognosis in these cases is just not excellent, as there may be a high risk of severe reactions.
An investigation through International Journal of Molecular Sciences exposes that in maturity, allergy to egg yolk proteins is more frequent.
When to seek the advice of a health care provider
It’s essential to hunt medical attention if after eating eggs or egg-containing products there are clinical manifestations of an allergy. If possible, a specialist ought to be consulted as soon as a response occurs. Thus, the skilled can observe the symptoms and arrive at a diagnosis more easily.
Diagnosis of egg allergy
To perform a diagnosis of egg allergy, the physician begins with an in depth study of the patient’s clinical history and physical examination. Subsequently, she or he suggests in vitro or live allergy tests to verify the condition.
In response to information from Pediatric Clinics of North America, these tests include the next:
- Measurement of food-specific IgE antibodies
- Skin prick tests
- Atopy patch test (APT)
- A diagnostic elimination weight loss program
Through the review of the medical history, any information on dietary egg intake in addition to subsequent reactions ought to be detailed. At this point, it’s also vital to offer data on a family history of egg allergy or other food allergies.
Treatment of egg allergy
As with other food allergies, the first-line treatment for egg allergy is to avoid consuming eggs and egg products. The physician also suggests a plan of motion against the allergy, should it occur. This includes the next:
- Antihistamines. They’re available over-the-counter and can assist calm symptoms in milder cases. They don’t help if there may be an anaphylactic response.
- Emergency epinephrine injections. As mentioned above, this injection is used if there are symptoms of anaphylaxis. It serves to loosen up the muscles of the airways and constrict the blood vessels.
Oral desensitization therapy
Since eggs are a quite common food, present in lots of food products and even medicines, it’s difficult to avoid them completely. In response to this, an oral desensitization treatment has been developed.
Also called oral immunotherapy, it consists of administering very low doses of the food and regularly increasing the portions in order that the body adapts to it. It could actually last from weeks to months, and works in as much as 70% of the cases.
A review reported in Cochrane Library: Cochrane Reviews determined that this treatment has great potential to extend egg tolerance.
It should be supervised by the physician in any respect times, because it’s possible that allergy symptoms may occur. Patient and family education is vital to managing reactions and achieving success with this therapy.
Products that commonly contain eggs
It ought to be considered that egg is present in lots of industrial products. Hence the importance of checking labels as a part of the strategies to avoid the symptoms of this allergy. It’s often present in the next foods:
- Baked goods
- Industrial ultra-processed products
- Dairy desserts
- Candies and sweets
- Sauces and dressings
- Coffees with cream
Like this text? You could also wish to read: Sesame Allergy: Now Included on the List of Major Food Allergens
Can individuals with egg allergies eat baked eggs?
The short answer to this query is: perhaps. Up to now, it has been observed that patients with egg allergy are likely to tolerate baked goods containing eggs.
In a publication in NIH Research Matters, it’s suggested that it is because the high temperatures of baking help break down the egg proteins that cause allergy.
Because of this, this approach to baking is commonly considered in oral desensitization therapy. With careful monitoring, it appears protected for kids to eat baked egg products. Still, medical supervision ought to be maintained.
Egg allergy, one of the vital common food allergies
It ought to be remembered that egg allergy is the second commonest food allergy during childhood. Taking note of its symptoms is crucial to intervene in a timely and appropriate manner. It should never be ignored that it could possibly result in life-threatening anaphylactic reactions.
Fortunately, in greater than 70% of cases, it’s overcome after adolescence. In all cases, it’s advisable to avoid the presence of eggs and their derivatives within the weight loss program. Provided that the doctor suggests a desensitization therapy, it’s possible to regularly incorporate this ingredient into your weight loss program.
It’d interest you…
