Egg Allergy: What Are the Treatment

Egg Allergy: What Are the Treatment

Egg Allergy Overview




What is an Egg Allergy?

Egg allergies are one of the most common types of food allergies affecting children, according to the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). An egg allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies proteins found in eggs as harmful invaders and launches an attack. The immune system releases chemicals, such as histamine, in response to the egg protein. This onslaught of histamine in the body results in troublesome allergy symptoms.

Symptoms of Egg Allergy


  • Skin inflammation or hives the most common egg allergy reaction
  • Nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing (allergic rhinitis)
  • Digestive symptoms, such as cramps, nausea and vomiting

Diagnosis of Egg Allergy



  • Wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • Runny nose and sneezingRed or watery eyes
  • Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
  • Anaphylaxis (less common)

If you or your child experiences any of these symptoms, see an allergist.Your allergist may diagnose an egg allergy through a skin-prick test or a blood test.



If these tests arent definitive, your allergist may order an oral food challenge. Under medical supervision, youll eat small amounts of egg to see if a reaction develops. Because of the possibility that a reaction could be severe, this test is conducted in your allergists office or at a food challenge center with emergency equipment and medication on hand.


Who Gets an Egg Allergy?

While anyone can develop an egg allergy, some babies and children have a higher chance of developing the allergy under these circumstances:

  • Skin conditions. Children with certain skin conditions, especially eczema, are more likely to develop allergies to food such as eggs.
  • Genetics. If one or both parents has a food allergy or any other type of allergy, such as seasonal allergies, their child is at greater risk for developing a food allergy.
  • Age. Egg allergies commonly affect children. According to the American College of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology (ACAAI), almost 70 percent of children with an egg allergy outgrow it by the age of 16.

Causes of Egg Allergy


Both egg yolks and egg whites contain proteins that can cause allergies, but allergy to egg whites is most common. It’s possible for breast-fed infants to have an allergic reaction to egg proteins in breast milk if the mother consumes eggs.

Treating Egg Allergic Reactions

If you or your child has been diagnosed with having an egg allergy, you will work closely with an allergist to devise a plan on how to manage the condition. An allergic reaction to eggs is treated the same way allergic reactions to other foods are treated.

For mild symptoms, doctors usually suggest taking medications such as antihistamines to help ease the discomfort of the symptoms. To treat anaphylaxis, an immediate dose of epinephrine needs to be given to counteract the life-threatening reaction. Further care should be given at an emergency room. Failure to treat anaphylaxis can lead to death.