Egg allergy

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Egg allergy
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Hives, asthma, anaphylaxis
Complications	N/A
Onset	Often in infancy
Duration	Varies, some outgrow by adolescence
Types	N/A
Causes	Immune system reaction to egg proteins
Risks	Family history of allergies, atopic dermatitis
Diagnosis	Skin prick test, blood test for IgE antibodies
Differential diagnosis	Lactose intolerance, celiac disease, other food allergies
Prevention	Avoidance of egg and egg-containing products
Treatment	Antihistamines, epinephrine for severe reactions
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Affects ~1-2% of children in the United States
Deaths	N/A

Egg Allergy is a type of food allergy that is characterized by an adverse reaction to the proteins found in eggs. It is most commonly observed in children, but can also affect adults. The symptoms of an egg allergy can range from mild, such as skin rashes or hives, to severe, such as anaphylaxis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an egg allergy can vary from person to person, and can occur within a few minutes to a few hours after consuming eggs or foods containing eggs. These symptoms can include:

• Skin reactions such as hives, eczema or rash
• Respiratory problems such as wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can affect breathing and send the body into shock

Causes

Egg allergy is caused by an immune system reaction to the proteins found in eggs. When a person with an egg allergy consumes eggs, their immune system mistakenly identifies the proteins as harmful and produces antibodies to neutralize them. This leads to the release of chemicals like histamine, which cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of an egg allergy is typically made through a combination of a patient's medical history, a physical examination, and allergy testing. Allergy testing can include a skin prick test, a blood test, or an oral food challenge.

Treatment

The primary treatment for an egg allergy is avoidance of eggs and foods containing eggs. In cases where accidental exposure occurs, medications such as antihistamines or epinephrine may be used to manage symptoms. In some cases, oral immunotherapy may be recommended.

Gallery

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  Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis
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  Eczema
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  Egg allergy
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  Epipen
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  US Allergen Information Example

See Also

• Food Allergy
• Anaphylaxis
• Immunotherapy