Allergies to eggs or egg products are considered to be one of the most common food allergies, states MayoClinic.com. Most children outgrow the allergy but some adults still struggle with the problem for life. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to eggs or egg products are the same as most other food allergy reactions. In rare cases, eggs can cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.
Significance
A reaction to eggs and products made with eggs is due to the distinct proteins that make up the egg. When the egg protein is consumed by an allergic individual, the body mistakenly treats the protein as a harmful agent and attempts to fight to protect itself, states MayoClinic.com. To fight off the protein, the body reacts by producing histamine, a hormone that creates the actual symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Symptoms
Most egg allergies are mild and cause only minimal symptoms. This includes a reaction of the skin, called hives. The hives are a red, raised and itchy rash on the surface of the skin. The rash can occur on the face, torso or any other part of the body. MayoClinic.com points out that hives are the most common allergic reaction to eggs. Other possible responses include an asthma attack in individuals with asthma, nasal congestion, nasal drainage, abdominal cramping, nausea or vomiting.
Prevention
The best method of minimizing egg allergies is to avoid eating egg-containing products. In order to do this an individual must read all food labels. Eggs can be found in unsuspecting products such as drink mixes, condiments and even vaccines. Until the egg allergy severity is understood, such as through testing, the individual should avoid all egg products.
Warning
Anaphylaxis is a rare, but life-threatening, reaction to eggs or egg products. With this type of reaction the individual's airways swell closed and suffocation can occur. KidsHealth.org describes other signs of anaphylaxis as a reduction in blood pressure, increased heartbeat, flushing of the face and wheezing. An individual can lose consciousness from insufficient oxygen intake. This type of reaction requires emergency medical treatment and the patient will likely be prescribed an adrenaline shot to keep with her at all times in the event of a future reaction.
Considerations
A mild first-time reaction to eggs should not be ignored, especially in infants. A slight rash from consuming one type of egg can be deceptive. The individual may consume a different type of egg product at a later time and experience a more severe response. KidsHealth.org lists less obvious egg products to avoid when an allergy exists. This list includes albumin, globulin, livetin, ovomucin, ovovitellin, Simplesse, vitellin and several other similar ingredients that are derived from eggs.
