While egg whites provide healthy protein sources, they can cause allergic reactions. Sensitive individuals react to the allergenic proteins in certain foods. Both the egg yolks and the whites contain proteins, but most people who develop allergy symptoms do so from eating the whites, according to the Mayo Clinic. Allergy-related health problems may affect the skin, eyes, breathing, blood pressure and digestion. Recognizing the signs of these food allergies can lead to lifestyle changes that may prevent uncomfortable and even life-threatening allergic reactions.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis, the most severe, but rarest allergic reaction to foods, can occur at any time after patients with egg allergies eat egg whites, the National Institutes of Health report. Anaphylactic allergy symptoms arise suddenly, producing a racing pulse, coughing, wheezing and light-headedness. These can rapidly escalate to shortness of breath, confusion, slurred speech and fainting. Patients should call 9-1-1 at early signs of anaphylaxis, which can quickly lead to shock, respiratory failure and death.
Skin Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic notes that the most common group of egg allergy symptoms relate to skin inflammation. Itchy, red skin rashes may be the only sign of some mild egg allergies. Rashes may begin to appear shortly after eating or after a delay of an hour or more. Hives, or painful raised bumps, may form and fill with fluid. An over-the-counter antihistamine medication may be helpful in relieving itching.
Eye Symptoms
Regular allergic reactions to egg whites often begin with itchy, watery eyes that develop a few minutes after eating. According to the Mayo Clinic, the body's inflammatory response causes itching and fluid accumulation. Inflammation may also redden the eyes and cause swelling of the eyelids.
Mouth and Nose Symptoms
As allergic inflammation hits the upper gastrointestinal tract, the lips, mouth, tongue, throat and nose begin to swell and itch. Mucus may alternately drain from and congest the nasal passages. These combined allergy symptoms can make swallowing and breathing difficult, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. This condition should be carefully monitored, because it can contribute to complications of anaphylaxis and allergic asthma in patients with asthma.
Stomach and Intestine Symptoms
Allergic responses to egg whites may eventually progress through the upper gastrointestinal tract to produce stomach symptoms. The UM Medical Center relates that as inflammation develops, patients may feel nauseous or start to vomit. Painful stomach cramps can occur. Symptoms of illness in the lower gastrointestinal tract include intestinal cramping and diarrhea. These problems usually arise within two hours of consuming allergenic foods and dissipate as the allergens pass from the body.
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