An egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies among children, according to MayoClinic.com. Egg allergy symptoms typically occur in a few minutes to a few hours after consuming egg products. A common symptom of an egg allergy is asthma. Allergy-induced asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the airways, leading to wheezing, shortness of breathe and coughing. Talk with a doctor to determine if an egg allergy is the cause of asthma attacks.
Egg Allergy
Someone with an egg allergy has a hypersensitivity to the proteins found in eggs. Most people are either allergic to egg white proteins or egg yolk proteins, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The immune system mistakes the protein in eggs as a harmful substance and attempts to ward it off by releasing various chemicals, which causes the body to react.
Allergy-Induced Asthma
Almost half of Americans who suffer from asthma have allergy-induced asthma, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Allergy-induced asthma can be triggered by various allergens, including airborne allergens, foods or different medications. If a person with an egg allergy eats eggs, high levels of histamine are released in the airways, leading to inflammation.
Symptoms
Allergy-induced asthma resulting from an egg allergy will develop symptoms such as chest tightness, the inability to breathe, coughing and wheezing, according to MedlinePlus. The lungs swell, restricting the person's ability to breathe normally. This can lead to serious health concerns if the airways become extremely swollen. Other allergy symptoms from an egg allergy include skin reactions, nasal complications and gastrointestinal complications.
Treatment
An egg allergy leading to asthma is treated with oral antihistamines, oral inhalers and avoidance. Oral antihistamines block the body's ability to manufacture histamine and help alleviate common allergy symptoms. Oral inhalers are prescribed by a medical doctor and help to ease the lungs and restore normal breathing. MayoClinic.com states that avoiding the consumption of products containing eggs is the most effective treatment.
Warning
If someone shows signs of a serious reaction, such as a rapid pulse, abdominal pain, a swollen throat, dizziness or a sudden drop in blood pressure, call 911. These are signs of anaphylactic shock and could lead to death. A severe asthma attack also could cause medical complications. See a doctor immediately if the asthma symptoms increase or do not subside.
