The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) suggests that egg allergies are one of the most common food allergies. They suggest that children often outgrow the allergy by the age of 5 but some people will keep the allergy for life. There are allergies to specific parts of an egg including the egg white proteins or the yolk. Symptoms of an egg allergy are similar to other food allergies, but they can be severe.
Atopic Dermatitis
The AAFA identifies atopic dermatitis (eczema) to be the most common sign of egg allergy. Eczema appears as small white pimples with red centers. They occur on the face, cheeks, neck and scalp. The AAFA explains that the pimples become itchy and after they are scratched, the area may become infected. The rash can appear on other sections of the body, including the eyelids, palms of the hands, soles of the feet and arms and legs.
Hives
Another common skin reaction to eggs can be hives. Hives appear as small red welts on the skin that can be itchy or warm to the touch. They often appear on the stomach but can appear on any part of the skin.
Asthma
Egg allergies can cause an asthma attack in individuals who have been diagnosed with it and also in individuals who have never had asthma before. The AAFA defines asthma as the obstruction of the airway through inflammation. The consumption of eggs can cause this reaction. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing.
Allergic Rhinitis
Rhinitis is the inflammation of the nose. When the nose becomes inflamed, it begins producing more mucus as a form of combating the allergen. When this occurs, individuals may sneeze, experience a runny nose or have mild to moderate congestion.
Anaphylactic Shock
Anaphylactic shock is a severe and potentially deadly reaction to an allergen. Individuals with a severe allergy to eggs require medical attention at the earliest onset of allergic reaction. Anaphylactic shock symptoms include wheezing, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, swelling of the lips, swelling of the tongue and/or swelling of the throat. The Mayo Clinic also indicates the potential for shock when the blood pressure drops rapidly or the heart rate speeds suddenly. They indicate an individual may lose consciousness. Asphyxiation can occur when anaphylactic shock sets in if it is not treated with immediate medical attention.
Digestive Symptoms
KidsHealth.org identifies the digestive symptoms of egg allergy to be diarrhea, vomiting, nausea or stomach cramping. The Mayo Clinic also suggests the potential exists for blood in the stools or very watery diarrhea with bloating of the stomach.
