Nearly any food can cause an allergic reaction, but some foods are more likely than others to cause a problem in your baby. One of the more allergenic foods is eggs. Ask your doctor when it is safe to introduce eggs and other foods likely to cause an allergy to your baby's diet. Allergic reactions may be mild or severe. If you suspect any food allergies in your baby, consult his pediatrician promptly.
Symptoms
An egg allergy can cause symptoms ranging from a rash to a runny nose to anaphylactic shock. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common reaction to eggs is hives, or small raised skin welts. Your baby may also have vomiting or intestinal cramping with an egg allergy. A life-threatening reaction, called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock, involves swelling of the mouth or throat, trouble breathing, a rapid pulse and loss of consciousness. If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Complications
If your baby is allergic to eggs, she may be more likely to develop other allergies or other health problems. She may have a reaction to other foods, such as soy, nuts or milk, or to environmental allergens, such as pollen or one of your pets. Her allergy may cause allergic dermatitis, which is a type of eczema, or itchy skin rash. She may also have symptoms of asthma in response to her allergy.
Prevention
There is no surefire way to prevent food allergies in babies, but if allergies run in your family, there are some steps you can take to reduce your child's chance of developing one. First, breastfeed your baby if possible. Delaying the introduction of solids may stave off food allergies. Talk to your baby's pediatrician about whether you should avoid egg products while nursing to reduce his chance of developing an allergy. Some doctors suggest waiting until a child is 2 years old before introducing eggs to his diet.
Considerations
If you know or suspect that your baby has an allergy to eggs, let her pediatrician know before getting a flu shot for her. Since it is cultured on eggs, she may be at risk for a reaction to the vaccine. Learn which foods are likely to be made with eggs or egg products. Some common foods that contain egg protein include baked goods, mayonnaise, processed meats and some salad dressings. Read labels carefully to prevent a potentially serious allergic reaction.
