Children or adults can have an allergic reaction to eggs. Approximately 2 percent of Americans are allergic to eggs, reports the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, and it is the second most common food allergy for children. These allergies can be significant because some vaccinations contain egg products in the formula. See your doctor if you think you have an allergic reaction when you eat eggs.
Food Allergies
An allergen is a substance that the immune system believes is an invading agent, so it marks it with an antibody. When you come in contact with the substance again, the system attacks it. It is this attack that leads to allergy symptoms, such as a skin rash. Exposure to eggs can develop the antibodies and, subsequently, the allergy. Babies can sometimes develop allergies from the food the mother eats when a protein transfers to the infant in breast milk. With eggs, the allergy could be from the white, yolk or both.
Egg Protein
It is not necessary to eat a whole egg to have a reaction, because the antibody looks for a specific protein. Any exposure to the protein will lead to symptoms. This means processed foods, baked goods, salad dressings, ice cream and any other products made with eggs may lead to an allergic reaction.
Symptoms
The symptoms of an allergic reaction to eggs are the same as they are with any other allergy. You may get a skin rash that itches. It will present as small red dots or blisters. Food allergies can cause digestive problems such as vomiting and diarrhea. Even stomach cramps may indicate a sensitivity to eggs. A tightening in the throat or wheezing after you eat may mean you were exposed to eggs. The reaction may differ each time you eat eggs, depending on whether you ingest the whole egg, the white only or the yolk. Approximately 1.5 percent to 3.2 percent of all children will have an allergic reaction to eggs, states the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. However, many of these kids will outgrow the allergy by age 16.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that some individuals get when they come in contact with an allergen. It is rare to experience this extreme reaction with an egg allergy, reports MayoClinic.com. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that can lead to death if the throat swells shut. Once exposed, the reaction may progress quickly. Individuals with severe allergies should wear a medic alert bracelet to warn of the problem. They also may need to carry an epinephrine pen, a device that administers the correct dosage of a drug to combat the anaphylaxis. You can develop an allergy at any age, so check with your doctor if you experience sensitivities to eggs or other food.
References
- Children's Hospital Boston: Food Allergy
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Hot Topics: Egg Allergies; Jonathan Spergel, MD, PhD; 2011
- American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: Egg Allergy
- American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: Anaphylaxis Overview
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: Allergy Statistics
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