What is Egg Allergy ?

Egg allergy is a type of food allergy that occurs when the immune system responds abnormally to certain nutrients in eggs. While it's rarely seen in adults, it's a common problem, especially in infants and children.

Allergy symptoms may include mild symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In some cases, more serious symptoms such as shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness may also occur.

Allergy diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and dietary history. Skin tests and blood tests can also aid in the diagnostic process. Treatment usually involves avoiding the allergen. Medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids may be used to manage symptoms.

People with egg allergies should carefully monitor their diet for eggs and egg products. It's important to use alternative protein sources instead of eggs and to check for hidden egg ingredients in restaurants, prepared foods, and on labels. In case of emergency, it's also recommended to carry an epinephrine auto-injector to prevent the risk of anaphylaxis.

Eggs are a nutritious food source containing many vitamins, minerals, and healthy fatty acids. However, it's important for people with allergies to avoid this food. It's also important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate treatment plan for allergy symptoms.

Egg Allergy Symptoms

Egg allergy symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the allergy. They typically appear within minutes or hours after consuming eggs or egg-containing foods. In infants, allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe. The main allergy symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain and/or diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Itching and/or rash on the skin
• Numbness, tingling and/or swelling in the mouth and tongue
• Cough

In severe cases, a severe allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock may occur. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include shortness of breath, confusion, weak pulse, low blood pressure, and fainting. Anaphylactic shock is an emergency and requires immediate intervention.

Symptoms may not always be the same for people with egg allergies. For example, people who have had milder immune system reactions to eggs in the past may experience worsening symptoms with subsequent exposure.

It is important for people with allergies to consult a specialist to determine the appropriate treatment plan and allergy avoidance strategies.

Egg Allergy: Causes and Risk Factors

Egg allergy occurs when the immune system perceives eggs as a foreign and harmful substance, and the immune system reacts to certain proteins in eggs. The allergy has been linked to certain proteins, including ovomucoid, ovalbumin, ovotransferrin, and lysozyme.

When eggs or foods containing eggs are consumed, the immune system produces antibodies against these proteins, triggering the release of various chemicals. These chemicals can cause allergic reactions such as nausea, vomiting, and itching.

The risk of allergy may increase due to certain factors:

• Children with skin problems such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) are at higher risk of food allergies, including egg allergies.
• The likelihood of developing an allergy increases in individuals with a family history of egg allergy.
• Egg allergy is particularly common in childhood, so age is an important risk factor for allergy.

Additionally, some vaccines may contain egg protein and may cause allergic reactions in people with egg allergies, such as the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, the influenza vaccine, and the yellow fever vaccine. It's important that other vaccines be carefully evaluated by experienced healthcare professionals for the risk of allergic reactions.

Is There a Possibility of Egg Allergy Decreasing with Age?

Yes, egg allergy can decrease with age. As children grow and their digestive systems develop, their bodies can become more tolerant to allergens. Therefore, in some children, the allergy may decrease or disappear completely over time. However, it varies from person to person, and for some, the allergy can persist for life. Therefore, individuals with egg allergy should be regularly monitored and evaluated by their doctor.

Can Egg Allergy Be Treated?

Allergies can affect people at any stage of life. However, research shows that the risk of allergies is particularly high in children under the age of 5. As children with allergies grow and their digestive systems develop, the allergy often outgrows. Therefore, it is important for children with egg allergies to undergo regular allergy testing.

What Should Those With Egg Allergy Avoid?

It's important for individuals with egg allergies to avoid eggs and egg-containing foods and beverages. Some experts suggest that individuals with allergies may need to avoid not only chicken eggs but also eggs from all animals. Additionally, chicken, goose, and duck meat may be among the foods that are not recommended for those with allergies. 

Is There a Treatment for Egg Allergy?

There are various methods for treating egg allergies, but these treatments generally aim to alleviate allergy-related symptoms.

The most effective way to prevent allergies is to avoid eggs and foods containing eggs. In some cases, antihistamines can improve mild symptoms that develop from egg exposure.

However, antihistamines may not be sufficient for severe reactions. In these cases, specialists may prescribe emergency injections (epinephrine injections) used in the event of anaphylaxis.

Eggs can lose some of their allergenic properties when exposed to heat at 180 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes. In recent years, several treatment methods have been developed based on this characteristic. One such treatment is the "egg ladder." In this method, patients with mild allergies are first given less allergenic egg varieties, such as baked egg-containing products. Over time, they are encouraged to consume more allergenic varieties, such as fried eggs.

However, this method may not be suitable for those who have had anaphylactic shock in the past or have a severe egg allergy. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor in all cases.

Egg Allergy in Babies

Egg allergy in babies is usually recognized during the transition to solid foods. However, consuming eggs during breastfeeding can cause an allergic reaction in babies.

Around six months, babies can be introduced to foods other than breast milk. During this time, it's important to introduce small amounts of potentially allergic foods (e.g., eggs) to babies to quickly detect any potential allergic reactions.

Some studies suggest that egg whites may contain more allergens than yolks. Therefore, feeding your baby egg whites and yolks separately may help identify allergic reactions.

Egg Allergy Symptoms in Babies

Egg allergy symptoms in babies can vary depending on the severity of the allergy. The most common symptoms include:

• Skin redness and itching
• Swelling of the lips and tongue
• Redness and watering of the eyes
• Stomach ache
• Unrest
• Diarrhea
• Itchy nose, stuffy nose
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing
• High fever

In more severe cases, more serious symptoms such as shortness of breath and changes in heart rhythm may also occur. It is important to see a healthcare professional immediately if these symptoms occur.

Can Egg Allergy Occur in Adulthood?

Yes, egg allergies can develop later in life. Some people may not have any reaction to eggs in childhood, but they may develop them later in life. In other words, allergies can develop in adulthood.

Most children outgrow egg allergy by adolescence. However, for some, the allergy can persist for life. A severe allergic reaction can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency. Therefore, careful observation is important when a baby is first introduced to eggs. If any allergic reaction occurs, a healthcare professional should be consulted immediately.

Is Egg Allergy Genetic?

Yes, egg allergy can be genetic. Genetic predisposition can make an individual more susceptible to a particular type of allergy. Individuals with a family history of allergies, especially in parents, may be more likely to develop similar allergic reactions in their children. However, the development of an allergy is not solely dependent on genetic factors; environmental factors can also influence this process. In other words, genetic predisposition is only one risk factor and can interact with other environmental factors to trigger an allergy.

What Should Those With Egg Allergy Eat?

Those with allergies should choose egg-free foods. However, it's also important to avoid cross-contamination (the mixing of proteins from one food to another). Therefore, those with allergies should also avoid foods like chicken, goose, and duck.

Eggs are a food known for their nutritional properties. For those who cannot consume eggs, it's recommended that they add alternatives like milk, yogurt, and applesauce to their diet.

Food allergies, such as egg allergies, can cause serious complications, such as anaphylactic shock. Therefore, it's important for people with allergies to be regularly monitored and seek professional help on allergy avoidance strategies.

If you notice allergy symptoms in you or your child, do not forget to consult a specialist and have the necessary checks done.

What to Do If You Have an Egg Allergy?

If you have or notice yourself having an egg allergy, you can follow these steps:

• Consult a doctor: First, consult an allergist or pediatrician. Your doctor will provide you with an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment and management plan.
• Avoid allergens: Avoid eggs and foods containing eggs. Read food labels carefully and be vigilant to identify foods that potentially contain eggs.
• Be prepared for an emergency: If you're at risk of a severe allergic reaction, carry an EpiPen or similar adrenaline auto-injector and learn how to use it. Having these emergency supplies is vital and essential for managing serious conditions like anaphylaxis.
• Inform your friends and family: Inform those around you about your egg allergy, such as family members, friends, and caregivers. It's important that they can help you and provide appropriate emergency care if necessary.
• Create alternative meal plans: Find egg-free alternatives. Consider legumes, meat, fish, chicken, tofu, and other vegetables as protein sources. Research egg-free recipes and use them to diversify your meal plan.
• Regular follow-up: Stay in regular contact with your doctor and schedule any necessary tests and checkups to monitor your allergies. Also, monitor your allergy and symptoms over time and let your doctor know about any changes.