Common Egg Allergy Symptoms, Treatments and Testing Services
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center provides food allergy testing and treatment for egg allergies. An allergy to eggs is one of the most common food allergies out there, and eggs can be a concern even for young children.
As many as 2.5% of young children have an egg allergy, and the possibility of anaphylaxis exists in the most severe cases. If you are concerned about allergy symptoms, our allergy doctors have a track record of delivering first-class food allergy treatment to children and adults living in the Atlanta area.
What Are the Primary Egg Allergy Symptoms?
Egg allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly believes egg proteins are a threat, and releases chemicals in defense of the body. This process leads to the symptoms commonly associated with a food allergy.
- Skin rashes or hives
- Stomach pains and cramps
- Runny nose and congestion
- Breathing difficulties and coughing
For many patients, these allergy symptoms will be minor. However, an egg allergy can be dangerous and does carry the threat of anaphylaxis. Symptoms of a severe reaction are dizziness, breathing issues and loss of consciousness.
What to Expect During Egg Allergy Testing
Testing for egg allergies is crucial for accurately confirming an allergy. With clarity on the allergy triggers, patients can make safe food choices and follow a food allergy management plan guided by their allergist. The most common egg allergy testing procedures we use at our Atlanta allergy centers are skin prick allergy testing and blood testing.
- Skin Prick Testing – A small amount of egg protein is placed on the skin, then lightly pricked to check for an allergic reaction.
- Blood Testing – A blood sample is drawn and sent to a lab to measure the immune system’s response to egg proteins.
Your allergist will use the results from egg allergy testing alongside an analysis of your symptoms and medical history to make a diagnosis. This precise evaluation helps inform an effective allergy management plan for preventing severe reactions.
The Main Egg Allergy Treatments
After your allergist has diagnosed an egg allergy using skin prick, blood or oral challenge testing, medication such as antihistamines may be recommended. Effective medication use can limit the irritation that arises from accidental exposure and reduce the severity of symptoms.
When egg allergy symptoms are severe or when a patient wants to continue eating eggs, oral immunotherapy treatment (OIT) may be a possibility. OIT or food allergy desensitization, under the guidance of an allergy doctor, requires a patient to consume carefully regulated doses of the allergenic food over a period of months. This treatment time may extend to more than one year. During treatment, patients eat small amounts of egg until a maintenance level is reached, and the threat of allergic reactions is diminished.
With eggs used as an ingredient in cake, pasta, salad dressing and many other products, avoiding exposure is quite difficult. However, it is recommended that you take precautions by using avoidance until your allergist has developed a treatment plan that will keep you or your child safe.
Simple Tips for Living With an Egg Allergy
An egg allergy treatment plan is key to maintaining good health, but there are also simple steps you can take each day to stay safe. If you have questions or concerns, your allergist can help guide you through daily management.
- Read food labels for signs of eggs in products like baked goods, dressings and sauces.
- Ask about ingredients and preparation methods before ordering at restaurants.
- Replace eggs with mashed banana, applesauce or yogurt in recipes.
- Prevent cross-contamination at home by cleaning surfaces thoroughly.
- Carry an epinephrine auto-injector in case of anaphylaxis.
Combining these everyday allergy management steps with a treatment plan will reduce the risk of reactions. Follow these tips consistently to incorporate them into your daily routine.
Common Questions About Egg Allergies
What can I do if my child experiences anaphylaxis after eating eggs?
In the event of a severe reaction or anaphylactic shock, call emergency services for help. When an individual is at great risk from an allergy, epinephrine will often be prescribed by their allergist. Having an epinephrine auto-injector on hand can quickly tackle these severe symptoms by administering adrenaline.
How can I get an egg allergy diagnosis?
During an appointment your allergist will first discuss allergy symptoms, relevant medical conditions, plus your family history of allergies and sensitivities. Next, allergy testing (most commonly skin prick testing) will precisely identify the cause of allergic reactions.
How effective is oral immunotherapy treatment for an egg allergy?
OIT is an effective treatment that can help patients build a tolerance to eggs. While treatment efficacy will vary for each individual, studies have found that 75% of children who followed the OIT process for 22 months were desensitized.
Professional Egg Allergy Treatments in Atlanta and Beyond
Have you or your child experienced the symptoms of an egg allergy? If so, contact one of our allergy doctors for reliable testing and treatment options. Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center works with patients to effectively diagnose and treat food allergies from centers in the Atlanta area. Call (678) 668-4688 for assistance or make an appointment now.
