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An egg allergy is more common in children. In this text, learn the right way to recognize it and what to do about it.
An egg allergy occurs when the immune system interprets egg proteins as harmful substances. Thus, in its try and defend the body from these ‘invaders’, it reacts disproportionately and generates an inflammatory and allergic response.
Although it could actually occur in people of all ages, probably the most affected are children. In keeping with data reported by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, that is the second most typical food allergy in young children after cow’s milk.
To be more precise, it affects an estimated 0.9% of all children and 1.3% of youngsters under 5 years of age. The right way to recognize it? What are the risks? Listed here are all the main points.
What’s egg allergy and why does it occur?
Egg allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to the proteins within the egg white or yolk, recognizing them as harmful to the body.
It’s mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is an antibody that binds to antigens – on this case, egg proteins – and triggers the response within the immune system. Thus, when the affected person ingests egg or its derivatives, his or her body releases histamine and other chemicals that provoke an inflammatory response.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and range from an easy rash to anaphylaxis (rare cases). Fortunately, 70% of affected children normally outgrow this problem after the age of 16.
An investigation in International Archives of Allergy and Immunology shows that introducing eggs early within the weight loss plan can reduce the chance of youngsters developing this allergy.
The symptoms of an egg allergy
The clinical picture of egg allergy can develop shortly after ingestion of the food or inside two hours. It often has characteristics much like those of other food allergies. It causes skin, gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms comparable to the next:
- Diffuse urticaria (hives causing intense itching).
- Itching of the mouth and tongue.
- Angioedema (a swelling that happens under the skin).
- Abdominal pain.
- Diarrhea.
- vomiting
- dehydration
- Nasal congestion and increased mucus.
- Sneezing.
- coughing
- Tightness within the chest or shortness of breath.
Anaphylaxis
When the allergic response is severe, it can trigger a life-threatening anaphylactic response. If that’s the case, it requires immediate medical intervention, as treatment with adrenaline shall be essential. Warning symptoms are as follows:
- Severe respiratory distress
- Abdominal pain
- Increased heart rate
- Dizziness, drop in blood pressure, and lack of consciousness
Other complications
Other than anaphylaxis, the immune system’s response to egg allergy can result in other health complications. Essentially the most frequent are the next:
- Allergies to other foods, comparable to milk, peanuts, or soy
- Allergies to dust mites, pollen, or pet dander
- Atopic dermatitis
- Asthma
It’s very vital to pay attention to the symptoms of egg allergy, nevertheless mild they could be. Their severity may vary from one patient to a different. And even when at first it could have been mild, it could actually later present itself in a more severe form.
When the physician considers that there’s a high risk of anaphylaxis, he/she may indicate an emergency epinephrine injection. This has an auto-injector that facilitates its use.
Egg allergies in children
Egg allergy is taken into account a childhood disease, because it normally manifests itself in children under 5 years of age. Its first symptoms are often noticed when eggs are first introduced in the newborn’s complementary feeding.
Most often, allergic children are sensitized to the allergens within the egg white, but to not those within the yolk. Even so, this condition normally resolves in 70% of cases before adolescence.
The remaining percentage continues to experience a persistent allergy into maturity. These cases deserve special attention, as the chance of severe reactions also increases.
Egg allergies in adults
Egg allergy onset during maturity is extremely rare. It’s often related to a history of other sorts of food allergy. Nevertheless, cases of sudden allergy have been reported with none history of intolerance.
A publication in Clinical and Molecular Allergy suggests that stress, alterations within the microbiota, inflammatory bowel disorders, and a few medications could also be involved in the event of this allergy in maturity.
Nevertheless, it most frequently starts in childhood and lasts into maturity. The prognosis in these cases shouldn’t be superb, as there may be a high risk of severe reactions.
An investigation through International Journal of Molecular Sciences exposes that in maturity, allergy to egg yolk proteins is more frequent.
When to seek the advice of a health care provider
It’s essential to hunt medical attention if after eating eggs or egg-containing products there are clinical manifestations of an allergy. If possible, a specialist must be consulted as soon as a response occurs. Thus, the skilled can observe the symptoms and arrive at a diagnosis more easily.
Diagnosis of egg allergy
To perform a diagnosis of egg allergy, the physician begins with an in depth study of the patient’s clinical history and physical examination. Subsequently, she or he suggests in vitro or in vivo allergy tests to substantiate the condition.
In keeping with information from Pediatric Clinics of North America, these tests include the next:
- Measurement of food-specific IgE antibodies
- Skin prick tests
- Atopy patch test (APT)
- A diagnostic elimination weight loss plan
Through the review of the medical history, any information on dietary egg intake in addition to subsequent reactions must be detailed. At this point, it’s also essential to supply data on a family history of egg allergy or other food allergies.
Treatment of egg allergy
As with other food allergies, the first-line treatment for egg allergy is to avoid consuming eggs and egg products. The physician also suggests a plan of motion against the allergy, should it occur. This includes the next:
- Antihistamines. They’re available over-the-counter and can assist calm symptoms in milder cases. They don’t help if there may be an anaphylactic response.
- Emergency epinephrine injections. As mentioned above, this injection is used if there are symptoms of anaphylaxis. It serves to calm down the muscles of the airways and constrict the blood vessels.
Oral desensitization therapy
Since eggs are a quite common food, present in lots of food products and even medicines, it’s difficult to avoid them completely. In response to this, an oral desensitization treatment has been developed.
Also called oral immunotherapy, it consists of administering very low doses of the food and step by step increasing the portions in order that the body adapts to it. It may last from weeks to months, and works in as much as 70% of the cases.
A review reported in Cochrane Library: Cochrane Reviews determined that this treatment has great potential to extend egg tolerance.
It should be supervised by the physician in any respect times, because it’s possible that allergy symptoms may occur. Patient and family education is vital to managing reactions and achieving success with this therapy.
Products that commonly contain eggs
It must be considered that egg is present in lots of business products. Hence the importance of checking labels as a part of the strategies to avoid the symptoms of this allergy. It’s often present in the next foods:
- Baked goods
- Industrial ultra-processed products
- Dairy desserts
- Candies and sweets
- Sauces and dressings
- Coffees with cream
Can individuals with egg allergies eat baked eggs?
The short answer to this query is: possibly. Thus far, it has been observed that patients with egg allergy are inclined to tolerate baked goods containing eggs.
In a publication in NIH Research Matters, it’s suggested that it’s because the high temperatures of baking help break down the egg proteins that cause allergy.
For that reason, this approach to baking is commonly considered in oral desensitization therapy. With careful monitoring, it appears protected for kids to eat baked egg products. Still, medical supervision must be maintained.
Egg allergy, one of the common food allergies
It must be remembered that egg allergy is the second most typical food allergy during childhood. Taking note of its symptoms is crucial to intervene in a timely and appropriate manner. It should never be ignored that it could actually result in life-threatening anaphylactic reactions.
Fortunately, in greater than 70% of cases, it’s overcome after adolescence. In all cases, it’s advisable to avoid the presence of eggs and their derivatives within the weight loss plan. Provided that the doctor suggests a desensitization therapy, it’s possible to step by step incorporate this ingredient into your weight loss plan.