Managing Egg Allergies

The reaction could be as mild as a runny nose, often mistaken for a cold or chronic asthma. You might notice hives or swelling around the mouth. You may have nausea, stomach pain or vomiting. At its worst, you could go into anaphylactic shock and potentially die. The culprit: eggs.

The Culprit

The white part of the egg that is usually to blame for egg allergies because the body can respond to the proteins in the egg white as a potential invader. The body releases histamines and other body chemicals to fight off the invasion, resulting in a host of uncomfortable and potentially dangerous symptoms. If you have a severe reaction, you should also avoid the yolk because it too contains some of the allergy producing proteins.

Egg Allergies in Children

If you suspect your child has an allergy to eggs, you should take him to see the pediatrician, who will refer him for allergy testing. It is likely the doctor will ask you to stop giving your child antihistamine medications for a few days before the test so the antihistamines do not interfere with the results. The doctor might also take a blood sample for analysis. If the doctor finds evidence of a food allergy, he may seek a "food challenge". This means you will need to avoid eggs and egg dirived products for a few weeks. You will then eat an egg product under medical supervision to test the body's response.

Severe Reaactions

Some people have severe reactions to eggs and can go into anaphylactic shock even from egg fumes. These people should keep all eggs and egg derived products out of the house and carry an epinephrine pen in case of accidental exposure. The condition is rare but life threatening. If you are exposed to eggs and need to use the epinephrine, make sure you go to the emergency room immediately to be evaluated because you may need further treatment.

Managing Egg Allergies

The good news is that egg allergies young children usually disappear by age 5. If your child still has egg allergies after that age, you will need to teach him how manage his allergy effectively, both at home and at school. Some people only need to avoid eggs, but others need to avoid all egg-derived products like mayonnaise or marshmallow fluff, so be sure to discuss your child's allergies with the school nurse. There are often tables set aside for children with allergies. These tables are kept extra clean and are placed separately from the main seating area to reduce potential exposure to allergens.

Egg Substitutes

Having an egg allergy does not have to be a bad experience. Instead of bemoaning your fate, make a game of checking labels and finding egg-free foods that you have not tried before. Find recipes that you can alter to make up for the eggs you cannot eat. To replace an egg in a recipe, there are a few things you can do. One is to mix 1 teaspoon yeast with 1/4 cup warm water. Another is to replace the egg with 1 Tablespoon pureed fruit or baby food. You can also shop the vegan section for egg-free foods. The more interesting foods you discover, the less difficult your allergy will be.