Symptoms of an egg allergy to watch out for
Egg allergy is a condition that develops when your body’s immune system overreacts to egg protein. If you are allergic to eggs, your body sees protein from eggs as a foreign invader and as a result, sends out chemicals to defend against it, which triggers the allergic reaction. Unfortunately, egg allergy is very common condition with about as many as 2 percent of children suffering from it.
The condition usually develops at infancy and disappears as a child gets older with approximately 70 percent of children suffering egg allergy outgrowing it by age 16. Nevertheless, it is imperative to note that symptoms of egg allergy can range from mild rash to severe breathing difficulty. The symptoms will usually occur after a short period of time after consuming egg.
It is important to consult a doctor if you notice some symptoms of egg allergy. The doctor will carry out the necessary tests such as blood test, skin test or dietary monitoring to determine whether you are allergic. If the doctor confirms that you are allergic, you should take great care on what you eat. This is because some products such as influenza vaccine contain protein from eggs and hence you should always check the ingredients before purchasing any product. Some of the symptoms of egg allergy that you may experience include:
Irritation on your skin
When you consume eggs or products with egg proteins, your body produces antibodies, which trigger the release of chemical histamine that causes respiratory irritation and swelling, among other symptoms. Skin inflammation is the most common sign of an egg allergy. You may develop hives, an itchy rash or swelling around your mouth. Children with an atopic or a perioral dermatitis history might have a higher chance of developing egg allergy.
Digestive Problems
Some of the digestive disturbances that you may experience when suffering from egg allergy include stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea and an upset stomach after eating eggs. If you are allergic, it is vital to note that symptoms can also be triggered by medications, cosmetics or foods that use egg protein as a food additive. There is also a greater chance that if you are allergic to chicken eggs, you could also be allergic to other form of eggs such as turkey or duck eggs.
Respiratory reactions
The release of histamine in your body can affect your respiratory system resulting in itchy, watery eyes or runny inflamed nose. In excessive cases, a reaction to egg allergy can result in blockage of your airways and thus, affect your breathing. You should also understand that egg allergy can trigger asthma symptoms like difficulty breathing and wheezing. It is also necessary to point that some people with egg allergy may also suffer from peanuts, soy and milk reactions.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction that affects your entire body. This egg protein reaction may cause swelling in your lungs, throat and mouth resulting in breathing difficulties. You may also experience vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, swelling and itching of the skin. Your blood pressure may also drop causing shock, fainting or dizziness.
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Emilia
Cooking up a storm in the kitchen and making a mess wherever I go. I bake things, I write things, I do things. Raised in the countryside and a farm girl at heart, my passion is my food and my food is my passion.
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