Allergy to egg yolk and egg white What we need to know

Eggs are one of the most allergic products in children and adults.

Symptoms develop within a few minutes or hours after eating the egg. Allergic manifestations may be severe or moderate.

Some children with egg allergy develop tolerance in adolescence.

 Symptoms

• Rash on the skin
• Urticaria
• stuffy nose
• Vomiting or other gastroenterological manifestations
• Anaphylaxis - in case of egg allergy, it is not so common.

Anaphylaxis is an extreme manifestation of sensitization, a life-threatening condition and requires immediate treatment with an epinephrine injection.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis are: constriction of airways due to swelling, abdominal pain, increased pulse, shock - sharp decrease in blood pressure, blurring of consciousness.

 reasons

An inadequate reaction of the immune system is the basis of all allergies. In case of egg allergy, the proteins in its composition are perceived as dangerous for the body. Immune system cells (antibodies) detect antigens (proteins), send a signal to the immune system that causes the release of histamine and other mediators, resulting in the development of symptoms.

Egg yolk and egg white both cause allergies, but the more sensitizing protein. Breastfed babies may also develop allergies when their mothers eat egg products.

 risk factors

Some factors increase the risk of egg allergy:

• Atopic dermatitis: food allergies, including egg allergies, are quite common in children with this diagnostics.
• Family history: The risk of food allergies is higher in children whose parents or relatives had asthma, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), hives, eczema, and other diseases.
• Age: egg allergy is more common in children, tolerance develops or symptoms become milder in adolescence.

 Complications

The most serious complication that can occur not only to eggs, but also to any allergic reaction is anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.

In addition, children with egg allergy often develop:

• Allergy to other foods (soy, milk, nuts)
• Allergy to animal dander and fur
• Allergy to dust mites and grass pollen
• asthma

 Prevention

You need to be careful with products containing eggs, read the label carefully

Avoiding foods whose composition is unclear

In severe cases of allergy, it is necessary to wear a bracelet or a marker, where information about your condition is indicated

In case of egg allergy in babies - restriction of intake of products containing eggs by the mother.

 Hidden sources of egg products

• Confectionery
• Glazed sweets
• mayonnaise
• Marzipan
• Processed meat products (meatballs, sausages)
• cream products
• Pudding
• Macaroni/pasta
• Bread and cookies

Warnings indicating the content of egg or its components in the product:

• Albumin
• globulin
• Lecithin
• Livetin
• lysozyme
• Vitelline

Names starting with the prefix "ova" or "ovo" also indicate the content of egg or its components in the product, eg ovalbumin (egg albumin).

 When to see a doctor?

If you or your child develop any of the above symptoms shortly after consuming eggs or products containing them, you should consult a doctor. When symptoms of anaphylaxis develop, immediate intervention is necessary.

 Vaccination and egg allergy

Some vaccines may contain egg proteins, which are a potential hazard for people allergic to eggs.

Measles-rubella-mumps vaccine - safe even for allergic children, despite the fact that its production is associated with egg products

Flu vaccine - sometimes contains small amounts of egg proteins, but is safe to use in people allergic to eggs.

Yellow fever vaccine - may provoke an allergic reaction in persons allergic to eggs.

Other vaccines are not risky for people allergic to eggs, but it is better to consult a doctor before vaccination.

Synevo offers egg allergen laboratory tests and allergy panels:

The time for issuing research results is not absolute, it can change taking into account various factors

! If the information you are interested in is not enough, please contact us on the hotline - 0322800111, or write to us on our Facebook page, or info@synevo.ge

source  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/egg-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372115

n.manjaparashvili@synevo.ge