Allergy to eggs: Identifying symptoms, treatment options, dietary restrictions, and vaccine safety concerns
Egg allergies are a common food allergy in the United States, particularly among children. Approximately 0.6% of children and 0.2% of adults in the country are affected by egg allergies, making it more prevalent in the younger population [1][3].
Symptoms of egg allergies can vary greatly, but typically include skin reactions such as hives or eczema, respiratory symptoms like wheezing or nasal congestion, gastrointestinal distress such as abdominal pain or vomiting, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis—a sudden, life-threatening allergic reaction [5].
Causes of egg allergies stem from an overactive immune system that mistakes the proteins found in egg whites or yolks as foreign invaders [4]. Egg allergy is among the most common food allergens in children, alongside milk and peanuts.
Diagnosis of egg allergies involves a clinical history of reaction to eggs, skin prick tests (SPT) to detect sensitization, serum specific IgE testing for egg proteins, and in some cases, oral food challenges under medical supervision to confirm the diagnosis [4].
Treatment for egg allergies primarily focuses on strict avoidance of eggs and egg-containing products. Emergency preparedness, including carrying epinephrine auto-injectors to treat anaphylaxis, is also crucial. Some children may outgrow their egg allergy, and oral immunotherapy is an emerging treatment under specialist care, although not yet widely standardized [1][3].
Prevention strategies include early introduction of cooked eggs in infancy, which may help reduce the risk, although recommendations can vary. Avoidance of eggs is recommended only after a confirmed allergy. There is currently no confirmed way to prevent egg allergies before sensitization occurs, but early dietary management and careful monitoring of at-risk infants can help [1][3].
If someone exhibits symptoms of anaphylaxis, they should seek immediate medical attention. The flu vaccination no longer contains eggs, but the yellow fever vaccination does, and a doctor can write a note for travel to countries requiring it. A skin prick test for egg allergies takes 15-20 minutes to see if a small welt or rash forms, while a blood test looks for the presence of immunoglobulin E antibodies to egg protein [1].
Products containing egg that a person may not expect include dressings, soups, baked goods, condiments, meat-based products, and ice cream. Antihistamines can help reduce the severity of egg allergy symptoms. Up to two-thirds of children with the allergy may only have symptoms when touching or eating raw or lightly cooked eggs [1].
In the United States, around 0.9% of all children and 1.3% of children under the age of 5 have an egg allergy [1]. If tests are inconclusive, a food challenge test or food elimination test may be ordered. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 requires manufacturers to include a plain language warning for products containing eggs [2].
References:
[1] American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. (2021). Egg Allergy. Retrieved from https://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergies/egg-allergy
[2] Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food/labeling-nutrition/food-allergen-labeling-and-consumer-protection-act-2004
[3] National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2021). Food Allergy. Retrieved from https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/food-allergy
[4] National Institutes of Health. (2021). Egg Allergy. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000953.htm
[5] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Egg allergy. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/egg-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20360228
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