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Egg allergy

Published by Bupa's health information team, July 2008.

This factsheet is for people who have an egg allergy, or who would like information about it.

If you have an allergy, it means that your body's immune system reacts to an allergen - a substance that causes an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction happens when your body's immune system mistakes the allergen, for example eggs, for a harmful invader. Allergens aren't usually harmful and most people aren't sensitive to them.

About egg allergy

Egg allergy is most common in babies and young children under the age of one. About half of all children who are allergic to eggs will have grown out of it by the time they are three, and very few children still have an egg allergy after the age of six. Occasionally egg allergy can carry on into adult life, especially if you have eczema or other allergies. It's rare, but sometimes egg allergy may not start until adulthood.

Symptoms of egg allergy

The symptoms of egg allergy come on very suddenly in babies and young children, usually within minutes or even seconds of eating an egg or something with egg in it. In children, the symptoms of egg allergy include:

  • rash around the mouth
  • swelling in and around the mouth, and on the face
  • wheezing or sneezing
  • being sick
  • swelling of the skin
  • nettle rash or hives

With very severe egg allergy, your baby may develop anaphylaxis. This is when the airways from his/her lungs become swollen and make breathing difficult. There is also likely to be a drop in blood pressure and an increase in your child's heart rate. He/she may collapse or become unconscious.

The symptoms of egg allergy are very similar for adults but you may be more likely to develop skin swelling or hives.

With very severe egg allergy, you or your child may be affected by breathing in the fumes of an egg cooking. You may also get a rash from touching eggs.

Causes of egg allergy

If you have egg allergy, IgE antibodies are produced when you come into contact with eggs. Antibodies are usually only released to fight infection, but in this instance your body believes the egg is harmful. This leads to certain cells in your body called mast cells releasing chemicals. One of these is histamine which triggers the symptoms of an allergic reaction such as a rash or swelling.

There are three proteins in the whites of eggs that are thought to be the main triggers of egg allergy. However, it's also possible to be allergic to the yolk.

Some people may also have egg allergy because sensitivity develops before birth while they are in their mother's womb (uterus). It's also possible that this may happen as a result of breastfeeding.

You may also develop an allergy if you are given egg to eat too early in life before your body can properly digest it. However, there is also evidence to show that waiting until your child is at least six months old before giving him/her egg to eat may actually increase the risk of egg allergy, as well as other allergic conditions such as eczema.

Many people who are allergic to eggs have allergies to other things, and may also have eczema or asthma. If someone else in your family has an allergy, this can also increase your risk of having an allergy, although it may not be to the same thing.

Diagnosis of egg allergy

If you think you or your child is allergic to eggs, you should see your GP. He or she will ask about the symptoms and examine you or your child. Your GP may also ask about your medical history.

Blood tests

One method of testing for food allergies is the RAST (radioallergosorbent test). This measures the level of IgE antibodies for a specific allergen in your blood. RASTs may produce false positive results - this means the test may show you are allergic to something when actually you aren't - or false negative results suggesting you aren't allergic to something when really you are. However, it has the advantage that it can be used to confirm a diagnosis if you have a severe food allergy. This is because a sample of your blood is tested, so there is no need to expose you to the food and risk causing anaphylaxis.

Skin prick tests

It's also possible that you will be offered skin prick tests to help determine exactly what you are allergic to. This involves introducing tiny amounts of different allergens to your skin and seeing which ones cause an allergic reaction. The test will be done in hospital or at your GP's surgery and only a very small amount of the allergen is used. The test is safe for most people unless you or your child has had an obvious anaphylactic reaction to an allergen in the past.

Treatment of egg allergy

The main way of treating egg allergy is to try not to eat any eggs or products that may contain them. Most people find that if they don't eat eggs, their allergy decreases with time.

If you or your child has a very severe egg allergy and there is a risk of an allergic reaction causing anaphylaxis, you will need to carry adrenaline with you at all times. This is a hormone (chemical that occurs naturally in your body) that relaxes muscles and so helps to reduce any swelling and make breathing easier. Single doses of adrenaline are available in the form of an EpiPen or AnaPen. This consists of a sterile syringe of adrenaline that is ready to be used in an emergency. Your GP will prescribe this for you if you are at risk of anaphylaxis. You will need to go to hospital immediately if you have anaphylaxis, even if using an EpiPen or AnaPen has helped to reduce the reaction.

Always ask your GP for advice and read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.

Living with egg allergy

If you or your child has egg allergy, it's important to check the packaging of food carefully to find out if it contains egg. In 2005, new rules were introduced which mean that all pre-packed food sold in the UK and the European Union must say on the label whether it contains any egg.

Egg allergy affects everyone differently. Some people are able to eat cooked or well processed eggs without having a reaction - this is because the proteins in the egg white are altered by heat so they may no longer have an effect. However, this isn't the same for everyone. You should also be aware that you may be allergic to eggs from birds other than hens as they contain similar proteins.

It's a good idea to see a dietitian if you or your child has a severe egg allergy and can't eat anything that contains eggs. Foods that you might not expect to contain eggs may actually have a very small amount in them. It's important to speak to your GP or dietitian before starting to eat eggs again if you have cut them out of your diet.

If you are allergic to eggs, you won't be able to have the vaccine for yellow fever. Your GP is also likely to advise you not to have the flu vaccine.

Further information

 

Related topics

Sources

This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr WH Simpson, MBBS, General Practitioner, and by Bupa doctors. It has also been reviewed by The Anaphylaxis Campaign. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: July 2008.

 

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