Egg Allergy

Eggs are one of the most common foods that cause allergic reactions in the US. They are most prominent in children. Most children outgrow their egg allergy before adolescence, but allergies can also develop in adulthood. Symptoms of egg allergy usually occur immediately and can range from mild to severe. If you experience a physical reaction after eating eggs, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Egg Allergy Symptoms

• Egg allergy rash
• Hives
• Nasal congestion
• Digestive problems, such as cramping, nausea, and vomiting
• Asthma symptoms
• Anaphylaxis

Individuals with allergic reactions to eggs must be very careful about what they eat, always checking food labels and ingredient lists. Since this can be a painstaking process, our NYC allergy specialists have provided an egg allergy food list that can help you identify egg ingredients so that you know what products to avoid.

Egg Allergy Foods to Avoid

Egg products that can cause an egg allergy reaction can be hidden in foods where you might not expect them. You should be wary of products that list generic ingredients (like “binder,” “coagulant,” or “emulsifier”) because these could be egg products. Even pretzels, bagels, and other baked goods can be sources of unexpected egg ingredients – some stores coat these products in egg white to give them a shiny appearance. Egg-allergic individuals should also avoid eating fried foods that could contain egg in the coating. All these hidden forms of egg can cause allergic reactions. If you have questions about what foods you can safely eat, the allergy specialists at our NYC allergy clinics can be helpful in educating you about potential allergic reactions.

Even tiny amounts of egg can cause an allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis (a life-threatening condition). The most common reactions are the result of someone eating or drinking a food that contains eggs. However, reactions can also occur after non-oral exposure, including immunization with an egg-containing vaccine. We recommend consulting our asthma and allergy clinic to help you decide if an immunization is safe for you or your child.

Egg Allergy Diagnosis

Your allergist can diagnose an egg allergy through egg allergy testing, most commonly a skin-prick test. It is the most used allergy test to diagnose food and environmental allergies. This test is convenient and takes just 15 minutes to for results to show.

In cases where a skin test can’t be performed, a blood test can diagnose your allergy. It works by measuring immunoglobulin (IgE), an antibody that your immune system develops in response to a specific allergen. This test is recommended for those with long-term skin conditions, such as eczema. Ask your doctor which allergy test is best for you.

Egg Allergy Treatment

Treating an egg allergy begins with avoidance. Carefully read labels before consuming any new food products. When dining out, ask to see an allergen menu before you order. This will help prevent any allergic reactions.

Since egg allergy is a severe food allergy, you should also carry an epinephrine auto-injector. Epinephrine is currently the only effective treatment for allergy-induced anaphylaxis. Your doctor can prescribe an EpiPen or Auvi-Q for emergency situations.

For less severe cases, antihistamines can treat your symptoms. Some medications are available over the counter, but you may need a prescription-strength cream or an inhaled corticosteroid. Contact the allergists at NY Allergy & Sinus Centers for more treatment options.