Chicken allergies: how to recognize and treat?

A chicken allergy is a negative reaction of the body to chicken meat and its components. It is a type of food allergy, which can appear in different forms. It is important to know how chicken allergies manifest themselves in children and adults in order to see a doctor in time and get the necessary treatment.

Causes of chicken allergies

Chicken allergies can be caused by a genetic predisposition. If one parent suffers from allergies, the likelihood of children developing them increases.

There is an assumption that chicken allergies can be caused by environmental exposures. For example, poor feeding of chickens can change the composition of chicken proteins and cause an allergic reaction.

Chicken allergy symptoms

1. Food symptoms can manifest as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Colic and poor appetite may occur in children.
2. Skin manifestations of allergies include redness, itching, rashes, and swelling. Atopic dermatitis may develop in children.
3. Respiratory symptoms: difficulty breathing, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose and throat.

Diagnosis of chicken allergy

• Diagnosis of chicken allergy begins with a history and examination of the patient. The doctor considers the presence of allergies to other foods and a family history of the allergy.
• Skin tests can determine the presence of a chicken allergy. The doctor applies a small amount of allergen to the skin and observes the body's reaction.
• A blood test for IgE antibodies can confirm a chicken allergy and determine its severity.

Treatment of chicken allergy

The main treatment for a chicken allergy is to eliminate chicken meat from the diet. Other sources of protein can be used in place of chicken breast.

Drug treatment

Antihistamines such as loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine help manage chicken allergy symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling.

Corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone and prednisolone, may be prescribed by a doctor to treat severe forms of chicken allergy.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy can be used to treat chicken allergies if other methods have proven ineffective. It is a long and gradual process in which the doctor administers small doses of the allergen to stimulate the immune system.

Preventing chicken allergies

To prevent chicken allergies, follow healthy eating habits, avoid foods with chicken meat, and carefully study the composition of foods.

The introduction of chicken into the diet of children should take place gradually and under the supervision of a doctor. This will allow you to monitor the reaction of the child's body to the product and contact the doctor at the right time if allergy symptoms occur.

Alternatives to chicken in the diet

• For those who are allergic to chicken, there are many alternative sources of protein. These include turkey, beef, pork, fish and seafood.
• Vegetarian alternatives to chicken include beans, peas, lentils, soy and tofu. These foods contain many health benefits and can form the basis of a varied diet for allergy sufferers.

In conclusion, chicken allergy is a serious problem for many people, especially children. It can manifest itself with a variety of symptoms, and for successful treatment it is necessary to see an allergist in a timely manner. Following healthy eating habits, using alternative protein sources and preventive measures can help reduce the risk of developing chicken allergies and improve the quality of life of allergy sufferers.