Egg allergy: how to prevent and treat?

What is egg allergy?

Egg allergy is an immune response of the body to proteins present in chicken eggs, both in the yolk and in the white. Allergy to chicken eggs is one of the most common forms of allergy in children, but it can also occur in adults.

Symptoms of egg allergy

Symptoms of egg allergy can manifest in various ways. The manifestation of egg allergy depends on individual characteristics of the body, but the most common symptoms include:

• Skin manifestations: hives, itching, swelling, rash;
• Respiratory symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath;
• Gastrointestinal symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain;
• Anaphylactic shock (a rare but dangerous symptom that requires immediate medical attention).

Causes of egg allergy

The cause of egg allergy is hypersensitivity of the immune system to the proteins in chicken eggs - egg white and yolk. The most allergenic components are ovomucin and ovalbumin. Some people may develop an allergy to quail eggs, which is related to a cross-reaction of the immune system to proteins from different types of eggs.

Diagnosis of egg allergy

Properly diagnosing egg allergy can be done through an allergological examination.

An allergist first takes a medical history, asking the patient about symptoms, as well as the presence of allergies in relatives. Then special tests are prescribed to confirm the diagnosis of egg allergy.

What tests are needed to diagnose egg allergy

The following tests are conducted to diagnose egg allergy:

• Skin tests: a doctor applies a small amount of allergen (egg white or yolk) to the skin and monitors the skin's reaction. If there is redness or swelling, it indicates an allergy.
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): a blood test for the presence of specific IgE class antibodies to chicken egg proteins.
• Provocative tests: are only carried out in hospital conditions and under the observation of a doctor. A small amount of allergen (egg white or yolk) is introduced and the body's reaction is evaluated.

Treatment for egg allergy

Treatment for egg allergy includes various methods.

Avoiding contact with the allergen: eliminating foods that contain egg white and yolk from the diet.

Symptomatic treatment: using antihistamines (such as loratadine, cetirizine) to relieve itching, swelling, and other allergy symptoms. In case of serious reactions, such as anaphylactic shock, glucocorticoids (prednisolone) and adrenaline may be used.

Immunotherapy: a treatment method aimed at "training" the immune system to tolerate the allergen by gradually introducing small doses of the allergen. This method is only used for severe allergies and under strict medical supervision.

Egg allergy prevention

Prevention of egg allergy includes the following measures:

• Careful introduction of eggs into the infant's diet, starting with small doses;
• Regular monitoring of the child during the introduction of new foods to detect possible allergic reactions;
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and strengthening immunity, which helps reduce the risk of allergic reactions;
• Consultation with an allergist when there is suspicion of egg allergy to start timely treatment and prevention.

Diet for egg allergy

Adhering to a diet is the basis of treating egg allergy. It is important to know which foods to exclude from the diet and what can be eaten with egg allergy.

If you have an egg allergy, you should exclude the following from your diet:

• Chicken and quail eggs in any form (boiled, scrambled, omelet);
• Products containing egg white or yolk (muffins, cakes, pancakes, mayonnaise);
• Products with hidden egg protein (some types of bread, sauces, ice cream).

What you can eat with an egg allergy

You can consume the following foods if you have an egg allergy:

• Grains, vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, dairy products (if there is no allergy to other products);
• Egg substitutes, such as aquafaba or flaxseed and chia seed blends;
• Safe baked goods and sweets without using eggs (for example, vegetarian or vegan options).

Egg allergy is a common condition, especially in children. Proper diagnosis, treatment, and adherence to a specific diet can help successfully manage the allergy and prevent possible complications. It is important to consult an allergist if you suspect an egg allergy to receive qualified assistance and recommendations on further nutrition and prevention.