An egg allergy is an allergic response to the proteins present in eggs. Egg allergies are less common in older children and adults, but are one of the most common food allergies among infants and young children. The majority of children will outgrow an egg allergy, but some will have egg allergies for the rest of their lives.

It is important to note the possibility of breast-fed infants having egg allergy reactions to egg proteins in breast milk if a mother has eaten eggs. If you suspect an egg allergy in your infant, be sure to consult a medical professional.

Because egg allergy reactions can be severe and, in some cases, life-threatening, it is important to diagnose and treat a suspected egg allergy as soon as possible. The following sections provide an overview of common egg allergy reactions, egg allergy causes, and egg allergy treatment.

Egg Allergy Symptoms

Egg allergy reactions may result in a variety of skin, respiratory, digestive, and cardiovascular manifestations. These manifestations may include:

  • Hives (the most common symptom)
  • Mouth or throat becoming itchy
  • Swelling of the tongue or lips
  • Runny nose
  • Red or watery eyes
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath
Egg Allergy Symptoms

Egg allergies can lead to anaphylaxis (anaphylactic shock). Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Symptoms of an anaphylaxis include:

  • Shortness of breath (and/or wheezing)
  • Constriction of the throat
  • Persistent dizziness or collapse
  • Confusion
  • Weak, rapid pulse
  • Pale and floppy (young children)

Egg Allergy Testing

Egg allergy testing plays an important role in diagnosing and managing allergies to eggs, which can be life-threatening for some individuals.

Egg allergy testing may include:

Egg allergies are primarily caused by an abnormal immune response to proteins found in eggs and food containing eggs. When an individual with a predisposition to egg allergies comes into contact with egg proteins, their immune system mistakenly identifies these proteins as harmful invaders and triggers an egg allergy reaction.

Genetics play a role in the development of egg allergies as individuals with a family history of allergies are more prone to developing this condition.

Egg Allergy Causes

Cross-contamination of foods can also expose individuals to egg allergens unknowingly, underscoring the importance of allergen awareness and careful food preparation for those with egg allergies.

Egg Allergy Testing

Egg allergy testing plays an important role in diagnosing and managing allergies to eggs, which can be life-threatening for some individuals.

Egg allergy testing may include:

Skin Prick Test

A test in which the skin is lightly pricked with a tiny amount of egg allergens, followed by monitoring for a reaction.

Blood Test

Measures the levels of IgE antibodies developed by the immune system, providing valuable information about the severity of the allergy.

Component Test

A blood test that evaluates a patient’s ability to tolerate specific components of allergens. An egg allergy component test is essential in differentiating between a cross reaction to pollen or a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

Oral Food Challenge

A gradual process in which a patient consumes a small amount of a suspected allergen over a period of three to four hours. As serious allergic reactions can be life-threatening, it should only be conducted under the guidance of a qualified clinician.

FAI’s Advanced Food Allergy Testing

Our Foundation Labs (CLIA Certified) specializes in component testing of 130+ different allergens, including allergen components that are not available at national laboratories and hundreds of different biomarkers.

Foods to Avoid to Prevent
Egg Allergy Reactions

In avoiding egg allergy reactions, it is important to stay away from all eggs and egg products. Although heat disrupts the protein that causes egg allergy responses, and many individuals with egg allergies can tolerate baked eggs, it is important to consult a doctor before introducing baked eggs and foods containing them.

Be sure to avoid eggs and any food that contains the following ingredients.

  • Albumin (may be spelled albumen)
  • Apovitellin
  • Avidin globulin
  • Egg (dried, powdered, solids, white, yolk)
  • Eggnog
  • Lysozyme
  • Mayonnaise
  • Meringue (meringue powder)
  • Ovalbumin
  • Ovomucoid
  • Ovomucin
  • Ovovitellin
  • Surimi
  • Vitellin

Other Places Egg can be Found

Egg is not always present in these foods, but it is important to read food labels and ask questions about ingredients before eating something that you have not prepared.

  • Baked goods
  • Breakfast foods like waffles or pancakes
  • Breads may contain egg or have an egg wash
  • Cake decorations or fillings
  • Chips
  • Crackers
  • Egg substitutes
  • Foam on alcoholic specialty coffees
  • Hollandaise
  • Ice cream, custard, sorbet
  • Lecithin
  • Marzipan
  • Marshmallows
  • Nougat
  • Pasta
  • Pretzels may be covered in an egg wash
  • Salad dressings
  • Tortillas

Eggs in Vaccines

Some vaccines contain egg proteins and could cause an allergic reaction in people with egg allergies.

It is important to discuss egg allergies with your doctor before receiving vaccines in case further testing is needed before safely receiving a vaccine.

The flu and yellow-fever vaccines are two that are known to contain egg.

Egg Allergy Treatment

For those with egg allergies, the only proven food allergy treatment that makes it possible to achieve remission is the Food Allergy Institute’s Tolerance Induction Program™ (TIP).

TIP™ builds tolerance to the unique proteins each individual is allergic to, all before introducing their most anaphylactic allergen(s).

This ensures patient safety, and over time alters their immune system to not react to any of their allergens. Once an individual has reached remission, they can eat like anyone without a food allergy for the rest of their life.

OIT and similar food allergy treatments aim to desensitize patients to protect them from “accidental exposure.” Through TIP™, patients can eat as freely as a non-allergic person would.

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Allergens Treated

The Tolerance Induction Program™ (TIP) successfully treats ALL severe food allergies, including the TOP 9 major allergens and many more!

  • Peanuts
  • Tree Nuts
  • Milk
  • Eggs
  • Shellfish
  • Wheat
  • Soy
  • Fish
  • Lentil
  • Mustard
  • Sesame
  • And more
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