Allergies World

I’m allergic to eggs, no big deal, I’ll just have cereal for breakfast! Right?

No wrong! Eggs are found in all kinds of food, so living with an Egg Allergy means being really careful with what you eat, and studying the food labels carefully. This might take a little effort, but it is worth it.

Explaining Egg Allergy.

The problem is that eggs are not bad, the body just thinks they are! The immune system overreacts to the presence of some of the proteins in the egg. It sees these proteins as harmful, and reacts by releasing anti bodies to target the bad proteins. The chemicals released affect parts of the body, causing allergy symptoms, such as breathing problems, rashes, headaches and nausea. For most sufferers, the egg whites are more of a problem than the yolks.

What are the signs?

Most food allergies have pretty similar symptoms. Usually, these appear quite soon after eating the problem food, and so often provide a pointer to the offender. The reactions affect the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract and or the skin, and so include those things mentioned above. Some people may show an extreme reaction called anaphylaxis. This can cause swelling in the mouth, throat and airways, leading to breathing problems, and is very dangerous. This is very common with peanut allergies.

How do you know if you have Egg Allergy?

As mentioned above, you get clues from getting the reaction after eating certain foods. If you then go to the doctor with your suspicions they will probabely refer you to a specialist for testing. After looking at your history, the specialist may then order a Skin Test or Prick Test to be done to find out if you have an Egg Allergy. As medications, such as antihistamines, would affect the result of the test, you should stop taking these a few days before the appointment. Your doctor would advise you about this. Sometimes, blood tests may also be carried out.

How do we treat it?

This seems very simple, just don’t eat eggs. But in real life, this means very carefully looking at all the foods you eat, and reading food labels very carefully. You may consider working with  a dietitian to plan your meals.

Over the counter anti histamines may help with some symptoms. For some with severe allergies, the doctor may advise carrying a epinephrine pen with you. Then if you have an  anaphylactic reaction, you can give yourself a shot while you are waiting for medical help to arrive. If you do have to use the pen after a reaction, you should always then report to a medical facility, as often a second wave attack can occur.

If you would like to know how to beat your child’s allergies quickly and easily without injections or drugs look at out Child Allergies page.

Life with an allergy.

Since January 2006, the manufacturers of foods sold in the United States must list on their labels whether the food contains any of the most common allergans. You will see statements like “made using egg products”.

This does it make it easier, but you still need to be careful, and especially when eating out or at a friend’s place.

The health food section may offer good alternatives, and you can find vegan foods that are made without eggs or egg products.

Allergies and allergans are these days much better understood, so that it really just requires an adjustment to your life style.

Swine Flu and Egg Allergy

Recently, there have been concerns concerning those who suffer from an egg allergy receiving the swine flu immunization.

If you are allergic to eggs, and you are interested in receiving this actual vaccination, it is imperative to talk over the risks involved with a health care provider.

It is quite likely that the doctor or nurse that you discuss this issue with, will communicate the advantages associated with the vaccination, and then outline the possible risks that could be connected to you having the shot.

Currently, it does not appear likely that doctors will be able to call for batches of the vaccine that do not contain egg products, but this may well occur in the future.

So, in summary, even if you suffer from an egg allergy, you may still be able to receive the swine flu vaccination, but a medical judgment on the matter is essential.

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