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Egg Allergies

Egg allergy is most likely to become apparent in the first 12 months of a child's life. As the child grows they will usually increase their resistance to this allergy so that by the age of six they can eat eggs normally. Very few people carry the allergy into adult life.

What are the Symptoms of Egg Allergy?
The symptoms vary from child to child. For many the symptoms are restricted to hives (itchy, bumpy rashes) or eczema. For others symptoms will include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and sickness. A third way in which the allergy can affect children is with runny noses and sneezing. It can also cause asthma type attacks with coughing and wheezing.

The most serious reaction to egg is a swelling of the mouth, throat and airways leading to the lungs. This is known as anaphylaxis. This is obviously very serious and can be fatal. In extreme cases this can even be triggered by fumes from eggs or egg touching someone's skin.

What Makes People Allergic to Eggs?
The problem is caused by proteins in an egg. Most people who suffer from an egg allergy are sensitive to the protein found in egg white. A smaller number are allergic to the proteins found in the yoke as well.

Often cooking eggs will reduce the possibility of a reaction. This is why some children with egg allergies are still able to eat some products that contain egg.

Who is Most Likely to Get an Egg Allergy?
If a child develops other allergies or there is a history of allergies in family then this appears to make a child more susceptible to an egg allergy.

What Should I Do If I Think My Child Has an Allergy to Eggs?
The first action I would recommend is discussing the problem with your family doctor. There are three common methods they may use to try and confirm the allergy. One is a skin test. The test is carried out by rubbing egg onto an arm and scratching it. If there is a reaction this is likely to confirm your suspicions. The doctor may also try an elimination diet. This removes eggs from a child's diet and checking to see if the symptoms disappear. The third method is through a blood test.

Managing the Allergy
There is no cure for an egg allergy and the hope is that your child will grow out of it. In extreme cases a child may need to carry an antidote called epinephrine. Family members, friends and teachers will need to be aware of the problem and trained to administer the antidote if necessary. Again in extreme cases it is sensible to keep eggs out the house. For milder reactions antihistamines can help. This is another area where you can look to your doctor for help.

It is very difficult to identify many products where egg has been used. Therefore although more time consuming it can be safer to prepare food from scratch for your family. That way you can be sure of the ingredients used in cooking and you know your child is safe.

If you are interested in egg free cooking here are a couple of recipe books to try:

NOTE:
The health section of Parenting.co.uk is not to be used as a substitute for your GP; if your child is ill then seek the advice of a qualified doctor or other health professional without delay.

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