by Lisa Putnam

Created on: December 03, 2009

Eggs are one of the most common food causing allergies that affect millions of people around the world. Although most people outgrow the allergy by the age of five, many have to live with this allergy for the rest of their lives. People who suffer from egg allergies may be allergic to egg whites, egg yolks, or both. The following article is a brief overview of the egg allergy. If you have any questions or concerns about any type of food allergy, please speak to a medical professional.

Causes

All allergies are caused by a malfunction of the immune system. Normally, the immune system recognizes cells that are harmless and cells that are threatening, but in people with egg allergies the immune system identifies egg as a threat. The body produces Immunoglobulin E antibodies which attaches to the allergen and alerts the immune system so that it releases histamine and other chemicals which cause allergic reactions.

Allergies are thought to be somewhat genetic. If one parent has an allergy, the chances are about 1 in 3 that their child will have an allergy. If both parents have allergies the odds are 7 in 10 that their child with have an allergy.

Egg Allergy vs. Egg Intolerance

The major difference between an intolerance and an allergy is the food intolerances generally occur in the digestive tract and do not involve Immunoglobulin E antibodies. Severity is not a determining factor. Some symptoms of intolerances are stronger and more unpleasant than some food allergies symptoms.

Symptoms

Contrary to popular belief, egg allergy symptoms may occur anytime between a few minutes and a few ours after eating food with the allergen. Common symptoms are mild and include skin inflammation, hives, allergic nasal inflammation, and gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, cramps, and vomiting. Egg also causes some people to have an allergic asthma attack. Rarely, an egg allergy causes anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition. Symptoms may include swelling of the mouth, tongue and throat that constricts the airways and makes breathing difficult, a severe drop in blood pressure causing shock, a rapid pulse, dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness. A person with a severe egg allergy requires an adrenaline shot in the form of an epinephrine-pen and immediate medical attention.

When To See a Doctor

A person who feels that they may be suffering from an egg allergy should see a doctor when the symptoms are present to make diagnosing the allergy easier. A person who is

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