Egg Allergy
Egg allergy comes from the allergen in the protein found in both egg white and egg yolk. However, the main culprit is always found in the protein of the egg whites.
Children are the usual victims of egg allergy since there are many food products that contain eggs. It is advisable to check the labels of food products from supermarkets to ensure that egg is eliminated from the children's diet. When eating out, it is also advisable to check the menu items or ask the chef to leave out the eggs.
It is a bit difficult to eliminate eggs in the diet since it also contains nutrients and it is a staple during breakfast and a main ingredient for pasta, breads and baked goodies. But you can substitute eggs with sour cream or milk.
Symptoms
- sin rashes
- eczema
- hives
- nausea
- breathing problem
- diarrhea
- sneezing
- vomiting
- coughing
- runny eyes and nose
- wheezing
- anaphylactic shock
When your child has a few of these symptoms, make sure he/she gets the proper medical attention right away. If you are a parent and you have small children or infants at home, you should isolate yourself for the meantime and get medical attention. These symptoms are dangerous to little children and infants.
Treatment
Like other types of allergy, egg allergy is diagnosed through skin or blood test. The allergologist administers the skin prick or blood test to determine the cause of the allergy. If you know what you have ingested prior to the allergy attack, it may help speed up the diagnosis. And you can also take precautions early on even prior to diagnosis and treatment.
Epinephrine shots can be administered to egg allergy patients by prescription. Shots can be administered at home but with proper instruction and prescription from the allergologist. Children should only be given epinephrine shots when necessary.
Prevention is yet again the best prescription. Avoiding foods that contain eggs is the best practice to prevent egg allergy attacks. Watch what your children eat and make sure you prepare their meals at home to ensure that no traces of eggs are present.
Some believe that children can outgrow egg allergy. This may be true, but it is still advisable to avoid eating foods with eggs to be sure.
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