chicken egg allergy

What is a Chicken Egg Allergy?

A chicken egg allergy, also known as an egg allergy, is a type of food allergy that occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to proteins in eggs. This can cause a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to life-threatening reactions.

Symptoms of a Chicken Egg Allergy

The symptoms of a chicken egg allergy can vary from person to person but may include:

• Skin symptoms: Hives, redness, and itching on the skin
• Gastrointestinal symptoms: Stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and diarrhea
• Respiratory symptoms: Shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction)
• Other symptoms: Itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and congestion

Types of Egg Allergies

There are different types of egg allergies, including:

• Bird-egg syndrome: A rare condition where individuals are allergic to a substance found in egg yolk and chicken serum albumin
• Primary poultry meat allergy: A type of allergy that occurs when the body's immune system reacts to proteins in chicken meat

References

• [1] An egg allergy is a food allergy that causes your immune system to overreact to proteins in eggs. Symptoms include hives, stomach problems and even anaphylaxis.
• [2] If you or your child has an egg allergy, the symptoms likely include skin hives, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, stomach pains, even a ...
• [3] Allergic individuals may experience difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, bloating and diarrhoea. The skin can also be affected, resulting in redness, hives ...
• [4] Typical symptoms of primary poultry meat allergy include OAS (±dyspnea), gastrointestinal complaints, urticaria and angioedema. Severe ...

Common Signs and Symptoms of Chicken Egg Allergy

Egg allergy can manifest in various ways, ranging from mild to severe symptoms. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with a chicken egg allergy:

• Skin Reactions: Hives (allergic urticaria), itching, eczema, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps
• Respiratory Problems: Wheezing, nasal congestion, shortness of breath
• Anaphylaxis: A life-threatening severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention

These symptoms can occur within a few minutes to several hours after consuming eggs or egg-containing foods. In some cases, the symptoms may be mild and temporary, while in others, they can be severe and potentially life-threatening.

Symptoms by Age Group

• Children: Symptoms of an egg allergy are more common in children, with estimates suggesting that 1% to 2% of children have an egg allergy.
• Adults: While less common, adults can also develop an egg allergy, especially if they have a history of allergies or asthma.

Important Notes

• Egg allergy symptoms can vary from person to person and may be influenced by factors such as the severity of the allergy and individual tolerance levels.
• If you suspect that you or your child has an egg allergy, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

[1] Symptoms range from hives or hay fever (allergic rhinitis) to life-threatening severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Visit your doctor or clinical immunology ... [4] [2] Skin rash, itching, hives; Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat; Shortness of breath, trouble breathing, wheezing; Stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea; Feeling ... [5] [3] Symptoms of an egg allergy reaction can range from mild, such as hives, to severe, such as anaphylaxis. Allergic reactions can be unpredictable, and even very ... [6] [4] Common Symptoms · Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps · Hives (allergic urticaria), itching, eczema · Wheezing, nasal congestion, shortness ... [7] [5] Other allergic symptoms affecting the skin include swelling to the lips, eyes and face. The stomach may also be affected and vomiting is common ... [8] [6] Egg allergy symptoms usually occur a few minutes to a few hours after eating eggs or foods containing eggs. Signs and symptoms range from mild to severe and can include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, wheezing, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis ... [9] [7] Egg allergies mostly cause skin issues like hives and swelling. But they can also lead to problems like vomiting or shortness of breath. Signs of an egg allergy often appear shortly after eating eggs, but sometimes they might take up to 2 hours to appear. Here are some of the common symptoms of egg allergies: 1. Hives (Urticaria) ... [11] [8] Many children and even adults are allergic to eggs, making eggs one of the most common food allergens [1]. Egg allergy is estimated to affect 1% to 2% of children [1,2]. Most children with egg allergies will eventually develop an egg tolerance by 16 years old [2,3]. [9] The symptoms can vary from mild to very severe. In some cases, chicken allergies are related to bird egg allergies, though they can also exist separately. Chicken allergies may be linked to other ... [13] [10] Egg allergy is an immune hypersensitivity to proteins found in chicken eggs, and possibly goose, duck, or turkey eggs. [2] Symptoms can be either rapid or gradual in onset. The latter can take hours to days to appear. The former may include anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition which requires treatment with epinephrine.Other presentations may include atopic dermatitis or ... [14] [11] The symptoms of an egg allergy are similar to other types of allergies and may include one or more of the following: skin reactions such as eczema , hives , or swelling stomach pain, nausea ... [15]

Diagnosing Chicken Egg Allergy

Diagnosing a chicken egg allergy involves several tests to confirm the presence of an allergy and rule out other conditions. Here are some diagnostic tests used for chicken egg allergy:

• Skin-prick test: This is a common test where a small amount of liquid containing egg protein is placed on the skin, and the reaction is observed. If you have an allergy, you may experience redness, itching, or swelling at the site.
• Blood test: A blood test measures the levels of IgE antibodies in your blood to detect an allergy to eggs. This test can also determine if you are allergic to egg yolks or whites specifically.
• Elimination diet: In this test, you will be asked to avoid eating eggs for a period and then reintroduce them to see if symptoms occur.

According to [2], diagnostic tests may include measurement of food-specific IgE antibodies, skin-prick tests, atopy patch test (APT), diagnostic elimination diet, and/or oral food challenge (OFC). A specific IgE blood test that detects sensitization to egg is also available ([3]).

A skin-prick test or a blood test, known as a specific IgE test, may be used by your doctor to help confirm the diagnosis of an egg allergy ([7]). This test measures a person's allergic reaction to eggs, both the yolks and whites ([8]).

It is essential to consult with an allergist for proper diagnosis and treatment. They will recommend the best course of action based on your individual needs and medical history.

References: [2] JC Caubet · 2011 · Cited by 254 [3] Whole Allergens and Allergen Components help you diagnose allergy, allowing you to prepare a more ... [7] Your allergist may diagnose an egg allergy through a skin-prick test and/or a blood test. In the skin-prick test, a small amount of a liquid containing egg ... [8] This test measures a person's allergic reaction to eggs, both the yolks and whites. It is possible to be allergic to either egg whites or yolks or both.

Treatment Options for Chicken Egg Allergy

If you have been diagnosed with a chicken egg allergy, there are several treatment options available to manage your symptoms and prevent severe reactions.

• Antihistamines: These medications can help alleviate mild to moderate symptoms such as hives, itching, and swelling. They work by blocking the release of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction [2].
• Cortisone creams: In some cases, cortisone creams may be prescribed by an allergy specialist to help with skin symptoms like hives [2].

Severe Reactions Require Immediate Attention

If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness after exposure to eggs, seek immediate emergency treatment. In these situations, epinephrine auto-injectors, such as EpiPen, may be prescribed by a doctor to help alleviate the reaction [1], [7].

Important Note

If you are at risk of anaphylaxis, it is crucial to carry an adrenaline (epinephrine) injector with you at all times. This lifesaving device can provide immediate relief in case of a severe allergic reaction [7].

References: [1] Context result 3 [2] Context results 2 and 4 [7] Context result 7

Differential Diagnosis of Chicken Egg Allergy

Chicken egg allergy can be challenging to diagnose, and it requires a comprehensive approach to rule out other conditions that may present with similar symptoms. Here are some key points to consider:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms: Vomiting and diarrhea after ingestion of undercooked egg can be due to food poisoning, gastroenteritis, or other gastrointestinal disorders [1].
• Atopic dermatitis: Skin reactions, such as atopic dermatitis, can be mistaken for an allergic reaction to chicken eggs [2].
• Respiratory symptoms: Respiratory symptoms, including asthma and rhinitis, can also be misdiagnosed as a food allergy [3].
• Other food allergies: Cow's milk, soybean, wheat, peanut, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are common food allergens that can cause similar symptoms to chicken egg allergy [4].

Key Considerations

When diagnosing chicken egg allergy, it is essential to consider the following:

• Clinical history: A suggestive clinical history of anaphylaxis or severe allergic reactions after consuming chicken eggs is crucial for diagnosis [5].
• Specific IgE test: The specific IgE test can help confirm the presence of an allergy to chicken eggs, but it should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms and other diagnostic tests [6].

Differential Diagnosis

The differential diagnosis of chicken egg allergy includes:

• Food poisoning
• Gastroenteritis
• Atopic dermatitis
• Respiratory disorders (asthma, rhinitis)
• Other food allergies (cow's milk, soybean, wheat, peanut, tree nuts, fish, shellfish)

References

[1] JC Caubet et al. (2011) - Differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal symptoms after ingestion of undercooked egg [Context 1] [2] J Wang et al. (Cited by 6) - Atopic dermatitis and mixed/non-IgE-mediated reactions [Context 2] [3] E Krzych-Fałta et al. (2023) - Respiratory symptoms in differential diagnosis of chicken egg allergy [Context 3] [4] Context 8 [5] JC Caubet et al. (2011) - Clinical history and anaphylaxis in diagnosis of chicken egg allergy [Context 7] [6] J Wang et al. (Cited by 6) - Specific IgE test for confirmation of chicken egg allergy [Context 5]