Egg Allergy

Hypersensitivity type may be- Type I Allergy
Immune reactions may be from- IgE
Reactions may occur in- Minutes

An Egg allergy is an immune response from consuming or inhaling substances containing the proteins found in Eggs.

If you have an Egg Allergy you can be allergic to both egg white and yolk. Just the egg white or egg yolk. If you are allergic to either the egg yolk or egg white it is best to avoid both the egg yolk and egg white.

Eggs are of one the most common allergens, with a higher prevalence amongst children.

Eggs are a highly used in many foods whether as an ingredient, an addition or even just eaten whole, due to their nutritional benefits, low-cost and flexibility.

Eggs can also be found in non-food products such as glue, conditioners and vaccines (scroll below to see the some common places it can be found in).

EGGS are one of the 10 most common food allergens in Australia, that all together account for 90% of food allergies in Australia.

SYMPTOMS

Some of the symptoms may be characterised by:

• Stomach pain
• Stomach cramps
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Trouble swallowing
• Itching of the mouth, throat, eyes, skin or any other area
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Nausea
• Urticaria/ Hives
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Asthma aggravation
• ANAPHYLAXIS

The validity and severity of these symptoms are dependent on the individual and the level of exposure, as determined by a qualified health care provider.

TREATMENT

If you experience or are in the presence of someone that encounters an immediate serious reaction (this may include difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat tightening, swelling, collapse, etc), call or have someone call triple zero (000) immediately.

In the case of a minor allergic reaction, people may use Antihistamines along with other medications based on their individual symptoms and prescribed treatments.

For severe allergic reactions Epinephrine may be used, followed by seeking emergency medical attention. However, some people may not be able to use Epinephrine due to particular reasons.

It’s important for anyone with an Allergy, to discuss treatments with a qualified health care provider to understand how to manage individual allergies and also to set up an Allergy Action Plan in the case of a reaction.

Always present your Allergy Card, Medical Alert Bracelet or Necklace to ensure health care providers, family members, friends, colleagues and others are aware of your Allergy or Allergies.

TESTING

A skin prick test or blood test may be used to test for an Egg Allergy.

LABELLING

Some labels or terms you may come across on Egg Allergy friendly products:

"Egg Free" "No Eggs"

RANDOM ALLERGY FACT

You may know that Ostriches lay the largest eggs in the world, but did you know that the egg laid by the bee hummingbird is the smallest egg in the world. It's normally found in a cup-shaped nest of cobwebs and plants. 

WHERE YOU MAY COME ACROSS EGGS

The below is not a complete list, but just some of the places you may come across Eggs:

• Alcoholic drinks
• Battered foods
• Biscuits
• Brioche
• Burgers
• Cakes
• Chocolate
• Conditioners
• Confectionery
• Croissants
• Crumbed foods
• Custard
• Dips
• Donuts
• Drink powders
• Eggnog
• Egg noodles
• French toast
• Fried rice
• Frittatas
• Fritters
• Glue
• Ice cream
• Lemon butter
• Malted drinks
• Marshmallows
• Mayonnaise
• Meringues
• Mousse
• Muffins
• Pancakes
• Pastas
• Pastries
• Pavlova
• Pikelets
• Protein mixes
• Puddings
• Quiches
• Sauces
• Tarts
• Tempura
• Vaccines

Egg in products can be shown as: Egg, Egg White, Egg Yolk, Egg Yolk Extract, Egg Powder, Whole Egg Powder, Albumen, Albumin, Apovitelin, Avidin, Dried egg, Flavoproteins, Globulin, Livetin, Lysozyme, Ovalbumin, Ovovitelin, Silici albuminate, Simplesse.

The information provided on Allergy Life Australia is to generally educate and inform you about living with allergies, intolerances and conditions, and is not intended as medical instruction or as a substitute for diagnosis, examination and advice by a qualified health care provider.

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ARE THERE ANY OTHER PLACES YOU HAVE COME ACROSS EGGS? HAVE YOU HAD AN EXPERIENCE WITH AN EGG ALLERGY OR KNOW SOMEONE THAT HAS? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW