Help I Am Allergic To Eggs

If you are allergic to eggs then you suffer from Allergies Type 1, also called Contact Allergies.
The immune system overreacts to the proteins fond in the eggs. The immune system products antibodies that are designed to fight off the harmful egg proteins. The reason the body overacts to certain foods is not clear and more studies are needed.

The proteins fond in the egg whites usually cause allergic to eggs reaction but in rare cases some individuals have been know to be allergic to the yolks of eggs. People with allergies to eggs have a good chance of being allergic to chicken products. As your body becomes sensitized to the eggs allergens, you may react to the ingestion of chicken products as well.

Most food allergy reactions usually happen within a few minutes to a few hours after eating the eggs. Most mild to moderate reactions last less than a day and can involve a rash on the skin, cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, runny nose, watery eyes, wheezing and coughing.

Prior to seeing any allergy specialist for testing to on egg allergies you will need to stop taking any anti-allergy medication or over the counter antihistamines 2 to 3 days before the test are to be performed. Talk to the allergy specialist if you are unsure about any medications that need to be stopped and for how long.

The allergic to eggs testing involves putting a liquid extract of the egg protein on your body, usually the back or forearm, and then scratching the skin slightly. If you develop hives, or red bumps, or the skin turns reddish in color and itches then these symptoms could indicate a positive result for allergies to eggs.

Another test that can be performed is called The Food Challenge. You are told to avoid all egg-containing foods for several weeks. Avoidance can be very difficult because egg protein is often hidden in other foods. Read the labels of every food that you bring into your home. Because the manufacturing processes change continuously re-read the labels each time you purchase a product. On January 1, 2006 a new law was passed stating that all labels should be designed in such a way that a 7-year-old child could read and understand the ingredients.

The doctor will then have you eat only eggs under close supervision. If symptoms appear after eating the egg products they you are allergic to eggs and will need to avoid anything that has on the label, contains egg ingredients, made using egg ingredients, or made in a facility that also processes eggs.

A growing awareness about food allergies is becoming well known in the United States. Food manufactures and restaurants are becoming more understanding and willing to accommodate people living with food allergies. Living with any food allergy is no longer a major undertaking; it is now just a minor adjustment to your life-style.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.