If you break out in skin rashes or small welts (hives) every time you eat eggs, you could have an egg allergy. Although egg allergies often occur in children, some adults can also experience allergy symptoms. These symptoms can be mild in some adults and severe in others. Here's how egg allergies develop and how you can find out if you have one.
What's an Egg Allergy?
Eggs are some of the most nutritious foods to eat during the morning. Eggs are also main ingredients for cakes, breads, and many other dishes. But for some adults, eating anything that contains eggs can be dangerous for them. Although rare, some adults can develop allergies to eggs.
Eggs contain proteins that trigger allergic reactions in the body. Some people experience reactions to the proteins found in egg white, while other individuals may experience problems with the proteins found in egg yolk. A number of adults develop allergies to both types of proteins.
Egg allergies can make you wheeze, vomit, or feel nauseous. Your heart rate may increase, or you develop hives or another skin disorder. The symptoms can be minor and subside on their own or they can be severe enough to cause anaphylactic shock. No matter how minor or severe your symptoms are, it's important to seek treatment for them.
How Do You Know If You're Allergic to Eggs?
The first thing you must or should to do is find out if your symptoms are truly due to eggs or something else. A number of other foods can cause allergies in adults, including peanuts and milk. An allergist can diagnose the type of allergy you have through skin or blood tests.
Once an allergy specialist determines the cause of your symptoms, they can order treatment for you. A specialist may use antihistamine blockers to keep your immune system in check. You may also require allergy shots to help control your symptoms. The treatments may occur over a set course of time, depending on your allergist's recommendations.
You can also keep your symptoms in check by avoiding anything that contains eggs. Be sure to read over the ingredient labels of products before you purchase or eat them. If you don't understand the labeling, ask an allergist for a list of non-egg products to purchase or eat.
Egg allergies can be dangerous without the right treatment and information. Contact a specialist to learn more about egg allergies and immunizations today.
