Don’t Delay Treating an Egg Allergy
While most children grow out of their egg sensitivity, an egg allergy can have severe consequences if left untreated. Chacko Food Allergy Treatment Center provides egg allergy treatment services to reduce the chances of allergic reactions to eggs in children and adults.
Do you often experience stomach pains, a rash, or breathing difficulties after eating eggs? These are some of the symptoms of an egg allergy. Egg allergies are experienced by people of all ages, but most commonly affect children.
Diagnosing an Egg Allergy
Symptoms of an allergy can range in severity. Even if you only experience minor effects after eating eggs, it is still important to speak with an allergist. All types of eggs may potentially lead to a reaction, and the way the egg is cooked might also play a part in the response. If you experience any of the following symptoms after eating eggs, you may have an allergy.
- Stomach pains
- Skin rash
- Runny nose
- Itching
- Breath issues
- Swollen tongue or lips
- Anaphylaxis (in extreme cases)
Getting Tested for an Egg Allergy
There are three main tests used for food allergies:
Skin Prick Test – The skin is scratched to allow a substance containing egg protein to enter just below the surface. The appearance of skin reddening will confirm an allergy.
Blood Test – A blood sample is taken and sent to a testing lab. The lab tests for the appearance of a high level of antibodies associated with a food allergy.
Oral Food Challenge – With the oral food challenge test, your allergist provides small amounts of egg and monitors your reaction. The doses are gradually increased to confirm or rule out an allergy.
Egg Allergy Treatment Options
Avoidance
Avoidance is necessary to prevent allergic reactions. Eggs are found in many foods, and this needs to be clearly labeled on food packaging. While avoidance can be an irritation, without this elimination strategy, allergies may get progressively worse.
Oral Immunotherapy
Oral immunotherapy is not a cure for an egg allergy, but it can substantially reduce the impact on the lives of you and your child. Your allergist provides small amounts of the protein in eggs that triggers a reaction. Dosage is increased over six months to a year, and your immune system works to build a tolerance. After a successful treatment, consuming eggs should cause little or no reaction.
Epinephrine Auto-Injector
You may be prescribed epinephrine to deal with anaphylaxis. Carrying an auto-injector is critical if you experience a severe allergic reaction and cannot get immediate medical attention.
Start Treating Your Egg Allergy Today
Are you concerned about an egg allergy and want an appropriate treatment plan? Chacko Food Allergy Treatment Center can diagnose a food allergy and discuss the best approach for dealing with it. Our food allergy treatment clinics are located in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. Call 678-668-4688 for an appointment.
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