Eggs are one of the most common allergy-causing foods for children.
Egg allergy symptoms usually occur a few minutes to a few hours after eating eggs or foods containing eggs.
Rarely, egg allergy can cause anaphylaxisa life-threatening reaction.
Egg allergy can occur as early as infancy.
Most children, but not all, outgrow their egg allergy before adolescence.
Egg allergy reactions vary from person to person and usually occur soon after exposure to egg.
The shot comes in a rig that makes it easy to deliver, called an autoinjector.
If possible, see the doctor when the allergic reaction is occurring.
This may help in making a diagnosis.
An immune system overreaction causes food allergies.
For egg allergy, the immune system mistakenly identifies certain egg proteins as harmful.
The same immune system reaction that causes egg allergy can also cause other conditions.
You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in allergic disorders (allergist-immunologist).
Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
But, be on the lookout for worsening symptoms that might require medical attention.
If you or your child has a severe reaction, seek immediate medical care.
Call 911 or your local emergency number.
Your doctor takes a medical history and conducts a physical exam.
Medications such as antihistamines may reduce signs and symptoms of a mild egg allergy.
These drugs can be taken after exposure to eggs.
They aren’t effective for preventing an allergic egg reaction or for treating a severe reaction.
You may need to carry an emergency epinephrine injector (EpiPen, Auvi-Q, others) at all times.
Learn how to use the autoinjector.
If your child has one, ensure caregivers have access to it and know how to use it.
If your child is old enough, check that he or she understands how to use it.
Replace the autoinjector before its expiration date.
Most children eventually outgrow egg allergy.
Talk to your child’s doctor about frequency of testing to see whether eggs still cause symptoms.
Unfortunately, even if a food is labeled egg-free it may still contain some egg proteins.
When in doubt, get in touch with the manufacturer.
Some shots to prevent illness (vaccines) contain egg proteins.
In some people, these vaccines pose a risk of triggering an allergic reaction.
Updated: 2015-01-27
Publication Date: 2007-09-28
