Have you ever noticed that your little one gets red, itchy skin and rashes after eating eggs? Or do you feel something strange when you eat eggs yourself? This condition is very common among young children. In fact, after cow's milk allergy, egg allergy is the second most common food allergy in young children. Eggs are in so many things we eat and drink, right? So if you or your child has this allergy, it's important to know how to read food labels and what you can use instead of eggs when cooking at home.
What exactly is an egg allergy?
Simply put, an egg allergy is an overreaction by our immune system to the proteins in eggs. Our body thinks these proteins are harmful to the body, so it starts to fight them off. This reaction results in symptoms such as skin rashes, itching, stomach upset, and sometimes difficulty breathing.
It is said that more people are allergic to egg whites than to egg yolks. But to be on the safe side, it is best to avoid eating both parts. Because no matter how carefully you separate the two parts, there is a high chance that a small amount of protein from the white will remain in the yolk.
You should also be careful about egg products that come in other forms, such as `` Egg powder``, ``Dried eggs``, and ``Egg solids``.
Foods that we might not even think about, but may contain eggs
We all know that eggs are found in many baked goods, such as bread and cakes. But there are many other foods that may contain eggs that we may not even think about. You should think twice about this when you buy food from the store.
| Type of food | Description |
|---|---|
| Sauces and salads | Mayonnaise, Caesar salad dressing, Hollandaise and tartar sauces. |
| Bakery and sweet things | Cream pies, fillings, crepes, waffles, custard, pudding, ice cream, marshmallows, meringue, some lollipops and candies. |
| Prepared foods | Breaded foods, meatloaf, meatballs, pasta, eggrolls, some soups. |
| Beverages | Some coffees, such as eggnog, cappuccino (eggs are sometimes used to make the foam), and wine (egg whites may be used in the winemaking process). |
| Other products | Egg substitutes, Surimi, Simplesse fat substitute. |
Think about it, even wine is sometimes made with egg whites. So, now you understand how important it is to know exactly what's in something before you eat or drink it, right?
Be careful if you see these words on the food label!
Sometimes food companies don't directly state "contains egg" on the label. Instead, they use the scientific names of the proteins in eggs. Pay special attention to these words when you read a food label. If any of these words appear, the food may contain egg protein.
| Ingredient Name |
|---|
| Albumin |
| Globulin |
| Lecithin (may also be referred to as E322) |
| Lysozyme |
| Ovalbumin |
| Ovovitellin (ovovitellin) |
What is the connection between egg allergy and vaccines?
This is a question that many parents have. If you or your child has an egg allergy, it is essential to talk to your doctor about it before getting any vaccines.
- Yellow fever vaccine: This vaccine contains egg protein. According to the World Health Organization, this vaccine is not recommended for people with a severe egg allergy.
- Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine: This vaccine may contain very small amounts of egg protein, but several studies have shown that it is safe for people with egg allergies to receive the vaccine.
- Influenza (Flu) vaccine: It used to be said that people with egg allergies should not get this vaccine. But now that advice has changed. The latest research has found that people with egg allergies can also get this vaccine safely. So now there is no need to go to a specialist, look for a special egg-free vaccine, or wait a long time after getting the vaccine. However, always inform the person giving the vaccine about your allergy.
There is also an influenza vaccine for adults called `Flublok` that is made without using eggs.
To stay safe, be sure to do these things
The only way to know for sure whether a food contains eggs is to read the food label and the ingredients list carefully. If you are eating at a restaurant, ask about the ingredients. Be especially careful with items from salad bars, deli counters, and bakeries. These are places where you can unknowingly mix in egg-containing items.
If you have even the slightest doubt about a food, the best thing to do is not to eat it.
Not only food, but some of the cosmetics, shampoos, creams, and lotions you use can sometimes contain eggs. So it's important to read the labels on those too.
There was also a concern about the drug ``propofol``, which is used for anesthesia, for people with egg allergies . However, the latest medical opinion is that this drug can be used even by people with egg allergies. However, you should inform your doctor about all your allergies before any medical treatment.
What to do if you have an allergic reaction?
Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, you can make a mistake. After eating something that contains eggs,
- Redness and itching on the skin surface
- Swelling of the mouth and lips
- Stomach ache, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing, chest tightness
If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, see your nearest doctor immediately. If you develop severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) without delay.
Most young children outgrow this egg allergy as they grow older. But it's best to talk to your child's doctor and get the necessary tests done to find out for sure.
Take-Home Message
- An egg allergy is an overreaction of the body to the proteins in eggs. Although most people are allergic to the egg white, it is safest to avoid the whole egg.
- Make it a habit to read food labels. Even if it doesn't directly say egg, it may contain names like Albumin, Lecithin, Ovalbumin.
- Eggs may be hidden in many foods we don't think about (sauces, ice cream, pasta). If in doubt, avoid eating that food.
- Before you or your child receives a vaccine, be sure to tell your doctor or the person administering the vaccine about your egg allergy.
- Before any surgery or anesthesia, inform the medical team about all your allergies.
- If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical advice immediately. If symptoms are severe, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU).
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