Your little one loves to eat eggs, right? But sometimes they can have all sorts of problems when they eat eggs. We call this egg allergy, or `(Egg Allergy)`. So, today we will talk about this in a little more detail ? It is very important for you to be aware of this.
What exactly is an egg allergy?
Simply put, we have a system in our body that protects us from diseases, right? We call it the immune system. It's like a defense army in our body. However, when a person with an egg allergy enters the body of certain proteins in eggs, this immune system becomes a little upset.
Imagine, even though those proteins are actually harmless, they think, "Oh, here comes an enemy!" And then, a big fight begins against these 'enemies'. This is when the allergic reaction occurs. That is, the body starts to show symptoms one by one.
However, even if you have an egg allergy as a child, most children outgrow the condition as they grow older. That's really good news!
What are the symptoms of an egg allergy? How do we recognize it?
When someone with an egg allergy eats an egg or a food containing egg, their body starts releasing various chemicals, such as histamine. This is why they experience symptoms. Now see if your child also experiences these symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing
- Persistent cough
- Hoarseness, change in voice
- Feeling like something is stuck in your throat (throat tightness)
- Stomachache
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Itchy eyes, watery eyes, swollen eyes
- Sudden skin rash, similar to hives
- Red spots on the skin
- Swelling in parts of the body
- Sometimes blood pressure can drop suddenly, causing you to feel dizzy or even pass out.
These allergic reactions vary from person to person. Sometimes, the same child can show symptoms differently, on different days. Some reactions are very minor, sometimes just a small bump on the skin. However, it is important to remember that even someone who has had a mild reaction before can still have a severe reaction the next time.
The most dangerous condition: Anaphylaxis
This is the worst case scenario we should all fear. Egg allergy can cause a very severe, life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis .
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency!
It may start with the simple symptoms mentioned earlier, but the situation quickly becomes serious.
- It becomes very difficult to breathe.
- You may lose consciousness.
- Symptoms may appear in more than one part of the body at the same time (e.g., skin, respiratory system, heart).
Like, if not treated quickly, this is actually life-threatening.
What to do if you have an allergic reaction? How is it treated?
If your child has been diagnosed with an egg allergy by a doctor, it is essential to carry two doses of epinephrine with you at all times, wherever you go. This is the most important life-saving medication in the event of a severe allergic reaction.
What is epinephrine?
This is a medicine prescribed by a doctor. It comes in a small, portable pen-like device (auto-injector). It is very easy to use. The doctor will show you how to use it properly. Older, more understanding children can also be taught to inject themselves.
Allergy Action Plan
Ask your doctor for an allergy action plan . This will clearly state the symptoms of an allergic reaction, what to do in case of an allergic reaction, and when to give epinephrine. Give a copy of this plan to everyone who cares for your child (relatives, school teachers, other parents at places where your child plays).
Medical Alert Bracelet
Consider having your child wear a medical alert bracelet. It can be very helpful in an emergency, as it will list your child's allergies.
Be quick in your reaction!
Every second counts during an allergic reaction.
Give your child an epinephrine injection as soon as they start to experience these severe symptoms:
- If you have swelling in your mouth or throat
- If you have difficulty breathing
- Or, if symptoms occur in two different parts of the body at the same time, such as skin rash and vomiting
Then immediately call 1990 (Sri Lanka's emergency ambulance service), or take the child to the nearest hospital emergency department as soon as possible. It is very important to keep the child under medical supervision for a while. Sometimes, even if the worst seems to be over, a second wave of symptoms can come back a few hours later.
Let's also learn about antihistamines.
Sometimes allergists will tell you to keep over-the-counter antihistamines (such as Piriton) on hand. These can help with minor, simple allergy symptoms (such as a rash or hives). But remember this: In the case of a severe reaction, antihistamines should only be given after epinephrine. They should never be given in place of epinephrine.
What else do we need to know about this?
When living with a child with an egg allergy, we need to be aware of a few other things.
1. Help avoid foods containing eggs
This is the most important thing. Help your child avoid eating eggs.
2. Read food labels carefully
Make it a habit to read the label carefully on every food package we buy from the store. Because sometimes the ingredients used to make food can change. Also, foods that we don't even think about may contain eggs. Just think, some types of biscuits, cakes, and some types of noodles may contain eggs. Some types of sauces, mayonnaise, and other things definitely contain eggs. Therefore, it is very important to read the label carefully.
3. Be careful about cross-contamination
Some foods may not appear to contain eggs on the label, but they may come into contact with eggs during preparation or packaging. This is called cross-contamination .
- Labels may say "may contain egg"
- "Processed in a facility that also processes egg"
- "Manufactured on equipment also used for eggs" `(manufactured on equipment also used for egg)`
Look for warnings like this. Not all companies clearly state this cross-contamination on their labels. So if you have any doubts, call or email the company that makes the food to get the exact information.
Imagine, if you fry eggs in the same pan of oil, and then fry something else (e.g. sausage) for your child without washing it properly, the egg protein could end up in your child's food. Be careful about things like this too.
4. Cleanliness is very important.
- Whoever prepares your child's food should wash their hands thoroughly with soap before handling the food.
- Children should always wash their hands before eating.
- If soap and water are not available, use hand-cleaning wipes.
- But remember this: Using hand sanitizer gels or sprays won't remove allergens. They only remove germs, not egg proteins.
5. Be careful in the kitchen too.
- Keep foods containing eggs in a separate place in the kitchen. Make sure they don't get into or mix with your child's food.
- When preparing food, wash dishes, cutlery, and cutting boards thoroughly with dishwashing soap and hot water. This will remove any egg stains.
6. When eating out
- Always check to see if your child has two unexpired epinephrine shots in their bag when they eat out.
- If you go to a restaurant with your child, be sure to tell the chef, manager, or owner about your child's egg allergy. Ask them if they can prepare a safe meal for your child.
- Sometimes, you know, it's best to take a child-safe snack from home.
- If they are being too casual about your request, or if they seem to be too concerned about your child's safety, it would be wise to avoid eating at such a place.
7. About the Influenza Vaccine (Flu Vaccine)
In the past, someone with an egg allergy had to ask a doctor if it was safe to get the flu vaccine, because some components of the vaccine are made with eggs.
However, health experts now say that the risk of a serious reaction to the flu vaccine for children with egg allergies is very low. This is because the amount of egg allergen in the vaccine is so small that it is considered safe even for people with severe egg allergies. It is now recommended that all children over 6 months of age get the flu vaccine during flu season. However, it is best to talk to your doctor about this before making a decision.
Finally, the most important things to remember
Egg allergy is a condition that requires some care, but if managed properly, you can help your child stay happy and safe.
- Always be vigilant: Be careful about what your child eats and drinks, and where he goes.
- Keep epinephrine nearby: Always keep two doses of unexpired epinephrine with your child. Make sure you, your child, and anyone else who cares for your child know how to use it.
- Use an allergy action plan: Share the plan your doctor gives you with everyone.
- Inform others: Tell family, school, and friends about your child's allergy.
- Read labels, ask questions: Read food labels carefully. If in doubt, ask questions.
- You are not alone: there are many other parents in similar situations. You can get the help and information you need.
We hope this information will help your child live a healthy, happy life!
` Egg allergy, Egg Allergy, Allergic reaction, Anaphylaxis, Epinephrine, Children's health, Food allergies
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