Egg Allergy – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Doctors use several ways to figure out if someone has an egg allergy. They first ask questions about symptoms, such as hives, swelling, trouble breathing, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, or lightheadedness.
A physical exam checks for signs like rashes or swelling.
Tests for Egg Allergy
Doctors often use these methods to check for an egg allergy:
| Test Type | Description | What It Detects |
|---|---|---|
| Skin prick test | A tiny bit of egg protein is placed on the skin, then the area is pricked. | Redness, swelling (hives) |
| Blood test | Checks for antibodies related to allergic reactions to egg proteins. | Immune system reaction |
| Food challenge | Patient eats small amounts of egg under close supervision. | Signs of allergic reactions, like anaphylaxis or asthma |
| Elimination diet | Patient avoids eggs, then slowly reintroduces them to see if symptoms appear. | Triggers of allergy |
The skin prick test and blood test help determine if the immune system reacts to egg proteins.
The oral food challenge shows if eating egg white or yolk causes symptoms. Doctors might also track foods to look for links between certain foods and allergic reactions.
Treatment
Using Allergy Medicines for Relief
When mild symptoms like nasal stuffiness, red spots, or digestive issues appear after eating foods with egg—such as mayonnaise, cakes, or other baked goods—over-the-counter antihistamines can help reduce discomfort.
These medicines may relieve itching, hives, and mild swelling. However, antihistamines do not stop life-threatening symptoms like throat tightness or severe allergic reactions.
Common mild allergy signs:
- Sneezing or nasal congestion
- Red, itchy bumps
- Mild stomach pain or nausea
Those with a family history of allergies or eczema (atopic dermatitis) should talk with their doctor about having an allergy action plan.
Allergy testing, like skin prick or IgE testing, helps confirm the allergy and supports safer decisions around meal choices and reading food labels.
Immediate Action for Serious Reactions
For severe reactions, such as trouble breathing, rapid heartbeat, or swelling of the lips and throat, seek immediate emergency treatment.
An epinephrine auto-injector serves as the main rescue medicine for these situations. People at risk should always keep this device nearby and understand how to use it correctly.
Important steps:
- Carry the injector everywhere.
- Wear a medical alert bracelet.
- Caregivers and older children must know the proper way to give the shot.
If someone uses an epinephrine pen, they should seek emergency care right away and stay at the hospital to make sure the symptoms do not return.
An allergy specialist can help families update their action plan and check if the child can eventually tolerate egg by arranging safe testing.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Steps to Take Before the Appointment
- Learn about any restrictions. Some allergy tests require stopping certain medications beforehand. For example, antihistamines should not be taken for several days before testing, as they can affect test results. Check with the doctor’s office if this applies.
- Make a list of symptoms. Write down all symptoms, even those that do not seem linked. This can help the doctor identify possible triggers, such as foods or medications.
- Prepare a medication list. Include all current prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Some may affect blood pressure or interact with allergy treatments.
- Write down questions. Preparing questions in advance can help make the visit more productive. Consider asking about test procedures, the risk of cross-contamination with certain foods, advice on vaccines like the flu vaccine if egg allergy is suspected, and if carrying an epinephrine auto-injector is needed.
- Bring documentation. If available, past test results or records from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases—or other health sources—might provide useful background.
Example Questions:
| Area of Concern | Suggestion for Questions |
|---|---|
| Testing and Diagnosis | What kind of allergy tests are planned? Do I have to fast? |
| Managing Allergies | Should I avoid all milk or egg-containing foods? |
| Safety | When is epinephrine needed? Should one be carried every day? |
| School or Work Information | How to inform teachers/coworkers about food allergies? |
| Immunizations | Are certain vaccines, like the flu shot, safe with egg or milk allergy? |
What the Doctor Might Ask
Doctors often need background details to find the best next steps. Some typical things they ask include:
- When did symptoms like hives, swelling, or breathing trouble first appear?
- Does this happen after certain foods, such as eggs or milk?
- How quickly do symptoms appear after eating or contact?
- Are there family members with similar allergies or asthma?
- Has there ever been a severe reaction that required epinephrine or a hospital visit?
- Are there other health concerns—like eczema or hay fever—that might link to the allergy?
- Has there been any accidental cross-contamination with trigger foods?
Sharing this information clearly helps the specialist figure out the right tests and treatment.
