Eggs are tasty and act as a great source for protein. However, people suffering from egg allergy are incapable of consuming this type of food. The greatest challenge of staying away from eggs is the fact that they’re contained in numerous other foods. It’s important for those with this type of allergy to adopt a healthier lifestyle to enjoy a fuller life.
For cases involving kids, parents should stay calm because the phase will soon pass. Studies reveal that children outgrow this type of allergy when they’re five years or older.
The material posted in this article on food allergies is for learning purposes only. If you think you are having a severe allergic reaction contact medical help immediately. To learn to recognize and manage serious medical emergencies including allergic reactions / anaphylaxis enrol in a first aid course near you.
What Are the Symptoms of Egg Allergy?
Just like in other types of allergies, there are some symptoms to be on the lookout for. Bear in mind that the allergic reaction to eggs could be as a result of either the yolk or the egg white.
The signs normally take a few hours to start showing. Some of the symptoms that the patient will exhibit include:
- Swelling of skin in different areas
- Eczema
- Hives on the skin
- Itchiness in the mouth
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pains
- Difficulty in breathing
- Runny nose
- Low blood pressure (hypertension)
- Rapid heartbeat
What Are the Ways of Managing Egg Allergy?
Living a more fulfilling life with this condition is still possible. Once you’re capable of recognizing the signs, you’ll be able to handle the situation in a better way. Learning the essential precautionary steps will then come in handy for success to be realized in the task.
The most important thing to do is to seek assistance from a medical practitioner as soon as possible. It’s advisable to take a child to the hospital if rashes appear around the neck after consuming eggs. The doctor will then conduct comprehensive tests to establish whether or not this type of allergy is present.
The main types of tests conducted are skin and blood tests. For the skin test, sample of the patient’s skin will be taken for further observation. This will chiefly be from the area affected most by the egg allergy. On the other hand, a blood test will only be performed when the skin test gives inconclusive results. Blood sample will also be taken for the chemical test.
The best way of managing this situation is by avoiding eggs. This means that you should not eat the food or even come into contact with it. Read the package when purchasing processed food, like raising flour for instance, to ensure that the ingredients do not contain eggs.
Important Tips:
Eat plenty of other protein sources to maintain a healthy diet. A patient of egg allergy misses the nutritional value of this food which is why replacements are mandatory.
Formulate a diet plan that will guarantee recommended protein intake in the absence of eggs. Consult a nutritionist for the best solution for your case.
When eating out at restaurants, inform the waiters of your allergic reaction to eggs. This will prevent a situation whereby you ingest food containing the ingredient unknowingly.