Egg Allergy In Children – Symptoms And Treatments
Are you allergic to egg? Do you dread that your child too may miss out on the wonder food? Or, do you love your daily dose of eggs but are worried that your child is allergic to egg?
Eggs are a must-have every morning, because of its high nutritive value. Apart from being a good source of protein, eggs also provide many healthy fats to the body, which are essential especially for growing children.
However, its consumption can prove harmful for children suffering from an egg allergy. Are you keen to know what exactly an egg allergy is? Why does it occur, and how can you deal with it? Find out all you need to know about egg allergy in children in this article.
What Is An Egg Allergy?
An allergy occurs due to an overreaction of the immune system of the body to something that is practically harmless. Egg allergy in babies, toddlers and young children is very common. In the case of an egg allergy, the immune system reacts to certain proteins in the egg by detecting it as a ‘harmful’ substance, and triggers the production of antibodies.
Egg allergy is severe in younger children. Most children affected by egg allergy tend to ‘outgrow’ it by the time they attain five years of age. Many believe this is because the digestive system is vulnerable during the earlier stages of development, and it matures as the child grows older. (1)
[ Read: Food Allergy In Children ]
Symptoms Of Egg Allergy In Children:
The following reactions may occur when a toddler or an young child suffers from an egg allergy:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Nausea
- Redness of the skin
- Swelling around the mouth
- Red, bumpy rashes
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
Most of these egg allergy symptoms in children may occur within minutes or hours of consumption of an egg. These reactions typically last for a day or less. However, in certain children, a strong reaction may be noted. Severe allergic reactions include swelling of the mouth and throat, which may lead to breathing difficulties.
In extreme cases, it could cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure and lead to shock. (2)
[ Read: Soy Allergy In Children ]
Risks And Complications:
Having a family history of food allergy may significantly increase your child’s risk of developing the same. Children who are allergic to egg are also likely to have the following health issues:
- Asthma, which increase the risk of severe allergic reactions.
- Allergic skin conditions such as eczema and atopic dermatitis.
- Allergic reaction to other foods like peanuts, milk, and soy.
- Hay fever.
[ Read: Home Remedies For Allergies In Kids ]
Tips To Handle Egg Allergies In Children:
Unlike other health conditions, you cannot use a medication to cure an egg allergy in babies, toddlers and young children.
- The best way to tackle it is to avoid the consumption of egg and egg products. As eggs are a versatile and common ingredient, it may be difficult to avoid it. However, many children who have an egg allergy can tolerate foods with eggs that are ‘cooked’ such as bakery items.
- Your child’s doctor may suggest antihistamine medications to relieve him from the symptoms of egg allergy. However, you cannot use the drug to prevent the allergy. If your child is prone to it, you may want to carry a strip of antihistamine with you. (3)
- Seek immediate medical attention if you feel your child’s condition is worsening.
- As a preventive measure, you can also opt for a yearly medical screening for your child to detect his chances of developing an egg allergy. If he already has an egg allergy, it would help you find how severe it is.
[ Read: Difference Between Food Intolerance and Food Allergy ]
Did this article answer your questions about child egg allergy? Do give us your valuable feedback in the comments box below. If your child suffers from an egg allergy, let us know how you tackle it. Please share your experience and advice here.
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