For most people eggs are a healthy food source, and at only 70 calories, eggs are a good source of protein. It's this very protein however that for some individuals makes the egg a deadly food choice. The protein in egg whites or yolks can cause a mild to severe egg allergy reaction for some adults and children.
Egg allergy is more common in children and young people than adults. Mild reactions are those usually associated with food allergies such rashes, watery eyes, stomach and intestinal issue like diarrhea or constipation, a running nose, or a sore throat.
A more serious reaction to egg allergy is called anaphylaxis. This type of reaction is life threatening and anyone suffering from anaphylaxis symptoms should receive medical treatment at once. Symptoms of anaphylaxis included: vomiting, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, extreme drop in blood pressure and a loss of consciousness. Reaction to egg allergy usually demonstrates fairly soon after digesting anything containing the egg protein.
The most common treatment for egg allergy is to avoid anything containing eggs. This can prove harder to do than might first be believed. Many common processed foods or restaurant offerings contain eggs. Anything containing egg whites, egg yolks, dried eggs, or egg powder must be avoided which is difficult since these foods are used for some many ingredients including: globulin, albumin, fat substitutes, apovitellin, livetin, lysozyme, meringue powder, ovalbumin, ovoglobulin, ovomucin, ovotransferrin, silica albuminate, simplesse, and vitelin. If these names don't sound familiar, a quick trip through the grocery aisles and a glance at the labels of most foods stuff will show how prevalent their use is in processed foods. The egg protein that triggers an egg allergy reaction can even be found in pretzels, tartar sauce and even some wines.
Some flu vaccines are made by using eggs to incubate the vaccine and this can cause an egg allergy reaction. Sufferers of this condition should always let medical professionals know of their egg allergy before receiving any type of vaccine as a precaution.It's very important when dealing with an egg allergy to remain vigilant about what ingredients are in food and to monitor for reaction to any accidentally ingested egg foodstuffs.