Allergy, Chicken

Meat allergy is a lot less common than seafood allergies but is equally uncomfortable. If you are allergic to chicken, you might see some symptoms appear on touching or eating chicken meat.  In rare cases, you might experience a severe allergic reaction and require immediate medical attention.

If your immune system mistakenly identifies a specific protein present in chicken as a threat, it develops antibodies to fight it. These antibodies, known as Immunoglobulin (IgE), can pave the way for the following symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Itchy skin
• Scratchy throat 
• Vomiting 
• Nausea
• Hives
• Diarrhoea
• Difficulty breathing 
• Runny and itchy nose
• Itchy and swollen eyes
• Eczema-like rash
• Stomach cramps 
• Anaphylaxis

People of all ages can contract this chicken allergy. You could either get it in your childhood and outgrow it or catch it pretty late in life after having consumed chicken meat for so many years without an issue.

But when you notice these symptoms on exposure to chicken meat, get the chicken allergy test done as soon as possible. If you let the allergy run unchecked for a while, it might get severe and cause several complications, namely:

• Trouble breathing 
• Slurred speech
• Swelling in the throat 
• Swollen tongue 
• Loss of consciousness
• Heart palpitations
• A sudden drop in blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat

If you constantly experience severe allergic reactions, your healthcare practitioner will advise you to carry an EpiPen. This product can save your life in case of an anaphylactic reaction. However, you will still need medical attention post revival. Call medical support immediately if you have had to use the EpiPen.

Moving on, if you are already an eczema or asthma patient, you might also have other food allergies. So, if you are already allergic to chicken meat, there is a chance you might be allergic to the following meat types as well:

• Goose 
• Fish 
• Duck
• Turkey
• Pheasant 
• Shrimp
• Partridge

It would be advisable to stay away from these risk factors in case you have a severe chicken allergy paired with either asthma or eczema.

If you suspect the presence of a chicken allergy, you need to visit your doctor and get medication prescribed to manage your symptoms. You can manage mild symptoms with the help of antihistamines.

The chicken allergy test cost at Apollo 27|7 is low, and you will receive the test results within eight days. If the test result turns out positive, then you need to find protein alternatives for chicken. Here is a small list to help you out with the same:

• Tofu chunks as substitutes in stir fries and soups 
• Drink vegetable broth instead
• Try other protein sources like pork, fish, beans, etc. 
• Use soy products
  
  Medically reviewed by Dr Jatin Ahuja, Infectious Diseases, Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, South Delhi.

Frequently asked questions

Can a chicken allergy be cured?

No, there is no known cure for a chicken allergy. Furthermore, there aren't any medications to prevent the reactions as well. The only way to avoid an allergic reaction would be to stay away from the allergen, i.e., chicken.

Are there any risks associated with the chicken allergy test?

There are minimal risks associated with the chicken allergy test. If you decide to get the blood test done, you might experience light bruising or scarring at the point of contact with the needle. On the other hand, if you take the skin prick test, you might experience swelling in the area where you were pricked.

How long will the chicken allergy last in your system?

All signs and symptoms of your chicken allergy will disappear within a day or two. In some rare cases, you might expect a second reaction approximately four hours after the initial.

What must you do to neutralise a mild allergic reaction?

Allergic reactions will be characterised by excessive rashes all over your body. You can neutralise these swellings and rashes by applying calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. Then, proceed by covering the affected area with a bandage. In case of swelling, make sure you apply a cold compress to it. Furthermore, consume antihistamines to reduce swelling, itching, and hives.

What are the symptoms of Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)?

The symptoms of a severe allergic reaction are as follows: Confusion Blue lips or skin Lightheadedness Losing consciousness Difficulty breathing  Swelling in throat and mouth

Is it possible to build resistance against a chicken allergy?

Yes, there are chances that you will outgrow chicken allergies with time. It has been observed that it is possible to acquire tolerance to the allergy once sensitisation is done. However, this isn’t the case with antigens like fish, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, etc.