Allergy, Egg White

An allergic reaction to eggs can develop during infancy, although most people outgrow this problem as they reach adulthood. Despite being a highly protein-rich food, the eggs from a hen (Gallus gallus domesticus) can act as an allergen.

The allergy can occur after consuming eggs or dishes made of eggs. However, the condition rarely becomes fatal. Also, the level of an allergic reaction may vary for each person. Only in certain cases it may become malignant, causing anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is a fatal condition, and a person going into anaphylactic shock should be provided immediate medical assistance. Its signs and symptoms are much more severe than those of egg white allergy. Below are the signs of anaphylaxis: 

• Cramps and acute pain in the abdomen area 
• Rapid pulse or tachycardia 
• Dizziness and a sudden drop in blood pressure 
• Loss of consciousness
• Swollen throat 
• Lump in throat 
• Difficulty in breathing due to constriction of airways

On the other hand, some of the common symptoms of egg allergy include: 

• Digestive issues 
• Vomiting 
• Hives and skin inflammation or rashes  
• Nasal congestion and allergic rhinitis 
• Coughing, wheezing and signs of asthma 
• Tightness in the chest 
• Runny nose

Although the signs and symptoms of egg white allergy are most prominent in children, in some cases, a person may develop it late into adulthood. The primary reason for this allergy is the immune system becoming sensitized to the proteins in the egg white. Although it is possible to develop an allergy to both the egg white and yolk, egg white allergy is more common.

The immunoglobulin E (IgE) is an antibody isotype that helps detect allergens in the body. The immune system usually makes the antibody as a response to germs. In the case of egg white allergy, the immune system reacts to the food item by creating IgE antibodies, thereby elevating its levels in the blood. For this reason, the Egg White Allergy Test is also known as the egg white IgE test.

Egg Allergy Test helps define the exact allergen (in this case, the egg) for a particular symptom. It is also crucial in determining sensitisation before immunotherapy. Other than that, the egg white IgE profiling also helps detect the presence of different chemical allergens.

There are other testing methods other than the IgE blood test, but those are rather painful for a person with an egg allergy. For instance, pricking the skin with small amounts of egg white protein or letting a child consume a small amount of egg white can be dangerous if they are allergic.

A blood test from Apollo 24|7 instead can ensure faster results and safer outcomes. A lab technician can collect the blood from the vein in the arm and send it to the laboratory for testing. Allergen-specific IgE tests, like this, are therefore a much safer method for testing for allergens.

Depending on the test results, your doctor can confirm whether your child or you have an egg white allergy. If the results are positive, they may ask you to avoid it entirely. This is not a difficult thing to do, as there are many other excellent protein sources as well. Also, knowing the condition can aid in providing the proper medication during emergencies.