Dealing with an egg allergy

Living with an egg allergy can put you at risk on a daily basis. Understanding how to manage your allergy will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

• Egg allergies are most common in children, with anywhere between 1 to 3 per cent of children under the age of three showing symptoms.
• Children usually outgrow this allergy in a few years, but it can endure throughout a person's life.
• Egg allergies can be anything from annoying to life-threatening, but they can be managed with a little care and research.

• Most egg allergies are comparatively mild, causing hives, flushing or a rash.
• More serious egg allergies may cause swelling in the tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, anxiety, weakness, cramping, diarrhea, vomiting, a drop in blood pressure or even loss of consciousness.
• Allergic reactions can be fatal, so affected individuals and caretakers should be aware of signs of a reaction and how to respond.

A person can be allergic to whites, yolks or whole eggs, and a person with an egg allergy may be allergic to raw eggs but not to cooked eggs. It's important to work with an allergist to figure out the exact nature of the allergy and how to avoid it.

• While omelettes or hard boiled eggs are obvious sources of egg, other sources may be more surprising.
• Desserts are a common and stealthy sources of eggs. Cakes, cookies, custards, nougats, icings, ice creams, meringues and puddings all contain eggs.
• Egg noodles contain eggs, as do mayonnaise and many salad dressings and sauces.
• Lecithin that is listed as coming from a soy source is likely derived from egg, as is albumin.
• Some soups, breads and pretzels contain egg. I
• n general, if a baked good is covered with a shiny glaze, the product contains egg.
• All packaged foods' ingredients must be properly labelled, so double check to make sure that the food is egg-free.

Finally, some vaccines are grown in eggs and may have trace amounts of egg protein.

• These include vaccines for MMR and MMRV, influenza, rabies and several other diseases.
• If an allergist advises that these vaccinations are safe, individuals should still be watched for signs of an allergic reaction for 30 minutes after the shot has been administered.

• Accidentally exposed individuals should be carefully monitored. Individuals or caretakers should carry an epinephrine auto-injector for immediate treatment of an allergic reaction.
• When using an auto-injector, always hold the injector in place for five to ten seconds to allow absorption. After this, seek further medical attention.

Eggs are hidden in a lot of common foods and other products, but by being aware of the foods to avoid and having a plan for an emergency situation, the allergy doesn't have to get in the way.