If you have egg allergy you may be allergic to several types of egg including chicken, quail, duck, goose and turkey. While egg allergies tend to be less common in adults, chicken egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies in babies and young children after cow’s milk.
In this article we’ll look at allergy to chicken eggs, what to know and how to treat it.
If you have egg allergy you may be allergic to several types of egg including chicken, quail, duck, goose and turkey. While egg allergies tend to be less common in adults, chicken egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies in babies and young children after cow’s milk.
In this article we’ll look at allergy to chicken eggs, what to know and how to treat it.
Egg allergy happens when your body’s immune system becomes sensitized to proteins in egg white or egg yolk. Or sometimes both. When this happens, your body thinks the egg proteins are harmful intruders and produces Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to defend itself. This is what causes allergy symptoms.
Egg allergy happens when your body’s immune system becomes sensitized to proteins in egg white or egg yolk. Or sometimes both. When this happens, your body thinks the egg proteins are harmful intruders and produces Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to defend itself. This is what causes allergy symptoms.
Egg allergy symptoms usually happen minutes, or even seconds, after exposure. Most develop within two hours.
Symptoms include:
Egg allergy symptoms usually happen minutes, or even seconds, after exposure. Most develop within two hours.
Symptoms include:
If you have egg allergy you may be allergic to several types of egg including chicken, quail, duck, goose and turkey. While egg allergies tend to be less common in adults, chicken egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies in babies and young children after cow’s milk.
In this article we’ll look at allergy to chicken eggs, what to know and how to treat it.
Egg allergy happens when your body’s immune system becomes sensitized to proteins in egg white or egg yolk. Or sometimes both. When this happens, your body thinks the egg proteins are harmful intruders and produces Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to defend itself. This is what causes allergy symptoms.
Egg allergy symptoms usually happen minutes, or even seconds, after exposure. Most develop within two hours.
Symptoms include:
Taking the time to read food labels is essential as some foods unexpectedly contain eggs. For example, some foamy coffee toppings and marshmallows.
Egg allergy from childhood or new onset egg sensitization in adults can, in some severe cases, cause anaphylaxis. A recent study of anaphylaxis in babies found that egg was the most common food trigger.
Symptoms that could be part of a more severe reaction and need emergency treatment include:
People with an allergy to chicken eggs may also be allergic to other types of eggs such as duck, goose, turkey or quail. It happens because the eggs contain a protein very similar to the one in chicken eggs. Food allergy research suggests such cross-reactions are rare.
People with an allergy to chicken eggs may also be allergic to other types of eggs such as duck, goose, turkey or quail. It happens because the eggs contain a protein very similar to the one in chicken eggs. Food allergy research suggests such cross-reactions are rare.
Taking the time to read food labels is essential as some foods unexpectedly contain eggs. For example, some foamy coffee toppings and marshmallows.
Egg allergy from childhood or new onset egg sensitization in adults can, in some severe cases, cause anaphylaxis. A recent study of anaphylaxis in babies found that egg was the most common food trigger.
Symptoms that could be part of a more severe reaction and need emergency treatment include:
Menschen mit einer Allergie gegen Hühnereier können auch gegen andere Arten von Eiern wie die von Enten, Gänsen, Truthennen oder Wachteln allergisch sein. Dies ist darauf zurückzuführen, dass die Eier ein Protein enthalten, das dem von Hühnereiern sehr ähnlich ist. Forschungsergebnisse zu Nahrungsmittelallergien deuten darauf hin, dass solche Kreuzreaktionen selten sind.
People with an allergy to chicken eggs may also be allergic to other types of eggs such as duck, goose, turkey or quail. It happens because the eggs contain a protein very similar to the one in chicken eggs. Food allergy research suggests such cross-reactions are rare.
Taking the time to read food labels is essential as some foods unexpectedly contain eggs. For example, some foamy coffee toppings and marshmallows.
Egg allergy from childhood or new onset egg sensitization in adults can, in some severe cases, cause anaphylaxis. A recent study of anaphylaxis in babies found that egg was the most common food trigger.
Symptoms that could be part of a more severe reaction and need emergency treatment include:
People with an allergy to chicken eggs may also be allergic to other types of eggs such as duck, goose, turkey or quail. It happens because the eggs contain a protein very similar to the one in chicken eggs. Food allergy research suggests such cross-reactions are rare.
An expert guide
to food allergy
Egg whites contain proteins that are more likely to cause an allergic reaction than those in yolk. But if you have egg allergy you must avoid both. Even if you can eat egg yolks, cross-contact with egg white protein is highly likely.
The most reliable way to prevent a reaction is to avoid eggs and egg-containing products completely. Although, this is easier said than done. A good place to start is making a habit of carefully reading food labels. As you grow more confident, you’ll become more familiar with terms that describe egg-containing foods.
Taking the time to read food labels is essential as some foods unexpectedly contain eggs. For example, some foamy coffee toppings and marshmallows. Even some egg substitutes contain egg protein. Some apps are capable of scanning product barcodes and reading the ingredients for you. But if possible, please do double check the information yourself.
Egg whites contain proteins that are more likely to cause an allergic reaction than those in yolk. But if you have egg allergy you must avoid both. Even if you can eat egg yolks, cross-contact with egg white protein is highly likely.
The most reliable way to prevent a reaction is to avoid eggs and egg-containing products completely. Although, this is easier said than done. A good place to start is making a habit of carefully reading food labels. As you grow more confident, you’ll become more familiar with terms that describe egg-containing foods.
Taking the time to read food labels is essential as some foods unexpectedly contain eggs. For example, some foamy coffee toppings and marshmallows. Even some egg substitutes contain egg protein. Some apps are capable of scanning product barcodes and reading the ingredients for you. But if possible, please do double check the information yourself.
Follow these tips to reduce your risk of exposure to egg:
1. Stay vigilant when buying non-food products: Egg substitutes or egg protein can be in paints, soap, cosmetics, hair masks, shampoo and conditioner, dog food and creams. Certain vaccines contain egg proteins too.
An expert guide
to food allergy
The most reliable way to prevent a reaction is to avoid eggs and egg-containing products completely. Although, this is easier said than done. A good place to start is making a habit of carefully reading food labels. As you grow more confident, you’ll become more familiar with terms that describe egg-containing foods.
An expert guide to
food allergy
Taking the time to read food labels is essential as some foods unexpectedly contain eggs. For example, some foamy coffee toppings and marshmallows. Even some egg substitutes contain egg protein. Some apps are capable of scanning product barcodes and reading the ingredients for you. But if possible, please do double check the information yourself.
Follow these tips to reduce your risk of exposure to egg:
1. Stay vigilant when buying non-food products: Egg substitutes or egg protein can be in paints, soap, cosmetics, hair masks, shampoo and conditioner, dog food and creams. Certain vaccines contain egg proteins too.
Follow these tips to reduce your risk of exposure to egg:
1. Stay vigilant when buying non-food products: Egg substitutes or egg protein can be in paints, soap, cosmetics, hair masks, shampoo and conditioner, dog food and creams. Certain vaccines contain egg proteins too.
2. Contact restaurants in advance: Tell the restaurant about your egg allergy, so kitchen staff know well in advance to prepare your food on a separate workstation. Don’t forget to also mention your allergy as your food is served. Please avoid self-service buffets as they may pose a risk of cross-contamination.
3. Follow kitchen food allergy etiquette: Store egg-free food separately and clearly label containers to avoid cross-contamination. Because egg can remain on sponges, use antibacterial wipes to clean surfaces, pots, pans and cutlery. Always wash your hands before eating at a clean table.
4. Take extra care while travelling: Bring your own food or request an egg-free meal on trains, buses and airplanes. Wipe down surfaces before eating and always have your allergy medicine (and spares) to hand. If you’re bringing your own medication, you may need to show a doctor’s note to customs and security. Translation apps can help you read allergens in other languages.
5. Create a food allergy action plan: Speak to your child’s doctor about creating a food allergy action plan. If your child is old enough, encourage them to make their own decisions by starting conversations around different foods and egg-containing products. This builds their confidence to raise egg-allergy concerns on their own.
6. Don’t be shy to tell someone special: Trace allergens can linger in saliva. So, it’s essential you tell someone about your egg allergy before you share a kiss. Just don’t share food, glasses and straws or cutlery.
Follow these tips to reduce your risk of exposure to egg:
1. Stay vigilant when buying non-food products:Egg substitutes or egg protein can be in paints, soap, cosmetics, hair masks, shampoo and conditioner, dog food and creams. Certain vaccines contain egg proteins too.
2. Contact restaurants in advance: Tell the restaurant about your egg allergy, so kitchen staff know well in advance to prepare your food on a separate workstation. Don’t forget to also mention your allergy as your food is served. Please avoid self-service buffets as they may pose a risk of cross-contamination.
3. Follow kitchen food allergy etiquette: Store egg-free food separately and clearly label containers to avoid cross-contamination. Because egg can remain on sponges, use antibacterial wipes to clean surfaces, pots, pans and cutlery. Always wash your hands before eating at a clean table.
4. Take extra care while travelling: Bring your own food or request an egg-free meal on trains, buses and airplanes. Wipe down surfaces before eating and always have your allergy medicine (and spares) to hand. If you’re bringing your own medication, you may need to show a doctor’s note to customs and security. Translation apps can help you read allergens in other languages.
5. Create a food allergy action plan: Speak to your child’s doctor about creating a food allergy action plan. If your child is old enough, encourage them to make their own decisions by starting conversations around different foods and egg-containing products. This builds their confidence to raise egg-allergy concerns on their own.
6. Don’t be shy to tell someone special: Trace allergens can linger in saliva. So, it’s essential you tell someone about your egg allergy before you share a kiss. Just don’t share food, glasses and straws or cutlery.
Find a doctor
Need help managing your food allergy? Maybe it’s time to see a doctor near you
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) say that people allergic to eggs may be vaccinated with any age-appropriate flu vaccine. This includes vaccines that contain trace amounts of egg protein. NACI deem it low risk, even to people with a severe egg allergy.
The yellow fever vaccine also contains egg protein. As yellow fever is mostly found in South America and Africa, people tend to receive a vaccine when travelling to these regions. However, The World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC say says that people with severe egg allergy shouldn’t receive this vaccine. Your doctor can provide a waiver if needed.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) say that people allergic to eggs may be vaccinated with any age-appropriate flu vaccine. This includes vaccines that contain trace amounts of egg protein. NACI deem it low risk, even to people with a severe egg allergy.
The yellow fever vaccine also contains egg protein. As yellow fever is mostly found in South America and Africa, people tend to receive a vaccine when travelling to these regions. However, The World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC say says that people with severe egg allergy shouldn’t receive this vaccine. Your doctor can provide a waiver if needed.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) say that people allergic to eggs may be vaccinated with any age-appropriate flu vaccine. This includes vaccines that contain trace amounts of egg protein. NACI deem it low risk, even to people with a severe egg allergy.
The yellow fever vaccine also contains egg protein. As yellow fever is mostly found in South America and Africa, people tend to receive a vaccine when travelling to these regions. However, The World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC say says that people with severe egg allergy shouldn’t receive this vaccine. Your doctor can provide a waiver if needed.
Only your doctor can confirm if you have egg allergy. During consultations, they’ll take a note of your symptoms and family medical history. It’s worthwhile bringing a daily log of what you eat and drink to your appointment. This can help determine if egg allergy is causing your symptoms, rather than something else.
Your doctor will also likely request a skin prick test. During this test, they put a drop of liquid on the back of your forearm. This liquid may contain egg white or egg yolk proteins. If the area turns red or pigmented after pricking your arm, you could have egg allergy. A skin prick test can also differentiate between egg white or egg yolk allergies, depending on the proteins used in the test.
If the results are unclear, you may need a blood test to screen for IgE antibodies. Egg allergy can cause IgE, non-IgE or mixed IgE reactions. IgE reactions typically develop quickly, while non-IgE reactions take up to 48 hours to appear.
Please do keep in mind that non-IgE and mixed egg allergies can be harder to diagnose because they may not show up in blood tests. So, in these instances, your doctor may suggest trying an oral food challenge. This involves eating increasing amounts of egg while being monitored for a reaction. They may also want to carry out an internal examination with a camera (endoscopy). But this depends on your medical history.
You’ll need to make changes to your diet. Don’t do this without talking to your doctor first. They may advise you to see a dietician or nutritionist to help you plan meals so you’re getting enough nutrients.
Antihistamine is a common treatment for a mild reaction when it hasn’t been possible to avoid eggs. This symptom-reliever helps block the effects of histamine, which the body releases when it encounters a potential allergen. Your pharmacist can tell you about the different types of over-the-counter antihistamines.
How does allergy
testing work?
Please do keep in mind that non-IgE and mixed egg allergies can be harder to diagnose because they may not show up in blood tests. So, in these instances, your doctor may suggest trying an oral food challenge. This involves eating increasing amounts of egg while being monitored for a reaction. They may also want to carry out an internal examination with a camera (endoscopy). But this depends on your medical history.
You’ll need to make changes to your diet. Don’t do this without talking to your doctor first. They may advise you to see a dietician or nutritionist to help you plan meals so you’re getting enough nutrients.
Antihistamine is a common treatment for a mild reaction when it hasn’t been possible to avoid eggs. This symptom-reliever helps block the effects of histamine, which the body releases when it encounters a potential allergen. Your pharmacist can tell you about the different types of over-the-counter antihistamines.
How does allergy
testing work?
Please do keep in mind that non-IgE and mixed egg allergies can be harder to diagnose because they may not show up in blood tests. So, in these instances, your doctor may suggest trying an oral food challenge. This involves eating increasing amounts of egg while being monitored for a reaction. They may also want to carry out an internal examination with a camera (endoscopy). But this depends on your medical history.
How does allergy
testing work?
They may also want to carry out an internal examination with a camera (endoscopy). But this depends on your medical history.
You’ll need to make changes to your diet. Don’t do this without talking to your doctor first. They may advise you to see a dietician or nutritionist to help you plan meals so you’re getting enough nutrients.
Antihistamine is a common treatment for a mild reaction when it hasn’t been possible to avoid eggs. This symptom-reliever helps block the effects of histamine, which the body releases when it encounters a potential allergen. Your pharmacist can tell you about the different types of over-the-counter antihistamines.
People with an allergy to chicken eggs may also be allergic to other types of eggs such as duck, goose, turkey or quail.
Epinephrine is the main medication used to counteract anaphylaxis. It’s another name for the hormone adrenaline. Your healthcare provider will prescribe it in the form of an auto-injector if they think you’re at risk of a severe allergic reaction.
Always carry two auto-injectors with you as one dose may not be enough. Teaching family and friends how to use an auto-injector is also extremely important as this prepares them for emergencies.
Don’t forget you could experience a delayed secondary reaction. Consequently, you should always go to the hospital after receiving a shot of epinephrine, even if you feel well afterward.
A medical alert bracelet or necklace can let people know how to help you in an emergency.
Most children eventually outgrow allergy by the time they’re six years old. Adult onset is rare. Eating eggs that have been thoroughly cooked may build up tolerance or resolve symptoms over time. Speak to your doctor before trialing this.
People with an allergy to chicken eggs may also be allergic to other types of eggs such as duck, goose, turkey or quail.
Epinephrine is the main medication used to counteract anaphylaxis. It’s another name for the hormone adrenaline. Your healthcare provider will prescribe it in the form of an auto-injector if they think you’re at risk of a severe allergic reaction.
Always carry two auto-injectors with you as one dose may not be enough. Teaching family and friends how to use an auto-injector is also extremely important as this prepares them for emergencies.
Don’t forget you could experience a delayed secondary reaction. Consequently, you should always go to the hospital after receiving a shot of epinephrine, even if you feel well afterward.
A medical alert bracelet or necklace can let people know how to help you in an emergency.
Epinephrine is the main medication used to counteract anaphylaxis. It’s another name for the hormone adrenaline. Your healthcare provider will prescribe it in the form of an auto-injector if they think you’re at risk of a severe allergic reaction.
Always carry two auto-injectors with you as one dose may not be enough. Teaching family and friends how to use an auto-injector is also extremely important as this prepares them for emergencies.
Don’t forget you could experience a delayed secondary reaction. Consequently, you should always go to the hospital after receiving a shot of epinephrine, even if you feel well afterward.
A medical alert bracelet or necklace can let people know how to help you in an emergency.
2. Vermeide die Verbreitung allergener Erdnussproteine
3. Und achte darauf, sie nicht versehentlich zu essen
People with an allergy to chicken eggs may also be allergic to other types of eggs such as duck, goose, turkey or quail.
Most children eventually outgrow allergy by the time they’re six years old. Adult onset is rare. Eating eggs that have been thoroughly cooked may build up tolerance or resolve symptoms over time. Speak to your doctor before trialing this.
Chicken egg allergy is the most common type of egg allergy. It’s rare in adults, less common in older children and most common in young children and babies. Sometimes you can be sensitized to just egg white or yolk but should avoid both regardless. People with severe egg allergy may need to avoid certain vaccines. Most children outgrow egg allergy.
Share your story
klarify takes allergy science and makes it simple, and we have rigorous process for doing this. We use up-to-date and authoritative sources of information. Medical experts review our content before we share it with you. They and the klarify editorial team strive to be accurate, thorough, clear and objective at all times. Our editorial policy explains exactly how we do this.
Find an allergist