Egg Allergy: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Egg allergy is a condition which usually occurs when your body reacts or becomes sensitized to the proteins present in egg yolks. When you consume eggs or any food that contains egg, the body perceives the protein as a foreign object and releases chemicals to fight against it. These chemicals lead to allergic reactions in your body. The symptoms and signs of egg allergy range from severe to mild including hives or skin inflammation, skin rashes, nasal congestion or sneezing, digestive problems such as vomiting, nausea, respiratory problems such as coughing and wheezing. These reactions can be observed within a few minutes or hours after consuming eggs. In rare occasions, egg allergy can lead to a life-threatening condition known as anaphylaxis.

If you experience the aforementioned symptoms, your doctor will first perform a few tests to confirm the diagnosis. In a skin-prick test, a small amount of liquid containing egg protein will be placed on your forearm and a sterile small probe is pricked in your skin to allow the liquid to soak into the skin. If reddish bump or spot is observed within the next 15-20 minutes, allergic reactions are confirmed. During a blood test, blood sample is drawn and sent for a test to measure how your immune system reacts to egg proteins by checking the amount of specific antibodies in your bloodstream. Other tests include food challenge and food elimination.

The most effective way of treating egg allergy is to avoid eating egg or any food that contains egg. Antihistamines and Epinephrine drugs are also prescribed by the doctor to treat the condition.

The most effective way of treating egg allergy is to avoid eating egg or any food that contains egg. Your doctor will recommend a diet does not contain egg protein or any egg-product such as cakes and pastries, meatloaf, meatballs etc.

Antihistamines and Epinephrine drugs are also prescribed by the doctor to treat the condition. Antihistamine drugs such as Benadryl, Allegra, Zyrtec, Dimetane can help ease symptoms of allergy. Serious allergic conditions such as Anaphylaxis can be treated with an epinephrine shot.

Anybody who encounters symptoms of egg allergy- hives or skin inflammation, skin rashes, nasal congestion or sneezing, digestive problems such as vomiting, nausea, respiratory problems such as coughing and wheezing, is eligible for a treatment.

If you do not come across symptoms of egg allergy, then you do not need to undergo any treatment.

Epinephrine drugs which are used to treat severe allergic reaction, do have quite a few side effects including headaches, weakness and shakiness, paleness, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, anxiety and sweating. Antihistamine drugs may lead to vomiting and nausea, restlessness, blurred vision, dry mouth and drowsiness.

Post treatment guidelines mainly involve abstaining from eating egg protein or food products containing eggs. Egg is a vital source of protein in our body. And avoiding egg can lead to deficiency of calcium, low blood pressure and other nutritional problems. So follow certain nutritional supplements that will supply the same amount of nutritional benefits as eggs. Many kinds of influenza vaccine contain amounts of egg protein. If you are allergic to eggs, you should absolutely avoid receiving such vaccines in the form of nasal spray.

It usually takes 2-3 days for the symptoms of egg allergy to go away. The patient should be treated immediately after any allergic reactions are observed. In certain cases like anaphylaxis, where the reactions are severe, it may take 7-10 days to recover after the treatment.

The cost of Antihistamine drugs starts from around Rs.500 while Epinephrine drugs are available in the Indian market starting at Rs.1200

The results of the treatment are not permanent. Such allergies are common and are most likely to recur anytime. Although certain drugs and medication can help ease the symptoms of the condition, you will need to follow an egg-free diet and abide by the post treatment guidelines to steer away from egg allergies.

There are no such alternative treatment measures to cure allergic reactions other than use of anti-allergic drugs and medicines. You may consult your doctor for anti-allergic creams or gel if you are not very comfortable with oral drugs.