Egg allergy

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Screening and diagnosis Complications Treatment Prevention

Introduction

Eggs are one of the most common allergy-causing foods. Although egg allergy can affect adults, it's more common in children. Most children outgrow their egg allergy by the time they're 5 years old.

Allergic reactions usually occur a few minutes to a few hours after eating eggs or foods containing eggs. Signs and symptoms range from mild to severe and can include skin rashes, hives, vomiting or inflamed nasal passages. Rarely, egg allergy can cause anaphylaxis — a severe, life-threatening reaction.

The key to preventing an allergic reaction if you or your child has an egg allergy is to know what you're eating — so you can avoid eggs and foods that contain eggs. This can be a challenge, as eggs or egg products are a common food ingredient. If a mild allergic reaction occurs, over-the-counter antihistamine medications may help relieve symptoms. Anaphylaxis requires a shot of epinephrine and emergency medical treatment.

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Signs and symptoms