Immune system overreacts to proteins in egg white or yolk, resulting in egg allergy symptoms in babies. Though we assume eggs to be energy boosters for children, in few of them it’s not the case.
When your child consumes egg in any form, proteins in it are sensitized as harmful substances by immune system. To fight them, it releases IgE antibodies. Next time, when the child or person ingests egg or related products, antibodies detect these substances and signal immune system to produce histamines.
In order to remove proteins from the body, different allergic symptoms are formed.
Statistics show that 2 percent of people are allergic to egg and fortunately, 70 percent of them outgrow the allergy before they reach 16. However, the percentage of children who’re experiencing egg allergy can’t be ignored.
Egg Allergy Symptoms in Babies
Most of know that some people are hypersensitive to certain foods items, like milk, nuts, shrimp, peanuts and soy beans. Person with food allergy will experience adverse symptoms when he/she ingest or contact the food allergen.
Same thing can happen to your children. Immune system in your baby that fights germs and other ailments, wrongly detects proteins in egg as harmful invader. Thus, to thwart them out it triggers allergic reaction.
Symptoms include:
- Skin rashes or hives
- Eczema
- Swelling
- Wheezing
- Runny nose
- Respiratory issues like breathing problem
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Rapid heart beat
- Low blood pressure
- Anaphylaxis – (Rare)
If your child experiences any of these signs after ingesting egg or other egg included products, consult allergist for diagnosis.
In rare cases when the allergy is ignored and repeatedly immune system is exposed to allergens by consuming it, then it may leads to life-threatening condition.
Diagnosis
Meet your doctor and ask for allergist referral. Allergist will take examine the child’s medical history and may conduct skin prick test to determine the specific allergen. Other test like radioallergosorbent can be taken.
Based on tests, allergist will prescribe medication and creams if needed to reduce itching.
Allergist may also ask to change the diet and cut down certain foods to detect the allergy causing food. You must regularly see allergist and doctor to make sure you’re not changing diet on your own.
Prevention
Experts say that for about 6 months, you must breast feed the child. Only after that you can provide egg or cow milk one at a time. By this you can determine if your child is sensitive to any of the item.
If mother is allergic to any food item, then she should stay away from it and also shouldn’t introduce to child.
Food allergies has no permanent cure, you must avoid them and take anti-histamines. Even if your children outgrow the allergy, he/she may develop other related allergic reaction.
Babies with severe egg allergy symptoms must carry epinephrine injection. Consult your doctor for advice and don’t use any home remedies to treat by yourself.