Can symptoms of egg allergies affect our Elgin area patients who choose egg substitutes?
Food allergies can present frustrating problems. We tend to have our own set ways of eating, and foods that we enjoy. Facing an allergy in ourselves or a loved one forces us to get creative in our efforts to maintain safety while ensuring adequate nutrition. Let’s not forget that food also delivers certain sensory and social pleasures. For people with egg allergies, in particular, this can be a challenge.
Symptoms of egg allergies
In our offices in Elgin and Crystal Lake, we see a number of children present with symptoms of egg allergies. These may include:
- Atopic dermatitis such as eczema, hives, or rash
- Angioedema, or swelling in the tongue, lips, or face
- Runny nose, coughing, or wheezing
- Allergic conjunctivitis, or redness, itching, and watering of the eyes
- Anaphylaxis, which is a severe reaction requiring immediate medical care
Avoidance may be tricky
Food allergies are only manageable, not curable. Children and adults who are diagnosed with a food allergy typically work with an allergist, and sometimes a nutritionist, to develop dietary habits that enable them to avoid trigger foods. In the case of eggs, this means looking for hidden sources.
Obviously, a person with an egg allergy will not eat custard, meringue, quiche, or other recipes that clearly contain egg. At the same time, care must be taken to read ingredient lists. Eggs are commonly found in processed foods such as noodles, cereal, pastries, bread, and crackers. Egg “substitutes,” as well, also contain egg. The purpose of these products is not to avoid eggs altogether, but to offer a low-cholesterol alternative to whole eggs.
Choosing wisely
There are egg substitutes that do NOT contain any egg product. However, many contain ingredients such as soy or other substances that are also considered allergens to some people.
At Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates, we perform thorough testing to identify food allergies. Our patients receive the full support they need to develop healthy habits that do not leave them feeling deprived due to their food allergies. Also, further testing may be done in the future to see if the body has developed a mechanism to tolerate the trigger food, which can happen with eggs and certain other foods.
Get the help you need from an experienced allergy specialist. Call one of our Illinois offices for a consultation.
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