My child is allergic to eggs

Causes of Allergy: Why Do Eggs Make My Child Sick?

It often happens that parents confuse intolerance and allergy, as Ysabelle Levasseur reminds us: “Unlike intolerance, food allergy is a disorder which is sudden in the onset of its symptoms and which can be life-threatening. child in danger. The severity is not the same because an allergy requires immediate care by the pediatrician then the allergist ”.

Raw, yellow, white… Which parts of the egg are affected by the allergy?

Egg allergy, what does it imply? Indeed, there are a multitude of birds, and the egg itself has different parts (yellow and white). Therefore, is a child with a food allergy to eggs affected by all eggs? An unfortunately positive response, developed by Ysabelle Levasseur: “When you are allergic to eggs, it is all species that it is. In addition, this food allergy can be triggered by ingestion, but also by simple contact with the skin, for people with the most allergies ”. When it comes to egg white and egg yolk, the child is not necessarily allergic to both parts, but the egg yolk can often contain traces of white and vice versa. As for the question of cooked eggs or raw eggs, babies can be more or less allergic because certain allergenic elements disappear with cooking. However, doctors with allergies usually advise not to consume either, given the risk factor.

Allergy to eggs in babies: which foods and products are affected?

Obviously, if your baby develops an egg allergy, you will have to ban eggs from his menus, but not only, as Ysabelle Levasseur explains: ‘”Eggs are found in many foods such as cookies , cold meats or ice cream in particular. In France, the presence of egg in the product must be written on the packaging (even tiny). It is therefore important to check the packaging before purchasing. In addition, traces of eggs may be present in some medicines. We also often forget the egg shampoo, which can cause allergic reactions ”. It is also necessary to underline the presence of egg proteins in the composition of the vaccine against influenza. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor before any injection of this vaccine.

Albumin and protein, what causes an allergic reaction to eggs?

Egg allergy comes from an abnormal reaction of the immune system against egg proteins. These are multiple. We find albumin in particular, which can be the cause. It should also be noted that egg allergy is the most common in children: “It is considered that around 9% of infants develop this allergy”.

Eczema, swelling… How do I know if my child is allergic to eggs?

There are many ways an allergic reaction to eggs can manifest in babies and children. Symptoms of the allergy may be cutaneous, digestive but also respiratory : “There may be rashes like eczema or hives. It can also be flu-like symptoms like a runny nose or sneezing. In terms of digestive manifestations, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain can be part of the game. As for the symptoms of respiratory allergy, these are the most serious. The child can have swelling (angioedema), but also asthma, and in the most dangerous cases of anaphylactic shock, big drops in blood pressure or even death ”.

How to react to an infant egg allergy?

If your baby seems to have an abnormal reaction after eating the egg, there aren’t thirty-six solutions: “An allergic reaction is always serious. You must contact a doctor as soon as possible. If the symptoms are severe, do not hesitate to go to the hospital straight away. For young children whose allergy has already been detected and who have accidentally ingested the egg, emergency kits must have been provided by the doctor, including an adrenaline pen to be injected during anaphylactic shock. Either way, an allergic reaction is an emergency ”.

Treatment: how can you cure an egg allergy?

If this is the first time your baby has had an allergic reaction to eggs, you will soon be taken to to consult an allergist, which will determine in detail the elements of egg proteins to which your child is allergic (egg white or egg yolk in particular). If the diagnosis of allergy is made, there is unfortunately no treatment, as Ysabelle Levasseur reminds us: “Egg allergy has no treatment or means to alleviate it. On the other hand, it is an allergy which fades over time in most cases. It is considered that 70% of children allergic to eggs are no longer allergic by the age of six. There are however exceptions where some people have this allergy for life ”.

How to cook a menu for an allergic baby? What prevention?

Once the diagnosis of egg allergy is made, the allergist doctor will recommend total elimination of the culprit allergen. You will have to explain to your child that he can no longer eat certain foods, which Ysabelle Levasseur is developing: “You have to explain as simply as possible to children. Do not scare him or make him see the allergy as a punishment. Do not hesitate to turn to the pediatrician, the allergist or even a psychiatrist who will be able to explain very well to the child. In addition, you can also stay positive by explaining that it will always be possible to make other dishes that are just as good! ”. Speaking of dishes, is it possible to make an egg-free diet for our child? This question is under debate but be aware that there are egg substitutes in the form of a powder made from corn starch and flax seeds. In any case, discuss this with your doctor.