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 Egg allergies are one of the most common food allergies that occur in infants. The good news is that 85% of children will have outgrown this allergy by the time they reach the age of 5 years. Until then proceed with caution to ensure a healthy, happy baby.
What does an infant allergy to eggs mean?
A food allergy occurs when your immune system makes antibodies against a particular food. In the case of an egg allergy, the food in question is eggs. An allergy to eggs is commonly caused by the protein in eggs. This protein is found in both the egg whites and egg yolks, with egg whites usually being the culprit. Infants are vulnerable to egg allergies as they are still developing their immune system, and often cannot break down the protein in the eggs.
How can I tell if my baby has an allergy to eggs?
With solids being slowly introduced to babies around the 4 - 6 months mark, the primary cause will often be the first person to pick up their babies allergy to eggs. These allergy symptoms often come on quickly, typically within 30 minutes, so if the introduction of an egg or egg product to the diet causes a reaction, your infant is probably allergic to eggs. Food related allergies in babies can occur up to a few hours after digestion of the allergen in question.
Symptoms:
- Hives around the mouth and the body
- Eczema
- Rash
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Vomiting
In very rare cases, an infant could have a severe allergic reaction to eggs, called anaphylaxis. This is a serious, sometimes life threatening reaction to an allergen, and occurs when the airways are obstructed due to an allergic reaction. Medical treatment is needed immediately if your infant has an anaphylactic reaction. Symptoms include:
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden drop in blood pressure
- Collapse
Can I prevent my baby from having an allergy to eggs?
There is no foolproof way to prevent your baby from having an allergy to eggs. You can minimize the risks of allergens in your baby by breastfeeding exclusively for the babies first four to six months and by not exposing your infant to cigarette smoke. The evidence is inconclusive if mothers should avoid eating eggs whilst they are breastfeeding, to lower the chance of infant allergies.
Research does show that allergies are hereditary. When both parents have a history of allergies, there is a 50 - 80 chance your infant will develop that allergy as well. If you have a family history of allergies or food intolerances, a precautionary measure is to avoid giving your baby eggs during their first year.
Treating egg allergies
The simplest way to avoid an allergic reaction is to avoid giving eggs, or any food containing eggs to your infant. As eggs and egg products are in most everything we eat, be mindful when food shopping to read the labeling carefully. Egg products are listed on food packaging as albumen, egg yolk, egg white, egg lecithin, egg powder, egg solids, ovalbumin. It is a federal requirement that eggs and egg products are labeled on all food products.
Important!
It is important when sending your baby off to child-care, or leaving them with family members, to inform them of your infants egg allergy, and if required provide clearly labeled food for your infant.
With allergies and food intolerance on the rise, child-care staff are experienced with special dietary requirements amongst infants, and are well equipped to look after your infant, if the rare case of an emergency should arise.
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