What Are the Treatments for Egg Allergy?

Egg allergy is one of the most common forms of food allergy, especially in young children, who typically outgrow egg allergies by the time they are 5 years of age. Most people with egg allergies are affected only by egg whites, although some people react to egg yolks. Diagnose for this allergy is done through skin or blood testing at an allergist's office.

Avoidance

• The most successful treatment of egg allergies is to avoid any contact with eggs. Because eggs are included in many products that do not specifically list eggs in the ingredients, it is important to learn to read food nutrition labels and recognize egg products. Some egg-containing ingredients include globulin, livetin, albumin, ovovitellin and phosvitin. Foods toppings such as caesar salad dressing and tartar sauce also contain eggs. Even beverages, such as wines, occasionally contain eggs. You may also want to work with a dietitian or nutritionist to create menu plans and discuss eating options.

Antihistamines

• Antihistamines are drugs designed to reduce the symptoms of an allergy. Some allergists recommend that their patients take a daily antihistamine, such as Claritin or Allegra, to prevent allergic reactions before they occur. Other allergy patients choose to take a fast-acting antihistamine, such as Benedryl, after exposure to the allergen. Antihistamines may reduce the symptoms of an egg allergy, but will not cure the allergy itself.

Epinephrine

• The most severe form of an allergic reaction is anaphylaxis. Symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction include dizziness, vomiting, sensation of warmth, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis must be treated immediately with an injection of adrenaline called epinephrine. If you suffer from a severe egg allergy, your doctor may prescribe an epinephrine autoinjector (with trade names such as EpiPen, Anapen and Twinject) for you to carry and administer in case of emergency.