An Egg allergy develops when the body’s immune system becomes sensitized and overreacts to proteins in egg yolks or whites. The body sees the protein as a foreign invader and sends out chemicals to defend against it. Those chemicals can cause symptoms of an allergic reaction.
While an egg allergy causes a chemical reaction in the body, an egg intolerance signals the inability to process and absorb the egg yolks, whites or both. If you have an intolerance to egg, your body may react to the protein present in either the egg white, the yolk or both.
The symptoms of an egg allergy are much more severe than those with an intolerance and, in extreme cases, an allergic reaction can be life threatening.
Egg allergy symptoms can consist of:
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swelling
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rash
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hives
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wheezing
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breathing difficulty
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sneezing
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watery eyes
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vomiting
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diarrhea
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anaphylaxis
Egg intolerance symptoms can consist of:
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bloating
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excessive gas
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stomach pain
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vomiting
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headaches
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skin problems
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breathing issues
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heart pain
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joint pain
Eggs from ducks, quail and geese contain similar proteins to chicken eggs. As there are hidden egg proteins in many foods, here’s a list of foods that you might not be aware of contain egg protein:
Breaded Pastries
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Breaded and batter-fried foods
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Crepes and waffles
Sauces, Dressings & Dips
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Caesar Salad dressing
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Mayonnaise
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Sauces, including Hollandaise and tartar sauces
Dinners
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Meatloaf and meatballs
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Surimi: Artificial crab meat which may contain egg white
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Pastas: Dry pasta typically does not contain egg but may be cross-contaminated with egg-based pasta in a factory or manufacturing facility; cooked pasta in canned soups and other ready-to-eat dishes may contain egg.
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Soufflés
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Some soups and consommés
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Macaroni: may be made with egg so check the ingredients label. Typically, fresh pasta is made with egg and dry pasta is made without egg.
Desserts
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Cream pies, fillings, and puffs
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Custards, puddings, and ice cream
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Marshmallows and marzipan
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Lollipops and other candies
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Meringue and frostings
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Simplesse (fat substitute)
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May contain egg, as egg whites are whipped together with sugar and nuts and/or fruit.
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Pretzels
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Frostings
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Foam on drinks
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Eggnog
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Eggrolls
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Egg substitutes
Drinks
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Coffee drinks like cappuccino (eggs are sometimes used to help create the foam)
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Fizzes Cocktail: Foams on alcoholic or specialty drinks
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Wine (Egg whites may be used in the process of making wine.)
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Protein Shakes: Traditionally made with protein powders, some contain egg white powder or whole egg in their recipe.
These ingredients may indicate egg proteins are present
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Albumin
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Apovitellin: contained in the egg yolk
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Globulin
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Lecithin
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Livetin: contained in the egg yolk
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Lysozyme
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Ovalbumin
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Ovoglobulin
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Ovomucin
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Ovomucoid: contained in the egg white
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Ovotransferrin: contained in the egg white
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Ovovitelia: found in egg yolk
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Ovovitellin: found in egg yolk
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Powdered eggs
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Silici albuminate
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Simplesse: fat replacement
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Vitellin: contained in the egg yolk
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Words starting with “ova” or “ovo,” such as ovalbumin or ovoglobulin
The following ingredients may also indicate that egg proteins are present, however you can confirm this by contacting the manufacturer:
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Artificial flavoring
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Lecithin
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Natural flavoring
Medications & Vaccinations
Some vaccinations or medication may include egg proteins so speak with your doctor about your allergies.
Additional Tips
Eggs from ducks, quail and geese contain similar proteins to chicken eggs.
Be careful at Salad Bars, All-You-Can-Eat Buffets, Ice Cream Parlors, and other food environments where utensils can be switched when preparing dishes, potentially contaminating egg-free dishes.
This is not a complete list of all of the foods that may contain this allergen, we will continue to add to it through your recommendations so let us know what other foods you have come across in your area that directly contain or may contain this allergen in the comments below or through our social media pages.
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DISCLAIMER
The content of this website is intended for educational purposes only and should not be substituted for medical or professional advice. Please consult with your doctor for any health related questions or concerns.
