Like other allergies, egg allergy is caused by the immune system misrecognizing certain proteins. Instead of accepting egg whites as safe and beneficial, the body “sees” them as dangerous invaders.
As a response, the antibody immunoglobulin E is released, which “fights” the allergen. The antibodies in turn send out a host of chemicals to destroy the egg’s allergens. One of these chemicals is histamine. It is responsible for many of the symptoms we experience afterward.
Symptoms can appear within a few minutes to several hours after consuming an egg. Although each body reacts differently, the most common signs include skin problems such as swelling and the appearance of a hives-type rash.
Other common symptoms are respiratory problems such as allergy-induced asthma, runny nose, and watery eyes.
Some people experience stomach upset as a result of egg allergy. They can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps. In rarer cases, anaphylaxis may be experienced after consuming egg protein, in which case immediate medical attention is required.
It should be noted that symptoms alone are not enough to diagnose egg allergy. An allergist can do this most accurately and adequately.
Read more at Allergy to Eggs – what are the most common symptoms?