Can Egg Allergies Develop Suddenly
Developing a sudden allergy can happen. This happens rarely in relation to the population. The reasons for a sudden reaction to eggs could be triggered by a medication or a chronic infection. It could also be a result of a digestive issue. Your doctor or allergist would need to consider these factors for you. Keep in mind that it could be an intolerance to eggs or even an immune system issue. It is better to be tested for allergies to be sure of the situation you may find yourself in.
How Can an Egg Allergy be Treated
Hopefully, your condition is not anaphylactic. This is the most dangerous condition, and you should stop eating eggs entirely and any products that have eggs and seek the advice of a doctor. Some adults and children who have light sensitivity or mild intolerance to eggs may decide to undergo oral immunotherapy treatment. This involves eating small amounts of eggs and steadily increasing the amounts over time. I would highly recommend that you do this only if your doctor agrees to that treatment. If you take it upon yourself without a doctor’s knowledge and supervision you could end up in the hospital or dead depending on the degree of allergen you have. In my case, I have had so many bad situations that I am an extreme advocate for no egg at all.
If you decide to go the route of NO EGG as I did, then you will need to make sure it is not in the food products you eat. This means you must be diligent in checking the labels of the boxes and the additives too. Luckily, I have been doing some of that homework for you. There are several articles here at my sight that can inform you as to what some of these additives and products are.
Be wary of recipes on the web that say they are eggless. My experience has concluded that some of the products used in the making of some of these have stabilizers and emulsifiers as well as additives that are derived from eggs, egg powder, eggshells, or by-products that use eggs in the creation of the product.
List of Products to Avoid and Suggestions for Eggless Eating
Bread that has egg products
Baking Powder which has cream of tartar as one of its ingredients and is found in baked goods
Cream of tartar made from the crystalized egg in the wine barrels for the process of making some wines
Wines that are fined with egg in lieu of fish
Check your medications. When the side effect involves a breathing problem, swelling of the tongue, throat, or face or you get rashes and hives; that is a problem for someone who has anaphylactic or biphasic issues with eggs.
When eating out check for cross-contamination policies and allergen menus with the wait staff or website. Example: Wendy’s uses a spoon to spread the mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup onto brioche bread which is an egg bread.
Remember fried batter or breading can be made with egg. This means that the oil used is contaminated at the restaurant for your French fries. You may want to opt for the baked potato instead.
Salad dressing can have egg as a preservative. Your best practice is to make your own and bring it to the party or restaurant.
Rince all your vegetables and fruit before cooking or eating them as the preservative used for extended shelf life is made from an egg wash derivative. It was created at Rice University and is replacing the wax coating that was previously used. This means salad in bags needs to be rinsed as well.
Pasta can be made with eggs. Luckily, I have found that the Barilla brand is eggless. Remember egg noodles really mean it is made with eggs.
Keep liquid Benadryl on hand as it is the best histamine blocker
When Eating Out Choose Foods That are a Natural Histamine Blocker
Histamine blockers help our immune system respond to allergens and injuries. They carry messages from the brain and nervous system. These also stimulate the production of acid in the stomach to help us break down and digest foods. Too much of these foods can also lead to allergy symptoms like itchy eyes and runny nose and headaches. I like to incorporate one or two of these when eating out just in case the restaurant has made a mistake with cross-contamination. Histamines are a natural inflammatory substance released by your body when it perceives a threat to the immunity system. It causes inflammation or swelling in the body. Eating foods that block histamines is good if you’re having an allergic reaction.
What Foods and Spices are Histamine Blockers
Spices that block histamines:
Basil, Cilantro, Dill, Lemongrass, Oregano, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme, Black Cumin, Caraway, Cardamom, Cumin, Fennel Seed, Garlic, Ginger Turmeric.
Antihistamine Vegetables and Fruits
Artichoke
Arugula
Asparagus
Bell Pepper
Bok Choy
Broccoli
Brussel Sprouts
Cabbage
Dandelion Root Tea
Greens – Mustard and Collard
Onions
Radishes
Squash
Watercress
Zucchini
Apples, Pomegranates, Blueberries, Cherries, Mangos, Kiwis, Raspberries, Peaches, Pears, Monk Fruit powder
Spirulina inhibits histamine release
Manuka Honey
Benadryl gel capsules are an excellent over-the-counter medication to help to block the histamines of an anaphylactic reaction. This will ease some of the symptoms.