It’s unpleasant but not too serious.

An allergic reaction is an exaggerated immune system response that can be life-threatening.

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency.

A man cooking eggs in his kitchen

Tatiana Maksimova / Getty Images

The first-line treatment isepinephrine injection(EpiPen).If you have one, inject it immediately.

Any delay could make the reaction more severe.

Even if the person improves, they still need medical supervision because symptoms can last longer or even recur.

You may not be aware that the food you’re eating contains eggs.

Over-the-counter (OTC)antihistaminescan often relieve mild symptoms of food allergies within a few hours.

Preventing Egg Allergy Symptoms in Children

you could’t always prevent allergies from developing.

If your child has a diagnosed egg allergy, always keep the epinephrine pen with you.

The best way to prevent symptoms is to avoid eggs.

Even small amounts can cause a severe reaction.

However, developing a new allergy, sensitivity, or intolerance at any point is possible.

Working With an Allergist

Consider seeing anallergistif you think you have an allergy.

They can help you strategize how to avoid eggs and treat mild symptoms if you accidentally eat them.

They can also prescribe epinephrine, so you could always have it.

A few vaccinescontain egg protein, but that doesn’t mean you must skip all.

When using the term egg allergy, most people are referring to chicken eggs.

Putting this on the label is not mandatory, however.

Egg substitutes may contain eggs, while egg replacements may not.

Fortunately, many children outgrow them.

But you’re free to develop a new allergy at any age.

Trouble breathing and throat swelling are signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction.

When that happens, you need an epinephrine injection as quickly as possible.

An allergist can determine whether you have an intolerance, sensitivity, or full-blown allergy to eggs.

Allergy & Asthma connection.Anaphylaxis.

Harvard Health.Epinephrine is the only effective treatment for anaphylaxis.

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis: Symptoms & diagnosis.

Harvard Health.Food allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity: What’s the difference, and why does it matter?

American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Egg allergy.

U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Food allergies: What you’re gonna wanna know.

Stanford Medicine Children’s Health.Egg allergy diet for children.