Eggs are a part of many meals we consume, including desserts and savory meals. They’re a delightful addition to your breakfast menu but can also be bothersome when you have egg sensitivity. Egg sensitivity is a non-life-threatening adverse reaction to egg yolks, egg whites, or both. While some people have egg white sensitivity, others can suffer from egg yolk sensitivity. Egg sensitivity isn’t dangerous, but it can be uncomfortable, hindering your quality of life. The amount of eggs you consume determines how severe your symptoms will be. This means consuming small amounts of eggs when you have an egg sensitivity will result in less severe symptoms.
Most times, sensitivity to eggs can be hard to detect because you consume many foods simultaneously, and sensitivity symptoms can take some time to show up. Egg sensitivity symptoms mainly occur when you consume too much of a substance and the body leading to digestive and neurological symptoms. Sometimes, some people will also experience skin reactions, but the most common symptoms lie within the gastrointestinal tract.
Egg sensitivity symptoms
Egg sensitivity symptoms can last for days or even hours, depending on the individual. Most of the time, you’ll find those gastrointestinal symptoms only last until you’ve passed eggs from your system. These symptoms can also vary in intensity depending on the individual. The most common egg sensitivity symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach cramps
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
Egg sensitivities vs. intolerance vs. allergy
Even though these three terms are used interchangeably, they mean different things.
Egg sensitivity
Our 500 Sensitivities Testing Kit.
An egg sensitivity occurs when you consume too much of the same substance but in very high quantities resulting in symptoms. However, egg sensitivity isn’t an immune system response as it is in the case of an allergy. When you have egg sensitivity, you’ll notice neurological and digestive symptoms. However, suppose you consume insanely high amounts of eggs. In that case, it could ultimately result in life-threatening symptoms, especially if you keep exposing yourself to eggs even though you’re aware of your sensitivity. The best way to be mindful of your sensitivities is by taking an egg Sensitivity Test. Most of the time, you’ll find that sensitivities manifest in vague symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, runny nose, and generally feeling unwell, which can make it challenging to track down the offending substance.
Egg intolerance
An egg intolerance occurs when you consume eggs, and your body lacks the necessary enzymes or chemicals to digest them. So, you’ll mostly find that intolerance symptoms are centered around the digestive tract because the food won’t break down. Egg intolerance can’t be life-threatening most of the time. However, once you realize you have a food intolerance, it is better to eliminate it from your diet. Intolerance and sensitivity are always categorized as the same thing because of the similarity in symptoms. You can learn more about egg intolerance symptoms.
Egg allergy
An egg allergy occurs when your body meets eggs (even though you’ve had them before), and instead of reacting normally, it triggers the immune system to produce IgE antibodies. Before you get an allergic reaction, you must be exposed to eggs at least once before, and now that you consume them, your body treats them as if it’s “harmful.” The same way it treats bacteria and viruses. Most egg allergy symptoms involve skin reactions and digestive and respiratory issues. An allergy can be life-threatening because it can result in anaphylaxis. Eeg allergies can first be seen in children, even though some develop a tolerance as they grow {1}. This doesn’t mean that adults can’t develop egg allergies because that, too, is possible.
Egg white sensitivity: Can you be sensitive to just the white or yolk?
Egg whites and yolks each contain allergens that may result in signs of egg sensitivity. However, egg white sensitivity is more common because of albumen. Albumen is a protein that the body of those with egg white sensitivity reacts to, leading to symptoms of egg sensitivity. Even though some people can be sensitive to egg whites or egg yolks, others have a sensitivity to both, making it impossible for them to consume any part of the egg. Even though you may be sensitive to only a part of the egg, it is better to avoid eggs altogether to avoid any signs of egg sensitivity completely.
Egg sensitivity in babies
Most infants suffer from egg sensitivity, but most of them outgrow them. However, when you have an egg-sensitive baby, you won’t know what is affecting their bodies, and it’s best to seek medical advice. An egg sensitive baby can’t articulate how they’re feeling, and it may be easier for you to observe how they react after eating certain foods like eggs to know whether they’re sensitive. However, you can also see this by observing your child’s bowel movements which could give you signs of egg sensitivity. If it changes every time they consume eggs, they should talk to their doctor and avoid them. According to a study, eczema manifestation in infants can also be due to egg sensitivity, so you should look for such symptoms too {2}.
Talking to your doctor about your child’s symptoms will help them look deeply into the matter to see whether it could be an allergy. Some children tend to outgrow sensitivities while others live with them. The best you can do for your child is eliminate eggs from their diet. Your doctor will also give you more tips on how to cope with your child’s egg sensitivity.
Egg sensitivity test
If you feel you have symptoms of egg sensitivity, you’ll need to consult your doctor so they can let you know if you have underlying diseases or conditions. If you find nothing and you still feel the above symptoms every time you have eggs or other foods, then that means you need to get a Sensitivity Test. This test checks for sensitivities in your body, letting you know which sensitivity/sensitivities you may have. This list of sensitivities will help you avoid trigger foods helping you live a symptom-free life.
References
- Savage, J. H., Matsui, E. C., Skripak, J. M., & Wood, R. A. (2007). The natural history of egg allergy. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 120(6), 1413-1417.
- Matsumura, T., Kuroume, T., Oguri, M., Iwasaki, I., & Kanbe, Y. (1975). Egg sensitivity and eczematous manifestations in breast-fed newborns with particular reference to intrauterine sensitization. Annals of Allergy, 35(4), 221-229.
