Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
Egg Intolerance vs.
Egg Allergy
An egg intolerance shouldnt be confused with an egg allergy.
Many experts believe the egg white is often responsible for triggering the intolerance.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
However, a person may also have trouble digesting egg yolks or whole eggs.
The release of these chemicals is what causes symptoms of anallergic reaction.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an egg intolerance often affect thedigestive systemand can last for hours or days.
They can also vary by individual and the number of eggs eaten.
Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention because it impairs breathing and can send the body into shock.
However, diagnosing an egg intolerance can be more tricky.
Food intolerances are typically identified through anelimination dietor trial-and-error, which usually includes keeping a food diary.
Afood diaryis an easy way to help identify if eggs are triggering your symptoms.
It should include information about everything a person eats and drinks and any symptoms.
If unpleasant symptoms return after eating eggs again, it may suggest an intolerance.
Treatment
Currently, there is no treatment for an egg intolerance.
This includes avoiding any dishes or foods that contain eggs.
The good news is that an egg intolerance may not last forever.
Children often outgrow egg intolerances and allergies.
Nearly 70% of children with an egg allergy will outgrow the condition by age 16.
Most egg subsites contain eggs and should be avoided by someone with an egg allergy or intolerance.
They can recommend additional testing to determine if eggs are causing unpleasant symptoms.
A healthcare provider may also suggest an elimination diet to further pinpoint food intolerances.
Additionally, symptoms of an egg intolerance can be similar to those associated with other health conditions.
Summary
Although an egg intolerance is not a life-threatening condition, it can cause digestive discomfort.
When cooking, reading food labels and using vegan egg replacements can also help a person avoid eggs.
A Word From Verywell
Egg intolerances can cause a great deal of physical discomfort.
The best treatment to alleviate unpleasant symptoms associated with an egg intolerance is by avoiding eggs altogether.
If you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing after consuming eggs, seek medical attention immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
A person can develop an egg intolerance at any point in their life.
The reasons for the development of sudden egg intolerance often varies.
An egg intolerance may last for years, or a person may struggle to eat eggs throughout their life.
Egg allergies are considered to be one of the most common food allergies.
Food intolerances, such as egg intolerance, are also very common.
An estimated 20% of the world’s population is affected by a food intolerance.
European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation.Egg intolerance.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Food intolerance versus food allergy.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Egg allergy.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Food intolerance.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Anaphylaxis.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Egg allergy recipe substitutions.
2019;11(7):1684. doi:10.3390/nu11071684
