Overview
Egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies, particularly in children, though it can also affect adults. It occurs when the body’s immune system reacts abnormally to proteins found in egg whites or egg yolks. While many children may outgrow the allergy, some continue to have it throughout adulthood. In Korea, awareness of egg allergy is growing, with hospitals, pediatric clinics, and schools providing support and dietary alternatives to manage the condition safely.
What is Egg Allergy?
Egg allergy is an immune system reaction to proteins in eggs, such as ovalbumin, ovomucoid, ovotransferrin, and lysozyme. When a person with egg allergy consumes eggs or foods containing egg-derived ingredients, their immune system mistakenly identifies the proteins as harmful and triggers an allergic response. This can range from mild skin rashes to severe and life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually occur within minutes to a few hours after consuming eggs and may include:
- Skin reactions (hives, redness, eczema flare-ups)
- Swelling of lips, face, tongue, or throat
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Respiratory problems (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath)
- Anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires emergency treatment)
Causes
The main cause is an overreaction of the immune system to egg proteins. When exposed, the immune system produces antibodies (IgE) that release histamine and other chemicals, leading to allergic symptoms. Common proteins causing reactions are found in both egg whites and yolks, though egg white proteins are usually the main trigger.
Risk Factors
- Family history of allergies, asthma, or atopic conditions
- Other food allergies (such as milk, peanuts, soy, or seafood)
- Children under 5 years of age (egg allergy is more common in early childhood)
- History of atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Complications
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), which can be fatal if not treated promptly
- Restrictions in diet, leading to nutritional concerns if not properly managed
- Cross-reactivity with vaccines that use egg proteins (e.g., some influenza vaccines)
- Anxiety or reduced quality of life due to fear of accidental exposure
Prevention
- Avoiding eggs and egg-containing products (cakes, pastries, mayonnaise, pasta, bread, sauces, and some processed foods)
- Carefully reading food labels for hidden egg ingredients
- Informing schools, restaurants, and caregivers about the allergy
- Carrying emergency medications such as antihistamines or epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPen)
- Consulting with healthcare providers before receiving vaccines that may contain egg proteins
Treatment Options in Korea
South Korea offers advanced allergy diagnosis, dietary counseling, and emergency care for individuals with egg allergy.
- Diagnosis
- Skin prick test and blood tests (IgE antibody measurement) to detect egg-specific allergic reactions
- Oral food challenge under medical supervision in specialized hospitals
- Detailed allergy history and dietary assessment
- Medical Management
- Antihistamines for mild reactions (hives, itching, swelling)
- Epinephrine (adrenaline) injection for severe reactions or anaphylaxis
- Corticosteroids in some cases to reduce inflammation and prevent delayed reactions
- Dietary Support
- Pediatric dietitians provide guidance on egg-free nutrition for children
- Safe substitutes such as flaxseed meal, chia seeds, applesauce, or commercial egg replacers in cooking and baking
- Korean food manufacturers and restaurants increasingly provide allergen labeling to help families avoid hidden egg ingredients
- Immunotherapy Research
- Some hospitals in Korea are conducting research on oral immunotherapy (gradual exposure to small amounts of egg protein) to reduce allergic sensitivity, though this is still under study and not a standard treatment.
- Hospitals & Clinics in Korea
- Seoul National University Hospital – Pediatric Allergy Clinic
- Asan Medical Center – Allergy & Clinical Immunology Department
- Samsung Medical Center – Food Allergy Center
- Severance Hospital (Yonsei University) – Pediatric Food Allergy Unit
