HOMOEOPATHY FOR EGG ALLERGY

Egg allergy is one of the most common causes of allergies in children. Many children , but not all, outgrow the allergy before adolescence.

Egg allergy symptoms usually occur a few minutes to a few hours after eating eggs or eating foods containing eggs. Signs and symptoms range from mild to severe and can include skin rashes, hives, nasal congestion, and vomiting or other digestive problems. Rarely egg allergy can cause anaphylaxis- a life threatening reaction.

SYMPTOMS

Egg allergy reactions vary from person to person and usually occur soon after exposure to egg. Egg allergy symptoms include:

·        Skin inflammation or hives- the most common egg allergy reaction

·        Nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing.

·        Digestive symptoms,  such as cramps, nausea, and vomiting.

·        Asthma signs and symptoms , such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath.

A severe allergic reaction can lead to anaphylaxis, a life threatening emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Anaphylaxis signs and symptoms include:

·        Constriction of airways, including a swollen throat or a lump in throat that makes it  difficult to breathe.

·        Abdominal pain and cramping

·        Rapid pulse

·        Shock with severe drop in blood pressure felt as dizziness , lightheadedness or loss of consciousness

CAUSES

An immune system overreaction causes food allergies. For egg allergy, the immune system mistakenly identifies certain egg proteins as harmful. When the child comes in contact with egg proteins, immune system cells- antibodies, recognize them and signal the immune system to release histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic signs and symptoms.

Both egg yolks and egg whites contain proteins that can cause allergies, but allergy to egg whites is most common. It is possible for breast-fed infants to have an allergic reaction to egg proteins if the mother consumes eggs.

RISK FACTORS

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing an egg allergy:

·        Atopic dermatitis. Children with this type of skin reaction are much more likely to develop a food allergy than are children who don’t have skin problems.

·        Family history. You are at increased risk ofa food allergy if one or both of your parents have asthma, food allergy or another type of allergy- such as hay fever, hives or eczema.

·        Age. Egg allergy is most common in children. With age, the digestive system matures and allergic food reactions are less likely to occur.

COMPLICATIONS

The most common complication of egg allergy is having a severe allergic reaction requiring emergency treatment.

The same immune system that causes egg allergy can also cause other conditions. If the person has an egg allergy, he may be at increased risk of

·        Allergies to other foods, such as milk, soy or peanuts

·        Allergies to pet dander, dust mites or grass pollen

·        Allergic skin reactions such as atopic dermatitis

·        Asthma, which in turn increases the risk of having a severe allergic reaction to eggs or other foods.

PREVENTION

Here are some things you can do to avoid allergic reaction, and keep it from getting worse if one does occur.

·        Read food labels carefully. Some people react to foods with only trace amounts of egg.

·        Be cautious when eating out. Your server or even the cook may not be completely certain about whether a food contains egg proteins

·        Wear an allergy bracelet or necklace. This can be especially important if you or your child has a severe reaction and can’t tell caregivers or others what is going on.

·        Let your child’s caregivers know about an egg allergy. Talk to your child’s babysitters, teachers, relatives or other caregivers about the allergy so that they don’t accidently give your child egg-containing products. Make sure they understand what to do in an emergency.

·        If you are breast feeding, avoid eggs. If your child has an egg allergy , he or she may react to proteins passed through your milk.

DIAGNOSIS

·        Medical history

·        Physical examination

The following tests are recommended for diagnosis

·        Skin prick test. The skin is pricked and exposed to small amounts of the proteins found in eggs. If the person has an egg allergy, a raised bump-hive, may develop at the test location.

·        Blood test. A blood test can measure the immune system’s response to eggs by checking the amount of certain antibodies in the bloodstream that may indicate an allergic reaction.

·        Food challenge. This test involves giving the child a small amount of egg to see if it causes a reaction . If nothing happens, more egg is given while the doctor watches for signs of food allergy. Because this test can cause a severe reaction, an allergy specialist should give it.

·        Food tracking elimination diet. Your child’s doctor have you keep a detailed diary of foods eaten and may ask you to eliminate eggs or other foods from the dist one at a time to see whether symptoms improve.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When egg allergy is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms.

BRYONIA ALB: Allergy to boiled egg.

COLCHICUM AUTUMNALE: Egg disagree. The smell causes nausea, even to fainting. Vomiting

FERRUM METALLICUM: Intolerance of eggs. Nausea and vomiting after eating eggs.

LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM: Diarrhea from eggs. Flatulent abdomen.

NATRUM MURIATICUM: Allergy to eggs. Violent sneezing and running nose.

PSORINUM: Skin allergies from eggs

PULSATILLA NIGRICANS: Aversion to eggs. Diarrhea from eating eggs.

SULPHUR: Skin allergies after the eating eggs.