Egg allergy in adults
Although egg allergy can develop in adult life this is nearly always a condition that develops in infancy or early childhood.
A recent analysis* of the prevalence of sensitisation to foods in the European Community found that 0.2% of adults in the UK are sensitive to eggs.
The symptoms in an egg allergic reaction in an adult can be similar to those seen in childhood, but particularly include angioedema (skin swelling) or eczema and asthma, which can develop more gradually.
If there is a strong suggestion of a reaction to food, but the cause is not clear, a negative skin or blood test in an NHS Allergy Clinic may help to exclude egg as a cause of symptoms. Challenge tests with egg or with other foods may sometimes be advised.
*Burney P, Summers C, Chinn S, Hooper R, van Ree R, Lidholm J, Prevalence and distribution of sensitization to foods in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey: a EuroPrevall analysis, European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 10:1111, p.1398-9995