Egg hypersensitivities refer to an individual's allergic reaction to the consumption or exposure to eggs. The correct spelling of this phrase uses the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) symbols to denote the pronunciation of each syllable. The first syllable, "egg," is spelled with the symbol /ɛg/, while the second syllable, "hy-per-sen-si-ti-vi-ties," uses a combination of symbols that correspond to its phonetic sounds: /haɪpər-sɛnsətiːvɪtiz/. It is important to spell this word correctly to ensure effective communication between medical professionals and patients with egg allergies.
Egg hypersensitivity refers to an abnormal immune reaction triggered by the consumption or exposure to eggs. It is an exaggerated response of the immune system to proteins found in eggs, primarily ovalbumin and ovomucoid. This condition is commonly referred to as an egg allergy and is more prevalent in children than adults.
When an individual with egg hypersensitivity comes into contact with eggs, the immune system identifies these proteins as harmful substances and releases a range of chemicals, such as histamine, to protect the body. These chemicals cause various symptoms, including but not limited to hives, itching, swelling of the lips or mouth, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can even lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction.
Diagnosis of egg hypersensitivity is typically conducted through medical history evaluation, skin prick tests, or blood tests that measure the presence of specific antibodies. The primary treatment for egg hypersensitivity is the strict avoidance of eggs and products containing eggs. This requires reading ingredient labels carefully, as eggs can be present in numerous foods and products, including baked goods, sauces, dressings, and even some medications. In cases where accidental ingestion occurs, antihistamines or epinephrine injectors may be used to alleviate symptoms.
As with many food allergies, egg hypersensitivity may be outgrown over time, particularly in children. Regular medical follow-ups, with repeat testing, are essential to monitor and assess the progress of this condition.
The word "egg" comes from the Old English word "æg" which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "ajją". It can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "ōwyóm", meaning "bird's egg".
The term "hypersensitivity" is derived from the prefix "hyper-" meaning excessive or increased sensitivity, and the root word "sensitivity", which comes from the Latin word "sēnsus" meaning "feeling" or "perception".
Therefore, "egg hypersensitivities" refers to an excessive or increased sensitivity or allergic reaction to eggs.