Egg Allergy
Treatment & Desensitization
Egg Allergy Desensitization in NYC, Manhattan, Upper East Side
At NY Food Allergy & Wellness (NYFA), located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Dr. Atul Shah leads a team of experts specializing in diagnosing and treating egg allergies. Egg allergies, especially in children, are one of the most common food allergies, but they can also persist into adulthood. Our team at NYFA offers cutting-edge treatments and personalized desensitization programs to help manage this condition effectively.
Understanding Egg Allergies
An egg allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to proteins found in eggs. The most common culprits include ovalbumin and ovomucoid. While egg allergies are often confused with food intolerances, they trigger an immune response, potentially leading to more severe reactions.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Egg Allergies
Egg allergy symptoms can vary in intensity and may include:
Skin Reactions: Hives, eczema, redness
Respiratory Issues: Wheezing, coughing, nasal congestion
Gastrointestinal Problems: Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps
Anaphylaxis: A severe, life-threatening reaction requiring immediate medical attention
Food Allergy Testing for Eggs
At NY Food Allergy & Wellness, we are proud to offer the Basophil Activation Test (BAT), a cutting edge diagnostic tool for identifying food allergies. This advanced test measures the activation of basophils, a type of white blood cell, in response to allergens. The BAT provides highly accurate results and can detect allergic reactions that might not be identified through traditional testing methods.
We are the only certified lab in the region offering the Basophil Activation Test. Our certification ensures that we maintain the highest standards of accuracy and reliability in our testing procedures. By choosing NY Food Allergy & Wellness for your allergy testing needs, you can be confident that you are receiving the most advanced and reliable diagnostics available.
The Basophil Activation Test is particularly useful for patients who have complex allergy profiles or who have not found answers through conventional tests. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of ongoing allergy treatments, providing valuable insights for personalized care plans.
Key benefits of the Basophil Activation Test include:
High Accuracy: Detects allergic reactions that may not be visible through skin prick or blood tests.
Comprehensive Analysis: Measures the specific activation of basophils, providing detailed information about allergic responses.
Certified Lab: Conducted in our certified lab, ensuring the highest standards of testing quality and reliability.
If you suspect you have a food allergy and need precise and reliable testing, the Basophil Activation Test at NY Food Allergy & Wellness is an excellent choice. Contact us today to learn more about this innovative test and to schedule your appointment.
Oral Food Challenges are considered the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies. During an OFC, the patient consumes small amounts of the suspected allergen under strict medical supervision to observe any reactions. This method provides definitive results and is conducted with the utmost care and safety.
Skin prick tests are a quick and effective way to identify specific allergens. During the test, a small amount of allergen is placed on the skin, which is then gently pricked to allow the allergen to enter. Results are typically visible within 15–20 minutes, making it a fast and reliable option.
Needle free tests are ideal for children and needle phobic patients. Using advanced technology, these tests provide precise results without the discomfort associated with traditional testing methods.
Blood tests are highly accurate and comprehensive, suitable for all age groups. They measure the presence of specific IgE antibodies in the blood, which can indicate an allergy. This method is particularly useful for patients who cannot undergo skin testing.
IgE specific to peanut components are very helpful in accurate diagnosis of true peanut allergy compared to false positives due to underlying tree pollen allergy. Ara h 2 and Ara h 6 are considered components with potential for systemic reactions.
Managing Egg Allergies in Daily Life
For those with egg allergies, managing your daily life means more than just avoiding eggs. NY Food Allergy & Wellness offers expert advice to help you navigate your egg-free journey:
Reading Food Labels: Become skilled at recognizing egg-based ingredients like albumin, lysozyme, and lecithin, and avoid products that might contain hidden eggs.
Safe Cooking Alternatives: Learn to substitute eggs in recipes with alternatives like applesauce, flaxseed meal, or commercial egg replacers to maintain texture and flavor.
Dining Out: Get advice on how to clearly communicate your egg allergy to restaurant staff and identify safe menu choices.
Emergency Preparedness: Always carry an epinephrine auto-injector and have an emergency action plan ready in case of accidental exposure.
Eggs are commonly found in:Baked goods such as cakes, muffins, and cookies
Mayonnaise, pasta, and certain salad dressings
Processed foods like pre-made mixes, certain sauces, and beverages
Managing Multiple Food Allergies
At NY Food Allergy & Wellness, our FATE™ (Food Allergy Tolerance Enhancement) Program specializes in managing multiple food allergies through comprehensive diagnostics and desensitization, helping patients achieve greater dietary freedom.
Diagnostic Approach
We begin with:
Detailed Patient History: Reviewing the patient’s medical history and symptoms.
Advanced Testing: Utilizing skin prick tests, blood tests, and the Basophil Activation Test to identify specific allergens and assess reaction severity.
Continuous Support
Regular Follow-ups: Monitoring progress and adjusting treatment plans.
Patient Education: Providing resources and training for effective management.
Support Groups: Facilitating patient support groups for shared experiences and strategies.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Our customized plans aim for food allergy desensitization and may include:
Oral Immunotherapy (OIT): Gradually introducing allergens to desensitize the immune system.
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): Administering allergens under the tongue to build tolerance.
Medications: Antihistamines can relieve mild symptoms, while epinephrine is used for severe reactions like anaphylaxis. Omalizumab (Xolair) injections can be considered to reduce the risk or reactions.
Dietary Management: Guidance on safe food choices and avoidance strategies.
Emergency Preparedness: Training on using epinephrine auto-injectors and creating action plans for accidental exposures.
Frequently Asked Questions
The increase in egg allergies may be due to:
Genetic predisposition: Some people are more likely to develop food allergies based on genetic factors.
Environmental factors: The hygiene hypothesis suggests that reduced exposure to infections and microbes may contribute to the rise in food allergies.
Increased awareness: More people are being diagnosed with egg allergies due to better testing and greater awareness
(Mayo Clinic, AAAAI).
There are other factors that the current science does not explain fully.
Currently, avoidance is a general recommendation, but several treatments can help manage the condition:
Avoidance: The primary treatment involves avoiding egg and egg containing products.
Medications: Antihistamines can relieve mild symptoms, while epinephrine is used for severe reactions like anaphylaxis.
FDA approved Omalizumab (Xolair) injections can be considered to reduce the risk or reactions. Read more.
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): This treatment gradually introduces small amounts of egg to desensitize the immune system over time.
It is a low dose treatment that requires drops under the tongue on a daily basis for some time.
Oral Immunotherapy (OIT): This treatment desensitizes the immune system and can help develop tolerance over time.
At NYFA, we offer our patients to choose their goals, from “bite proof” level of protection to free eating.
There is no permanent cure for an egg allergy, but Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) has shown success in helping many patients build a tolerance to egg proteins. Over time, OIT can reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions, though it must be done under medical supervision.
Many of our pediatric and adult patients at NYFA have reached safety and free eating through a personalized approach to egg allergy through various available treatment options under the FATE™ Program.
Egg allergies are typically triggered by proteins found in egg whites, such as ovalbumin and ovomucoid, which are more allergenic than the minor amount of proteins in yolks. Some individuals may tolerate egg yolks while reacting to egg whites, although this varies from person to person (Mayo Clinic, ACAAI).
NY Food Allergy & Wellness offers unparalleled care for egg allergy desensitization due to our:
Expert leadership: Dr. Atul Shah is a leading expert in food allergies, offering decades of experience.
Personalized treatments: We create tailored treatment plans that address each patient’s specific needs.
Innovative therapies: We specialize in advanced treatments like OIT to help patients safely build tolerance to egg proteins.
Ongoing support: We provide continuous education and monitoring to help patients manage their egg allergies effectively.
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Dr. Atul Shah, MD, FACAAI, FAAAAI, is the founder of NY Food Allergy & Wellness & a renowned allergist with over 20 years of experience. With more than 15,000 success stories across children, teens, & adults, Dr. Shah’s expertise knows no age limits. He holds dual fellowships & has been honored with prestigious awards, including America’s Top Physician. Dr. Shah is a leader in allergy care, offering personalized, life-changing treatments.
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New York City Location
110 East 60th St., Suite 708
New York, NY, 10022
Hours of Operation
Tuesday: 9am-5pm
Wednesday: 9am-5pm
Thursday: 9am-7pm
Friday: 9am-5pm
Saturday: 9am-2pm
Sunday/Monday: Closed




