Scrambled Eggs

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

Eggs Benedict

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

Allergic Reaction to Peanuts

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.

A smiling woman with long brown hair sitting at a white table holding a glass bowl of cereal or dried fruit, in a minimalist white room with shelves and a potted plant in the background.

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.

Food Allergy Testing

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

Egg Sandwich

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.

NY Food Allergy & Wellness logo with a stylized heart and wheat symbol on left, text in gold reading NY Food Allergy & Wellness.

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.

A close-up of a white and beige calla lily flower with a yellow-green spadix.

Severe Multi-Food Allergy Success Story

Success Videos
FATE™ Program

What our patients are saying...

★★★★★

Dr. Shah and the team at NY Food Allergy & Wellness are truly exceptional. I had long believed I was allergic to shrimp, crab, and lobster until I completed oral food challenges here and discovered I was not. Dr. Shah's kindness, expertise, and collaborative approach are unmatched.

Read More
★★★★★

Dr. Shah provided exceptional care in overseeing our daughter's oral immunotherapy for her peanut allergy. Thanks to his expertise and guidance, she is now fully desensitized and no longer has any food restrictions. The entire staff is kind, incredibly helpful, and supportive.

Read More
★★★★★

Dr. Shah has a profound understanding of food allergies and explains test results and treatment options clearly. He follows science and common sense, and his team is attentive and compassionate.

Read More
★★★★★

Dr. Shah is incredibly thorough and kind. He has helped cure my daughter of her sesame allergy as well as other tree nuts. The care throughout the oral immunotherapy journey was exceptional.

Read More
★★★★★

After 33 years of being deathly allergic to peanuts, I am finally free of the burden. I can eat with confidence without constant worry. Dr. Shah and his team go above and beyond to make the process as simple as possible.

Read More
★★★★★

Our 8-year-old daughter graduated milk OIT and now confidently eats dairy as part of her normal diet. Worries about social events are gone. Dr. Shah is calm, kind, and thorough, and NP Janet was incredibly patient.

Read More
★★★★★

Dr. Shah has completely changed my son's life. Within a year of starting OIT, he became fully desensitized to multiple nuts; years later, his allergy is fully reversed. Dr. Shah is intelligent, kind, and truly dedicated.

Read More
★★★★★

Dr. Shah and his team provide an exceptional level of care that is unmatched. Their attention to detail and personalized care have allowed me to live free from food allergy limitations.

Read More
★★★★★

Two family members with severe food allergies are now fully eating the foods that once sent them to the ER. The team treated us like family and was always available. Truly life-changing.

Read More
★★★★★

I am immensely grateful to Dr. Shah and his wonderful staff for their life-changing work. They helped my daughter overcome her peanut and tree nut allergies and gave us a priceless gift. Thoughtful, compassionate, expert care at every visit.

Read More
★★★★★

Dr. Shah and his team at both locations (Manhattan and Long Island) are truly amazing. His knowledge and expertise in treating food allergies is life-changing for so many adult and pediatric patients. Oral immunotherapy truly works, and the team will guide and help you throughout the entire journey. I have been successfully eating the foods that I once avoided thanks to Dr. Shah and his amazing team.

Read More

About Dr. Atul Shah: Testimonials

Testimonials

Pioneering Food Allergy
Treatments in Manhattan.

Dr. Atul Shah

Dr. Atul Shah:

NYFA Half Logo
About Dr. Shah

Dr. Atul Shah: The Donna Drake Show

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.

A young girl with long blonde hair and a purple headband, wearing a white shirt, eating a cookie at a wooden table with a jar of cookies in front of her.
A panoramic view of a city skyline at sunset, with many illuminated skyscrapers reflecting on the water in the foreground and a bridge on the right side.

LET OUR TEAM HELP YOU GET STARTED

GET IN TOUCH

Fill out the form below to begin your journey towards Food Allergy Freedom. Our care team will respond shortly!

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