Ask Tufts Experts

Is it possible to get an allergy to eggs as an adult?

Food allergies, including allergies to eggs, are more common in children but can develop at any age. In addition to tingling and itching, an allergic reaction can cause swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat; hives; cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea; and in some cases, wheezing or difficulty breathing. (A doctor’s diagnosis is required to rule out other problems.)

An allergy to eggs may go away, provided the person steers clear of them and any foods that contain eggs for a while. “You need to avoid eating eggs to allow your immune system to ‘reprogram’ itself and stop having a reaction,” explains Anne Munoz-Furlong, founder of the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network in Fairfax, Virginia.

I enjoyed your Special Report last month on anti-inflammatory eating. Anything else people can do to reduce inflammation that can contribute to disease, besides losing excess weight and eating more fish?

Get more exercise. Research suggests that physical activity reduces levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein, or CRP, a marker for inflammation in the body. In a study of more than 13,000 people, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that people who engaged in vigorous exercise at least three times a week had half the risk of sedentary people for elevated CRP levels. Moderate exercise five or more times a week was also associated with lower levels of CRP.