Duck egg allergy anyone? And should I see the GP?

[wol1968]

I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about/is allergic to eggs. I can eat chicken eggs just fine, but every time I've eaten a duck egg, or anything containing it (most notably some home-made ice-cream with traces of duck egg on the container!!) I have been throwing up violently within about 2 hours or so of eating it. Last time I couldn't even get up off the floor.

Needless to say I haven't touched the stuff since, but should I go and see the doctor about this? IME GP's are truly useless when it comes to food intolerances and allergies, but if it's an allergy, it could be dangerous, couldn't it? I did read somewhere in the depths of a Google search on this that there is a protein in duck eggs that isn't in chicken eggs, and that this could be the culprit, but I haven't been able to retrieve it again (some subscription-only Medlink-type report, no doubt). If anyone has any knowledge of this, I'd be grateful.

[greenbananas]

Quite honestly, I have no idea, but if you have been that poorly after eating traces of duck eggs, I think you should probably see your GP.

I am no expert(!), but would suspect that you have a nasty intolerance rather than an allergy (so very unpleasant but not immediately life-threatening). Mostly, allergies tend to show up much more quickly - but sometimes delayed reactions can happen, so please do check this out with a medical professional.

DS1 (egg allergic) saw a blackbird's egg which had fallen from a tree the other day, and asked if he could touch it. I told him no, because "eggs are eggs". However, it is probably not so simple as that...

I do hope somebody more knowledgeable answers your question, and/or that your GP is helpful.

[greenbananas]

Just a thought... is the food with duck egg that you have been eating 'properly' manufactured and regulated with ingredient lists etc.? I'm guessing that it may have been from a farm shop, or made by a friend (duck egg is not that common an ingredient) - in which case, the variables are many... you could have got ecoli or whatever from poorly sterilised equipment, or be reacting to something else that was not declared as an ingredient.

Probably worth checking this out before you go to the GP - s/he may not take you seriously unless you are sure that duck egg is the only possible culprit.

Good luck with this. Hope you get some answers soon.

[eragon]

also worth knowing: raw /partially cooked egg can cause an allergic reaction, but cooked (as in a cake) might not cause a problem for some allergic people.

[rogueelement]

I've not heard of that. My DD's egg allergy used to present as vomiting but it did change to anaphylaxis :(

All her severe reactions have been to raw egg (in icing and mayonnaise for example).

Might be worth ringing the Anaphylaxis Campaign helpline for some advice - they are very good on all things allergy and they're very interested in tracking new allergies.

[Waltonswatcher]

Yes my friend has this . Middle age man ate a ducks egg and very quickly started vomiting ,he didn't realise the link until the 2 nd occasion .
I know its rare to find them in food- nigh on impossible probably , but it may be worth mentioning to gp .

[IDismyname]

I have an intolerance to hens eggs. Usually need the loo within the hour. Terrible gripey tummy.

My consultant said to be v careful with any allergies that present themselves as problems around the mouth area - you could get a bad reaction one day and your throat could seize up.

I'd just steer clear of duck eggs. I - on the other hand - may just go and try a tiny bit of one to see if I get any reaction!

[BrandSnob]

In my opinion, the doctor might be very uninterested. I discovered I had a fish and seafood allergy around 18 and they weren't willing to do anything as it's easily unavoidable. Duck eggs sound similar as opposed to peanuts, chicken eggs and dairy which could be hiding in all sorts of things. I asked for an EPI pen and was laughed out if the room with a recommendation to avoid gush and carry antihistamine.

As a word of warning allergic reactions tend to become more severe over time. Mine started as a rash/hives, the went onto lip swelling and now my face and throat swell. Although I have been told the same way this allergy suddenly appeared, it might suddenly disappear one day but I'm not trying that out.

[greenbananas]

BrandSnob, if you are having reactions that involve your throat swelling, you need to see a different doctor!!

Fish and shellfish are used as ingredients in all sorts of things, you may not always know this, especially in a restaurant...

[BrandSnob]

My throat swelling started about a year or two after developing the allergy and after I initially saw the doctor. I haven't been back since as I've learnt to manage it on my own and avoid certain foods and restaurants.

My only worry now is are allergies hereditary, as I'm currently pregnant with DC1?

[Harris340]

This has happened to by partner. At first, we thought the duck eggs may have been off (after the second time). Today, I got some fresh duck eggs from a farm and she had one of those and had the same reaction. Violently vomiting, and shaking.