Eggs
If you have always eaten eggs you will not know that they are causing a problem. There is a much repeated story that well illustrates this point.
Dr Rinkel suffered from chronic catarrh, fatigue and headaches. As his symptoms got progressively worse he began to follow advice on dietary changes and tested eggs by eating six in quick succession - rather than a worsening of symptoms, he felt better. Dr Rinkel had been eating lots of eggs each day over a long period of time - his body had become used to them, expected them.
Later, as his symptoms continued to worsen, he went on to eliminate eggs completely from his diet and, within a couple of days, began to feel better. On the fifth day he ate a piece of cake and fell unconscious. The cake had, of course, contained eggs. Dr Rinkel went on to become a leading allergy specialist.
Recorded reactions to eggs have included the following symptoms:
Allergic rhinitis, anaphylaxis, angioedema, asthma, dermatitis, diarrhoea, gastrointestinal symptoms, hives, migraine, nausea , oral allergy syndrome, respiratory difficulties, urticaria, and vomiting.
Reactions to eggs are quite common, especially amongst children. Rowntree et al (5) found that 65% of children with persistent eczema and respiratory tract symptoms had a problem with eggs. Guariso (1) found the trigger for migraine in some young people was egg. Langeland (2), in a study of 84 children allergic to eggs, found that pruritus (itching of the skin) and exacerbations of atopic dermatitis were the most common symptoms.
Although egg intolerance has often been associated with children, it can arise at any age. It has also been associated with inhalation of tame bird dander and know as 'bird-egg syndrome'. Maat-Bleeker et al (3) present the case of a woman developing an egg allergy as a result of inhaled allergen sensitisation from a parrot. Mandallaz et al (4) suggest that 'bird-egg syndrome' is to do with the individual developing a sensitisation to egg-yolk livetins.
Although particular foods have been mentioned above it is important to remember that any food can cause any condition. You can read more about food intolerance on this site or in Change Your Diet and Change Your Life.
References
(1) Guariso G, Bertoli S, Cernetti R, Battistella PA, Setari M,
Zacchello F. Migraine and food intolerance: a controlled study in
pediatric patients. Pediatr Med Chir 1993, 15 (1): 57-61
(2) Langeland T. Allergy to hen's egg white in atopic dermatitis. Acta
Derm Verereol: 1985, 114(Suppl), 109-12
(3) Maat-Bleeker de F, Van Dijik A G, Berrens L. Allergy to egg yolk
possibly induced by a sensitisation to bird serum antigens. Ann Allergy
1985, 54, 245-48
(4) Mandallaz M, de Weck AL, Dahinden CA. Bird egg syndrome. Int Arch
Allergy Appl Immunol 1988, 87, 143-50
(5) Rowntree S et al. Development of IgE and IgG antibodies to food and
inhalant allergens in children at risk of allergic disease. Arch Dis
Childh; 1985; 60: 727-735.