A chicken allergy is an immune response to exposure to chicken, causing the body to overproduce histamine. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, and treatment involves avoiding chicken or using medication to reduce irritation. Diagnosis can be confirmed through symptoms, physical exam, blood tests, or allergy tests. Severe cases can lead to anaphylactic shock and require emergency treatment.
A chicken allergy is an exaggerated immunological response to the body’s exposure to chicken. Like any other allergy, exposure to the pathogen, in this case chicken, causes an adverse effect initiated by the body’s overproduction of histamine. While it’s best to avoid the offending allergen, treatment for a chicken allergy may involve the use of various medications to reduce irritation.
Diagnosing a chicken allergy involves a thorough review of your symptoms coupled with a complete physical exam. Confirming a diagnosis is generally fairly easy if the trigger is obvious, such as if the individual becomes ill only when consuming chicken or in close contact with live chickens. If there is any doubt as to what may be triggering one’s allergy attacks, he or she can have a blood test and allergy tests done.
The immune system of someone with a chicken allergy essentially classifies the chicken-related substance as a pathogen or irritant. Consequently, to eliminate the offending pathogen, the immune system increases the production of histamine and antibodies. In some cases, the body’s response can become so intense that it puts the individual at risk for life-threatening complications, including anaphylaxis and death.
As with most allergies, the body’s immune response to a pathogen occurs within a short period of time after initial exposure. Depending on the severity of your allergy, a variety of symptoms can occur. Some people can immediately experience telltale watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing with exposure to a single chicken feather. Others may experience a more adverse reaction that presents as a rash or hives, abdominal discomfort, or difficulty breathing after consuming chicken meat. Additional signs of a chicken allergy can include eye swelling and throat discomfort that can range from scratchy to sore.
If the chicken allergy is severe enough, it can go into anaphylactic shock. Dizziness, airway constriction, and rapid heart rate are common signs of anaphylactic shock. Considered an emergency situation, anaphylaxis can progress rapidly, causing loss of consciousness. If treatment is delayed or absent, anaphylactic shock can be fatal.
The best treatment for a chicken allergy is to avoid chicken altogether. When avoidance is not feasible, there are steps that can be taken to alleviate or at least reduce the intensity of one’s allergic reaction. Individuals with a mild allergy can often find relief with the use of an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine, such as Benedryl. Those with a more intense chicken allergy may need to carry around an injection device filled with a single dose of epinephrine or an inhaler at all times.
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