Childhood food allergies in Saudi Arabia, featuring eggs and chickens with question marks

Is It Just a Rash? Understanding Egg and Chicken Allergies in Saudi Children

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the prevalence, symptoms, and management of hen's egg and chicken meat allergies in Saudi children, and learn how early detection can improve their quality of life."

Food allergies are a growing concern worldwide, and hen's egg and meat allergies significantly contribute to this issue. For parents, understanding these allergies is crucial for ensuring their children's health and well-being.

A recent study conducted in Saudi Arabia sheds light on the prevalence of hen's egg and chicken meat-specific IgE antibodies among children with allergic disorders. This research aims to assess the presence of these antibodies and understand the implications for diagnosis and management.

This article will delve into the findings of this study, exploring the symptoms, diagnosis, and management of hen's egg and chicken meat allergies in Saudi children. By understanding these allergies, parents and caregivers can take proactive steps to protect their children and improve their quality of life.

Decoding Egg and Chicken Allergies: What the Research Reveals

Childhood food allergies in Saudi Arabia, featuring eggs and chickens with question marks

The study, conducted at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, retrospectively analyzed data from 421 patients with allergic disorders. Researchers screened these patients for food-specific IgE antibodies between January 2009 and March 2011.

The results showed that 60 (14.25%) patients, predominantly children (93.3%), had specific IgE antibodies against hen's egg and chicken meat. The average age of these patients was 7.5 years. Specific IgE antibodies were measured using the radioallergosorbent test (RAST).

Atopic Dermatitis: The most common clinical condition (55%).
Egg White Sensitivity: High levels detected in 96.6% of patients with egg allergies.
Egg Yolk Sensitivity: High levels detected in 61.6% of patients with egg allergies.
Chicken Meat Sensitivity: High levels detected in only 10% of patients.
Coexisting Antibodies: 58.3% of patients had both egg white and yolk antibodies.

The study concluded that sensitization against hen's egg was more prevalent than against chicken meat. Furthermore, egg white sensitization was higher than egg yolk sensitization, particularly in Saudi children with food-related allergic disorders.

Taking Action: Managing Egg and Chicken Allergies in Your Child

If you suspect your child may have an egg or chicken allergy, consult an allergist or healthcare professional. They can perform appropriate tests, such as skin prick tests or blood tests, to confirm the diagnosis.

The primary management strategy for egg and chicken allergies is strict avoidance of these foods. Carefully read food labels and be vigilant about cross-contamination in food preparation. Consider consulting a registered dietitian to ensure your child receives adequate nutrition while avoiding allergenic foods.

Early diagnosis and proper management can significantly improve the quality of life for children with egg and chicken allergies. By working closely with healthcare professionals and implementing appropriate dietary changes, you can help your child thrive and enjoy a healthy, fulfilling life. Remember, you're not alone, and resources are available to support you in navigating these challenges.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4314/ahs.v14i3.19, Alternate LINK

Title: Screening For Hen’S Egg And Chicken Meat Specific Ige Antibodies In Saudi Patients With Allergic Disorders

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: African Health Sciences

Publisher: African Journals Online (AJOL)

Authors: Z Shakoor, A Almogren, R Mohammed, W Hasanato, B Zahid

Published: 2014-09-03

Everything You Need To Know

How common are hen's egg and chicken meat allergies in Saudi children with allergic disorders, based on the study?

In the study, 14.25% of the 421 patients with allergic disorders showed specific IgE antibodies against hen's egg and chicken meat. The majority of these patients were children, accounting for 93.3% of the cases. The average age of the affected patients was 7.5 years, highlighting the prevalence of these allergies in younger individuals.

According to the research, is a child more likely to be allergic to hen's egg or chicken meat, and is egg white or yolk a bigger concern?

The study found that sensitization to hen's egg was more prevalent than to chicken meat among the Saudi children studied. Additionally, sensitization to egg white was more common than sensitization to egg yolk. This suggests that egg white is a more significant allergen than egg yolk in this population with food-related allergic disorders.

What specific allergic reactions or conditions were most frequently observed in Saudi children who are allergic to hen's egg and chicken meat?

The most common clinical condition among the children with hen's egg and chicken meat allergies was Atopic Dermatitis, affecting 55% of the patients. Additionally, a significant number of patients with egg allergies had high levels of IgE antibodies against both egg white (96.6%) and egg yolk (61.6%). Also, 58.3% of patients had both egg white and yolk antibodies.

What steps should I take if I think my child might be allergic to hen's egg or chicken meat?

If you suspect your child has a hen's egg or chicken meat allergy, it is recommended you seek professional help and consult with an allergist or healthcare professional. They can perform tests such as skin prick tests or blood tests, specifically measuring IgE antibodies, to confirm the diagnosis. It's crucial to determine the exact allergens causing the reaction to manage the allergy effectively.

How were the hen's egg and chicken meat allergies diagnosed in the study, and what do the results of those tests indicate?

The study used the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) to measure specific IgE antibodies in the patients' blood samples. High levels of these antibodies indicate sensitization to hen's egg and chicken meat. While RAST is valuable, skin prick tests are another method to identify allergies. Understanding which test is most appropriate for each situation is important for accurate diagnoses.