In the world there is such a wide variety of types of individual intolerance that sometimes the question arises as to whether there can be an allergy to chicken. It turns out, maybe, although it is not one of the most common. It also includes a reaction to chicken feathers, eggs and fluff.
Causes of Chicken Allergies
In itself, the meat of this bird is recommended as dietary. But even this type of product can cause an allergic reaction. The reasons are purine and serum albumin, which are part of the meat protein. Another cause of the disease can be alpha galactose. Because of it, a person can have anaphylactic shock.
It also happens that food allergy to chicken is not always manifested. Then they talk about the possible presence in the meat of preparations that are usually used for bird growth. Or when eaten, there were feathers on the skin. In this case, the reaction will be precisely to them.
Before eating, chicken should be cooked. It is advisable to freeze the semi-finished product before this. All these actions contribute to the destruction of allergens.
Who can get sick?
Chicken allergies can occur in those whose parents also suffer from this ailment. This is a genetic predisposition.
The first symptoms of an allergic reaction appear in babies a few weeks old. Their body responds to a product that is available in the diet of a nursing mother.
Intolerance to poultry meat and other components is cumulative. This means that with the first use of chicken, there will not be any reactions of the body. When eating a large amount of meat, there may be an increase in the symptoms of the disease. Patients with pancreatitis, cholecystitis, and dysbiosis have an increased risk of developing intolerance to the product.
Chicken Allergy: Symptoms
The reaction of an organism to poultry meat is the same as to other products to which a person has an individual intolerance.
Symptoms of a chicken allergy are:
- rash on the body;
- dry and rough patches;
- very severe itching, which is almost impossible to tolerate;
- allergic rhinitis, accompanied by severe nasal congestion and sneezing;
- itching of the eyes, increased lacrimation, conjunctivitis;
- painful sores form on the gums and the inside of the cheek;
- upset gastrointestinal tract, namely diarrhea and nausea;
- dry cough.
How is anaphylactic shock manifested?
In this condition, there is a sharp decrease in blood pressure and dizziness. A person is disturbed by cardiac and respiratory activity. In this case, the danger is that the swelling that has spread rapidly spreads not only in the face, but throughout the body. Laryngeal edema is considered a very disturbing condition for children, as it can provoke choking.
How is an allergic reaction manifested in children?
As a rule, the symptoms of a chicken allergy in a child are very similar to the symptoms of a disease in an adult.
Most children complain of itching. It is he who is the reason why their sleep and appetite are disturbed.
An allergy to chicken in a baby is manifested primarily by a violation of the functions of the digestive apparatus. One of the main signs are colic and bloating, diarrhea, vomiting.
The child usually pulls his legs to his stomach, refuses food. Do not forget that colic in babies is not only due to an allergic reaction to any product. Most of them cry and bend when introducing a mixture or new products into mom's diet.
When the cause of chicken allergy is feather and fluff intolerance, which are usually found in pillows, rhinitis and cough are observed. In this case, there may also be swelling of the face and, accordingly, itching.
This disease can lead to a cross allergic reaction. It manifests itself in intolerance to other types of meat. It also happens that even the smell of these products causes another attack.
Diagnosis of a disease in humans
If you suspect that you have an individual intolerance to poultry, you should seek the advice of a specialist.
After the survey, the doctor determines the causes of an allergic reaction to this product. In this case, a food diary is started for the child, in which all products from the baby’s diet are indicated.
In turn, the allergist directs the patient to a series of tests that allow you to identify exactly what he is allergic to. In addition, internal organs are examined, so that you can learn about the quality of the liver and kidneys.
Allergy Prevention
In order for the child or adult not to be allergic to chicken, the diet should be monitored. A nursing mother should remove those foods that can cause individual intolerance. It is necessary to introduce complementary foods gradually.
A child is allowed to take chicken eggs and meat from two years old. Enter them in the diet should be in small portions. Be sure to observe the reaction of the body.
Disease treatment
When diagnosing individual intolerance to chicken, you must consult a doctor. It is he who prescribes medication. It all depends on the symptoms of the disease and the age of the patient.
As a rule, it is necessary to take antihistamines to improve the patient's condition and the disappearance of primary symptoms. If a person’s condition is serious, then other medicines are prescribed, for example, enterosorbents.
In very difficult situations, the specialist offers immunomodulating therapy. From the name it is clear that when taking these drugs, immunity will be restored.
If there is a rash on the body, then the doctor prescribes special ointments and creams. They will reduce the allergic reaction and relieve inflammation.
All medications are selected by a specialist. It takes into account all the age characteristics of a person and the ongoing symptoms of the disease.
Individual intolerance to poultry meat in dogs
There are many opinions about the diseases in these pets. Some authors argue that allergies in dogs to chicken do not exist and all arguments are a myth. Let’s try and we will understand this issue.
It is believed that if the dog itches, but does not have fleas (according to the owner), then it all comes down to the individual intolerance of any product. In fact, the owner of the animal may not see the same flea that makes his pet behave this way.
In the case when there are definitely no parasites, it is not worth arguing that this is definitely an allergy to chicken. This behavior of the dog may be a reaction to shampoos or medicines, indoor plants.
The least allergic reaction manifests itself in dry food with chicken in animals. As a rule, individual intolerance to soy and beef is considered a more frequent occurrence. But nevertheless, after the first time you gave this or that product to a dog, you should observe its reaction and behavior.
If, after eating food with chicken, the animal began to itch, you can, of course, talk about individual intolerance. But this is not a fact. In fact, there may be an allergy to other components of this food, such as soy. Unfortunately, it is impossible to find out without analysis and contacting a specialist. The best solution is to switch your dog to a diet that lacks protein.
Each animal is individual. If your friend’s dog is allergic to chicken, it doesn’t mean that your pet has the same thing. To do this, you need to contact a veterinary clinic, where a specialist, taking tests and samples for allergies, will confirm or refute the alleged diagnosis.
So, allergy in dogs to chicken is a very rare occurrence. In the case when the pet itches all the time and behaves uneasily, you should contact a specialist to find out the reasons.