Poultry allergy explained

Poultry meat allergy is a rare food allergy in humans caused by consumption of poultry meat (commonly chicken and turkey) whereby the body triggers an immune reaction and becomes overloaded with immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.^{[1] [2]}

It can co-occur with egg allergy but more often occurs without allergy to poultry eggs.^{[3] [4] [5]} One study found that not chicken, just turkey meat are the primary cause of allergic reactions, whilst goose, pheasant, and duck meat cause milder reaction or no symptoms.^[6] __TOC__

Symptoms and signs

Symptoms are similar to other forms of allergies and occur after ingestion of the allergen. Some symptoms include abdominal cramping, angioedema, generalized urticaria, and chest tightness. ^{[7] [8]}

Epidemiology

As it is a rare condition and it is not well documented; epidemiological data is unknown.^[9] Severe cases have been documented.^[10] A research study in 2016 found only 16 cases of previously published poultry meat allergy, plus an additional 28 cases that were being analyzed in the study.^[11]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Meat Allergy. 12 January 2015.
2. Web site: Allergy to chicken meat without sensitization to egg proteins. 1997. www.jacionline.org . PDF.
3. Severe allergy to chicken meat. Michael C.. Zacharisen. 1 July 2006. WMJ . 105. 5. 50–52. 16933414.
4. Update on the bird-egg syndrome and genuine poultry meat allergy. Wolfgang. Hemmer. Christoph. Klug. Ines. Swoboda. 30 November 2018. Allergo Journal International. 25. 3. 68–75. 10.1007/s40629-016-0108-2. 27340614. 4861744.
5. Web site: Man's Sudden Food Allergy Was a Medical Mystery for Months . Washingtonpost.com . 2018-11-30.
6. 4861744. 2016. Hemmer. W.. Update on the bird-egg syndrome and genuine poultry meat allergy. Allergo Journal International. 25. 3. 68–75. Klug. C.. Swoboda. I.. 27340614. 10.1007/s40629-016-0108-2.
7. 16933414. 2006. Zacharisen. M. C.. Severe allergy to chicken meat. WMJ . 105. 5. 50–2.
8. 4861744. 2016. Hemmer. W.. Update on the bird-egg syndrome and genuine poultry meat allergy. Allergo Journal International. 25. 3. 68–75. Klug. C.. Swoboda. I.. 27340614. 10.1007/s40629-016-0108-2.
9. Web site: Anaphylactic Reactions to Novel Foods . 2017 . pediatrics.aappublications.org .
10. 16933414. 2006. Zacharisen. M. C.. Severe allergy to chicken meat. WMJ . 105. 5. 50–2.
11. 4861744. 2016. Hemmer. W.. Update on the bird-egg syndrome and genuine poultry meat allergy. Allergo Journal International. 25. 3. 68–75. Klug. C.. Swoboda. I.. 27340614. 10.1007/s40629-016-0108-2.