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Posted 6/21/2008 4:20 AM (GMT -8)

What a revelation this forum is. A big Thank You to Google for directing me here.

My Chicken reaction started at an early age and when I was about 10 my father, so convinced that I was pulling a stunt to get out of school, brought me to a chicken restaurant and ordered a roast chicken and made me eat as much as I could possibly put down my throat. After the throat swelling, the lip blisters, the dry reaching and hugging the toilet bowl with vomit and spittle hanging from my lip.....well let's just say he never dragged me back to the chicken restaurant again.

What I didn't realise until now was that I was having an anaphylactic reaction and that this is potentially life threatening. Sometimes out of seemingly nowhere the start off symptoms of the reaction, the throat tightening and lip blisters would occur but not the full reaction and I wouldn't be able to put it down to anything. Now I realise, from reading other people's replies here, that the reactions were probably from eggs or the like - which makes so much sense.

Down through the years the reaction seems to have subsided to a large degree (or maybe I've just been lucky) and I have limited my chicken eating to breasts only (OK I've had the odd Buffalo wing too). I had always believed that there was something in the chicken skin that was causing the reaction. I now wonder can a person's system outgrow such an allergy or HAVE I just been lucky??! I hope I never have to suffer dry-reaching again.......

Thank You all for sharing your experiences & insights.

Posted 6/21/2008 5:34 PM (GMT -8)

Welcome to HealingWell!  We are very happy to have you as a new member.  I hope you will continue to post.

Take care!

Carla

Posted 6/29/2008 7:56 PM (GMT -8)
Hi I am new to this posting stuff, but I have been searching for an answer to my immediate need for a bathroom 45 mins after eating chicken.   From reading the posts I think that as others I am having issues with chicken raised with antibiotics, since I am allergic to a few I was wondering if anyone knows what antibiotics are used?!?!?!?!  I can not seem to find that answer anywhere.  I am still only guessing at what the cause of this immediate need for a restroom is because some chicken I have no problems with and others I need a bathroom, for example we buy antibiotic free chicken and when my husband cooks I have no problems but some restaurant chicken gives me a severe reaction!  Can anyone help?

Thanks!

Posted 7/12/2008 4:41 AM (GMT -8)

Hi,

I have a 91/2 month old daughter and we have been experimenting with solids recently. The first time we tried chicken (about 2 weeks ago) she projectile vomited once about 4 hours later followed by an hour of vomiting. The poor thing had nothing left in her tummy by the end of it! She had also been sick with a bad cold and chest cough at the time and the d/octor put it down to a virus rather than an allergy. I tried a tiny bit of chicken again recently and the result was the same, although not as intense as the first time. Is this a normal reaction for an allergy? I thought most food allergies resulted in a rash of some kind . . . could it be something to do with her age and stomach not being ready rather than an allergy to chicken? If anyone has any info or suggestions I would appreciate it  . . needless to say we are keeping away from chicken!!!

Thanks

 

Posted 7/13/2008 4:24 PM (GMT -8)
Vomiting can be a symptom of an allergy. However there are usually more symptoms. Make sure you take her for some allergy testing.
Posted 8/30/2008 12:12 PM (GMT -8)

It is nice to find a site with information from other people who share this reaction to chicken, which many find to be really odd in my experience.

I started to have allergic reactions to poultry starting about age 13, and by the time I was 14, could not eat any poultry without the reaction, which I now know to be a true anaphylactic reaction which is potentially life threatening for some.  My symptoms are very consistent, with throat tingling 15 minutes after my first bite, followed by some throat tightening, lip swelling and upper-center chest tightness with mild pain.  If I recognize the onset fairly quickly - and I have lots of experience - I will take a few Benedryl caps or melts, and drink about a quart of water; that does the trick, although I feel crappy for a couple hours afterwards.  I have gotten used to carrying around the Benedryl, and of late they have lots of new products (liquid ampules for kids, fast melt, etc.) that are easy to swallow before onset.  I have been told by an MD friend that I should get an epi-pen, but have never had a problem the Benedryl won't cure....that, and I am in my 40s and stubborn! tongue

My father believed that I was "faking" the reaction because I did not like cornish game hen that he made for me once at 13, and after repeatedly sneaking ground chicken, turkey hot dogs and turkey burgers into my food, and watching me get really sick, he eventually accepted (years later) that I was not "faking." mad

I have tried turkey, cornish game hen, duck and ostrich, and get the same reaction as with chicken.  Eggs are no problem, and neither is the flu vaccine.  Free range chicken and duck seem to bother me the least (especially duck), while foods that have chicken fat and chicken broth are REALLY bad with rapid and harsher reactions...makes getting soups at restaurant a non-started unless I can be sure what is in them, as chicken broth is in SO many things. 

My theory is that given the chicken fat and broth reactions compared to lean meat, and little reaction from duck, I may be allergic to some kinds of steroids, enzymes, hormones or antibiotics they pump into farm raised poultry...I would never have expected the ostrich reaction, but it was store bought, and I suspect their feed and breeding includes lots of such items as would be used in poultry. 

I would be curious if anyone here has tried US available chicken that is totally hormone, antibiotic free, with nothing in there but bird, and if that has worked for you.  I love having a small piece of turkey at Thanksgiving, and get no real reaction from that, but would love to be able to find some poultry to eat, if only something I could cook at home.  Thanks!

 

Posted 9/13/2008 12:55 PM (GMT -8)
I am relieved to find others with allergy to poultry. I was first diagnosed about 2 years ago, when I turned 40 and my body turned against me! I developed three autoimmune illnesses that same year. Anyway.. I had eaten chicken my whole life to that point, when all chicken began tasting "tainted". My allergist confirmed the allergy, but indicated that after a whole year of avoidance, it may be asfe to go back to chicken, starting in small amounts. 2 1/2 years later, not the case. I recently had 1/2 of a chicken finger, after smeeling it all day at a luncheon, and my reaction was awful! My throat starting itching, my tongue was itching, it felt a little hard to swallow. I downed some benedryll, even though I do have an Epi-Pen, and drank lots of water to "flush" my system. So, after reading several posts, I think my allergy has become more severe, rather than better.  

I hate all this because I really miss my chicken and turkey at Thanksgiving!I just can't bring myself to eat tofurkey w/my vegan siblings.         woaj

Posted 9/21/2008 5:10 PM (GMT -8)
I can tell you something about US poultry. It's all pumped up with chemicals which add to the weight and you pay more. It's suppose to say so on the label. Whatever chemical/s they now inject into the poultry (it's a secret) makes my tongue burn and it doesn't even taste like chicken/poultry. It's my favorite food and I've given it up. However, in Europe they won't inject the meats like we do and they don't want our poultry either.

"Threat to EU standards
MEPs, speaking in the Parliament's Environment Committee, said the chlorination of chicken intended for human consumption is not acceptable for the EU and would threaten the community's entire set of food production standards.

French Socialist MEP Anne Ferreira said that lifting the ban would be "totally absurd". She was supported by John Bowis (EPP-ED, UK), who said it would be "outrageous" and would degrade EU citizens to the status of "guinea pigs"."
Posted 11/11/2008 1:49 AM (GMT -8)
New here. Decided to google "chicken allergy" and found this site. I have been allergic to chicken and turkey & presumably all poultry since I was a child. For me it seems to depend on the processing - i.e. chicken nuggets don't usually bother me, but "fresh" chicken does. The skin makes my lips itch and I tend to get highly congested and have chest pains. This reaction isn't as severe as the one I get from shellfish (throat swelling), so I don't avoid chicken and turkey unless I am out of benadryl or other allery meds. Shellfish I avoid completely, and always take a precautionary dose before going to a japanese or seafood restaurant. Any ideas about the processing thing? It always seems that the more processed a piece of chicken is, the less the reaction I get.
Posted 11/11/2008 8:36 AM (GMT -8)
I can't take Benadryl before eating out because it gets me very sleepy. It doesn't bother you?
Anyhow my shellfish reactions (tightening throat) scare me so much I'd rather not eat it.

Here's some information on poultry: http://www.naturalnews.com/024756.html
llaci
Posted 11/12/2008 3:31 AM (GMT -8)
In simple terms, an allergy is a hyperactive response of the immune system to certain substances which are "foreign" to our bodies. Most probbaly the chicke feed contained some substances that give allergy to your husband. Just exclude the chicken meet from your cuisine and everything will be ok with your hb :)
Posted 11/26/2008 7:55 PM (GMT -8)

WOW! I just can't express how relieved I am to finally find out what it is finally wrong with me. Like most all of you it is incredibly difficult to explain to someone that I can't eat chicken or turkey (I have no problem with eggs).

I've had this condition for about 13-14 years now (I am 39 now). Based on your descriptions I believe I have an anaphylactic reaction whenever I eat chicken or turkey. I will have chest pains, shortness of breath, throat tightening, etc. All these years I believed I had some sort of bizarre acid reflux that only affected me when I ate chicken or turkey. I had no idea it was potentially life threatening!

Tonight I had some grilled chicken for the first time in a couple of years. This was hormone free chicken from some place. Hoping something might be different I gave it a try ... nope. about 20 mins after eating my throat started tightening, chest pains, etc. Still thinking it was some sort of acid reflux I took all kinds of acid reducers (even before I ate) hoping it would help. Nothing helps but time. I am going to go try the benadryl now!

Many thanks to all of you for sharing of your troubles! It's great to finally understand what is wrong. smilewinkgrin

What will going to an allergist do for me?

Posted 12/2/2008 9:39 AM (GMT -8)
Hi all...new here, just had to chime in.

Unfortunately, I'm allergic to all Poultry and Seafood (including Shellfish). Definitely makes eating out a chore. I've known the Poultry allergy since I was about 6 and the Seafood allergy at 18 (didn't want to try it for awhile). I'm actually so allergic to Cod, my allergist said if I have a fingernail size bite I could be dead in 10 minutes! Ugh.

Question though...has anyone that is allergic to Chicken realized that they're also allergic to Alligator? I first tried gator tail when I moved to Florida at age 14 and noticed I got the same reaction as I did with chicken (swelling of the mouth and throat with stomach pains). I'm thinking that since birds evolved from reptiles, that's the reason.

I'm hoping that my poultry allergy will eventually wear off. I seriously doubt it will, but you never know. I can't imagine one day being able to eat a chicken wing! Or go to Chic-Fil-A and actually order something! hehe
Posted 12/15/2008 9:22 AM (GMT -8)
Hello all, I'm a newbie as well... I feel obligated to chime in as I thought I was virtually the only individual to suffer from such a condition.

I can't eat any poultry (chicken, turkey, too scared to even try duck) and have been poultry free since I was 7-8 (so about 20 years now). Tuna used to be one of my favorite substitutes but recently I've been getting the same reaction (mouth/throat swelling, feeling hot, headache, stomach pains, vomiting, etc...) which is leading me to believe that perhaps this isn't an allergy to the food, but the additives?

That's not all, though, the plot thickens... I'm basically allergic to everything outside; if it grows, chances are I'm allergic to it. However, when I was tested for allergies when I was young they said I was NOT allergic to poultry but I WAS allergic to peanuts (I can't eat poultry and I eat peanut butter almost daily). I ended up getting allergy shots for about 6-7 years and my outdoor allergies are pretty well under control, I take a zyrtec daily for allergies and chronic hives. But to this day, even the smell of chicken/turkey can start to generate a reaction. I can still eat tuna but I haven't in almost two years now as the reactions are getting worse every time I try it.

I'm really just curious more than anything, I've abstained from poultry for so long that not eating it is just "life", if chicken were to disappear as a menu option, I would never even notice. But, just to summarize: I can't eat any poultry (chicken/turkey), I CAN eat eggs, I used to be able to eat tuna (can't anymore), and supposedly when I was young I did NOT test allergic to poultry... what is going on!?!
Posted 12/15/2008 11:56 AM (GMT -8)
For me, the poultry intolerance is totally brand new. It is not an allergic reaction. If they stopped injecting poultry with that "mysterious" solution (probably seaweed), I could eat it. Having said that, I'm somewhat suspicious that since seaweed contains particles of shellfish/crustaceans, that I'm having a mild reaction to it.

BTW, I can eat eggs; not poultry. You might want to try the tuna in oil. I cannot eat the broth they add to the tuna meat which can in "water". But it's not plain old water. I can't help but wonder if seaweed is in that solution too.

This seaweed solution is used ONLY for preservation reasons. It has nothing to do with it being healthy for people. They really don't care about our health. If USDA allows it; it's more money in their pocket. mad
Posted 12/15/2008 3:06 PM (GMT -8)
I've tried eating starkist tuna that comes vacuum sealed in a pouch, I don't believe these have any water or oil, but they still cause the same (albeit not as intense) reaction as poultry. Any other suggestions?

Thanks for the feedback.
Posted 12/18/2008 9:22 PM (GMT -8)
Obey,

Your reactions sound like a severe allergy. Has your doctor mentioned carrying an epipen or twinject with you??
Posted 12/19/2008 5:21 AM (GMT -8)
I carried an epipen for years but that was given to me after I had a bad reaction to a bug bite. But again, supposedly poultry is not one of my allergens (according to the test some 20 years ago). Thinking maybe I should be retested.

I just find the whole thing confusing: can't eat poultry, eggs are fine, used to eat tuna but can't now... I'm an analyst by trade and curious by nature, it would be nice to find an "answer" to all of this.

-Thanks for your reply
Posted 12/19/2008 10:32 PM (GMT -8)
I am thinking about buying some wholesale water pipes from this company in China http://www.liangdianup.com/tobacciana_z.htm
but I am not sure if they are legal to bring in to the states? What are the laws on water pipes, bongs, and pipes?
Posted 12/23/2008 12:06 AM (GMT -8)
Obey,

I understand your frustration. I have the exact same thing going on. I can not eat any poultry (even smell of chicken cooking, sets me off), I cannot eat tuna, but I can eat eggs.

My skin tests show positive reaction to the chicken and tuna, however the blood tests did not. I myself have identified chicken as a major allergy. Neither of the tests are 100% accurate. ... Even with the negative blood test, I have been told it was anaphylactic.

One think I find super interesting is: Alot of people (on this site) who are allergic to chicken are also allergic to tuna. I think it's more than a coincidence.
Do get tested again, or atleast see an allergist!
Posted 12/29/2008 5:46 PM (GMT -8)
hey all I'm severly allergic to chicken. Have been for a long time. Anyone ever get sick of people taking it so lightly? like maybe they dont believe you

Posted 1/13/2009 4:32 PM (GMT -8)
hello to all my fellow chicken allergy sufferers...I have had this allergy since I was about 8 years old. It not only includes chicken but rice and turkey and maybe even beef...(although beef gives me no ill effects). I did not know about the others until i got tested. Its really a good idea to. getting people to believe me has been a huge struggle. smhair Even my parents for the longest time didnt. Im 31 now and finally people after I show them my test truly believe me idea   Its really hard to avoid expose. Fisrt one store gives me the wrong thing and then a resturant does. Kinda sucks you know. last time i got exposed I had to go to the E.R.. List also included fish and tuna fish and pork. No cure not nothing. oh well. chicken sucks anyway..... yeah
Posted 1/14/2009 4:39 AM (GMT -8)
I think this is Allergies to chicken. Try take meds from allergies ( I take some from Costmeds.com It works good)

Post Edited (Gordon22) : 11/5/2009 12:40:48 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 3/2/2009 11:16 PM (GMT -8)
Hi all....I have been allergic to poultry and chicken my entire life. I am 21 now. I have the throat closing, lip swelling reaction. I have noticed it is most severe with turkey, moderate with chicken but Turkey is really bad. I am fine with eggs and most other things. I have noticed though that I can eat KFC or Chicken McNuggets from Mcdonalds, or McDonals wraps, or even hooters fried Buffalo wings. But outside of those I have a reaction. I wonder if anyone else has had similar experiences with fastffod/fried chicken. I think the allergy may come from an enzyme that gets elimanted when the chiken gets fried in a certain oil. I don't know about those that get the big D from it. BUt if your throat closes and such, try eating popcorn chiken from KFC and I'll bet you wont have a reaction. I cant figure out why. but at least I get to have some type of chiken every so often.
Posted 5/10/2009 7:52 PM (GMT -8)
Hi,

I'm so glad my friend searched for this allergy on the internet, for some reason I never thought of trying to see if anyone else had this issue.

I have had a bird allergy since I was 8 and am 33 now. I am allergic to chicken, turkey, duck, pheasant, goose, etc. I noticed that the darker the meat, i.e. the fattier it is, the less severe my reaction is so goose or dark turkey meat i still have a reaction to but it is not as severe.

Other things that affect the severity of accidental exposures are: how long it has been since the last time I accidently had bird, any repeat exposure within a month will usually be more severe. If my stomach is empty or near empty a reaction will be more severe than if my stomach is full. My reactions usually starts as itchiness in the jaw, roof of the mouth, throat. Then if it is going to be bad my lips start swelling, then hives, and the closing of the throat. I usually chew up then swallow a couple benedryl when I feel the itchiness so I don't have to wait for the capsule coating to dissolve in my stomach.

I've never had an issue with eggs. Although the first time I ever had alligator meat I had a really severe reaction and assumed since these animals are evolutionarily related that they both must be expressing the same protein chain I am allergic to. Frog legs are fine and tastey even though they taste like chicken, haha. The frog is not evolutionarily related like birds and alligators are.

Recently I've noticed slight itchiness after eating salmon and tuna but have been ignoring it since it hasn't been as severe as the bird allergy but now I see a lot of other people with bird allergy also complain of this problem. I also have a mold allergy and can't eat any melons due the ability of mold to penetrate melons. Not sure what is going on with the fish since I used to be OK with it, not another food allergy I hope.
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