Chicken is a popular source of lean protein, but for some people, it can be life-threatening. “I have the flu — friends have offered to bring me chicken soup, but I’m allergic to chicken,” one MyFoodAllergyTeam member wrote. “I miss chicken, I love chicken, but no chicken for this chickadee.”

Only about 0.6 percent to 5 percent of people with food allergies are allergic to chicken. Despite being rare, moderate to severe chicken allergies still affect many people. If you’re curious about whether you or a loved one might be among them, check out these four important facts about chicken allergies.

1. Chicken Allergies Are Often Linked to Other Allergies

Chicken allergies are typically triggered by proteins found in chicken meat. A chicken allergy is a specific food allergy but may be accompanied by allergies to other types of poultry, including:

• Duck
• Turkey
• Geese
• Quail
• Pheasant
• Ostrich
• Pigeon
• Guinea fowl

In addition, some people are allergic to both chicken and fish. Some individuals who can’t tolerate chicken may also be allergic to chicken eggs and vice versa. This may stem from bird-egg syndrome, which typically affects people who also have trouble tolerating bird dander.

About 22 percent of children who are allergic to both birds and eggs are allergic to poultry. Researchers believe that a protein present in both eggs and poultry can cause allergies to both foods. However, some people are allergic only to chicken and not eggs.

“I am severely allergic to chicken and turkey,” one MyFoodAllergyTeam member wrote. Another said, “I’m allergic to chicken and eggs as well.”

2. Chicken Allergies Can Be Life-Threatening

If you’re allergic to chicken, your symptoms will vary based on how serious your allergy is. Poultry allergy symptoms include:

• Oral allergy syndrome (itching or swelling in the mouth, throat, or lips)
• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
• Stomach upset (vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, or indigestion)
• Urticaria (hives) and an itchy rash
• Angioedema (swollen hands, feet, face, or other body area)
• Pale or bluish skin
• Dizziness or confusion

If you experience symptoms like these after eating foods containing chicken, see a doctor. They can perform allergy tests, such as skin and blood tests. An allergist will also ask you about your history of reactions from eating certain foods. They may also have you eat small amounts of chicken while they supervise. This oral food challenge, which is done in a safe environment, allows your doctor to determine whether you experience any symptoms.

Even though chicken allergies are often mild, they can lead to anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction. When this happens, your throat may close, and it can be difficult to breathe. If you or a loved one has any signs of a severe allergic reaction, call 911 to get medical help right away. If you have an epinephrine auto-injector, use it, and then call 911.

3. It’s Important To Watch Out for Accidental Exposure

Whether you’re dining at a friend’s home or in a restaurant, it’s important to ask what ingredients your meal contains. Although people with a chicken allergy are aware that they should avoid ordering chicken dishes, the meat allergens may also be hidden in other foods.

Sauces or dips may contain chicken bouillon, and many entrees and sides are made with chicken broth. For instance, recipes for black-eyed peas, shrimp and grits, and mashed potatoes may include chicken stock as an ingredient.

Also, use caution if you’re served a type of poultry that you’ve never tried before. You may find that you’re allergic to that meat as well as chicken.

If you’ll be eating out, it’s a good idea to first call the restaurant to make sure they can accommodate your allergy. Ensure that your meal won’t be cooked on the same grill used for chicken and won’t touch any chicken ingredients. You may choose to eat at a vegetarian or vegan restaurant to avoid any contact with chicken.

When cooking at home, thoroughly clean any utensils, cookware, cutting boards, and dishes that were used to prepare chicken. Wash them in hot, soapy water and rinse well before letting them air-dry. Don’t use the same dish towels to clean any items that were used for chicken preparation or cleanup.

If just one person in your house has a chicken allergy, consider buying plates and utensils in different colors, with one color reserved for serving chicken.

4. Emergency Planning Is Essential

Although steering clear of chicken is the main way to avoid an allergic reaction, accidental exposure or cross-contamination can happen. Thankfully, several medications can improve symptoms or stop life-threatening allergic reactions. If you or a loved one has a severe allergy to chicken, it’s important to carry an epinephrine auto-injector such as EpiPen or Auvi-Q at all times.

Some people also carry over-the-counter antihistamines to treat milder allergic reactions. Other medications, such as allergy shots, may help stave off reactions. “Started with my allergy shots,” one MyFoodAllergyTeam member wrote. “Hoping they work, because it is hard to eat chicken wings when you’re allergic to chicken.”

Always check with your allergist or primary care provider to determine which medication will work best for you.

Find Your Team

MyFoodAllergyTeam is the social network for people with food allergies and their loved ones. On MyFoodAllergyTeam, more than 41,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with food allergies.

Have you ever experienced a reaction after eating chicken? Was it severe? Are you allergic to other foods, too? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.