Allergy to soy, a product of soybeans, is a frequent food allergy. Many times, soy allergy begins in conjunction with response to soy-based infant formula. Even though most kids outgrow soy allergies, a few take the allergy into adulthood.
Mild symptoms and signs of soy allergies comprise hives or itching in and around the mouth. In rare situations, soy allergy can result in a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
In the event that you or your child has a response to soy, then let your physician know. Tests can help support that a soy allergy.
Having a soy allergy means avoiding products that contain soy, which can be difficult. Many foods, such as meat products, bakery goods, chocolate and breakfast cereals, may contain soy.
Symptoms of Soy Allergy
For many people, soy allergy is uncomfortable but not serious. Paradoxically, an allergic reaction to soy could be frightening and even life threatening. Symptoms and signs of a food allergy generally develop in a couple of minutes to hours after eating a food containing the allergen.
Soy allergy symptoms may include:
- Tingling in the mouth
- Hives; itching; or itchy, scaly skin (eczema)
- Swelling of lips, face, tongue and throat, or other body parts
- Wheezing, runny nose or breathing difficulty
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
- Skin redness (flushing)
A serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is infrequent with a soy allergy. It is more likely to happen in individuals who also have asthma or who are allergic to other foods apart from soy, like peanuts.
Anaphylaxis triggers more-extreme symptoms and signs such as:
- Difficulty breathing, caused by throat swelling
- Shock, with a severe drop in blood pressure
- Rapid pulse
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness
Causes of Soy Allergy
An immune system response causes food allergies. Having a allergy, your immune system identifies specific soy proteins as damaging, activating the generation of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to the soy protein bean (allergen). Next time you come in touch with soy, those IgE antibodies realize it and indicate that your immune system to release histamine and other chemicals in your blood.
Histamine and other body compounds cause a variety of allergic symptoms and signs. Histamine is partially responsible for most allergic reactions, such as runny nose, itchy eyes, dry throat, rashes and hives, nausea, diarrhea, difficulty breathing and anaphylactic shock.
