A soy allergy can appear at any at age, even if someone has consumed soy throughout her life, according to the Cleveland Clinic. An allergy to soy typically develops in early childhood development through the use of soy formula. A baby with a soy allergy will most likely outgrow the allergy by the age of three, according to MayoClinic.com. In rare cases, an allergy to soy may cause a life-threatening condition called anaphylactic shock. Talk with a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.
Cause
Some people's immune system is hypersensitive to the proteins found in soybeans. When soy products are consumed, the immune system reacts as if the proteins are harmful. This causes the immune system to develop IgE antibodies that attack the proteins, causing the release of histamine. Histamine results in common allergy symptoms and can cause anaphylactic shock, according to MayoClinic.com.
Symptoms
According to the Cleveland Clinic, common symptoms of a soy allergy include skin reactions, asthmatic reactions, nasal issues, dizziness, nausea and fainting. The chest can become tight, restricting breathing and causing a wheezing sound. The nasal passages can become inflamed, leading to sinus pressure, congestion and a runny nose. Eczema and hives are two common skin reactions to a soy allergy.
Avoidance
Avoiding foods containing soy bi-products is the only effective treatment for a soy allergy. The U.S. government requires all manufactures to list possible allergens on the labels of the food. Read the labels carefully and avoid the use of known soy products, according to the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford. If someone has a mild allergic reaction to soy, an over-the-counter antihistamine will help alleviate some symptoms, such as a runny nose or hives, according to MayoClinic.com.
Risk Factors
People with a family history of allergies are at greater risk of developing an allergy to soy. If someone is allergic to milk, beans or wheat, she is at greater risk of a soy allergy. Children are most commonly affected by an allergy to soy and should be evaluated by a medical doctor.
Complications
Anaphylactic shock is the most common complication from a soy allergy. Anaphylactic shock is defined by MedlinePlus as a whole-body allergic reaction where the entire body overreacts to the proteins in soy products. The symptoms for anaphylactic shock are lip swelling, inability to breathe, lightheadedness, wheezing, faint pulse and seizures. Anaphylactic shock is remedied with an epinephrine injection. If not treated in a timely matter, the outcome can be death.
