According to Johns Hopkins Children's Center, a soy allergy in children is just as common as a peanut allergy. Most children outgrow a soy allergy by age 3, but a soy allergy can affect anyone at any age, according to the Cleveland Clinic. An allergy to soy products produces various symptoms including nasal congestion, stomach discomfort and asthmatic reactions. People with a suspected soy allergy need to see an allergist for proper testing and diagnosis.
About Soy Allergy
A soy allergy, like any food allergy, is the malfunction of the immune system to react properly to harmless substances. When someone with a soy allergy ingests a soy product, the immune system mistakes the proteins in soy as dangerous to the body, according to Mayo Clinic. The immune system responds by fighting off the proteins with antibodies that cause mast cells to produce high levels of histamine. Increased histamine in the body results in inflammation and restriction of muscles.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a soy allergy will develop within a few minutes or hours after the person ingests the product. Most symptoms are mild and do not lead to anaphylactic shock, according to Mayo Clinic. The Cleveland Clinic states that common symptoms include hives, eczema, itching, fainting, dizziness, wheezing, tingling of the lips, chest tightness and abdominal pain. If a patient appears to have flushed skin or cannot breathe, call 911 and get immediate medical attention.
Avoidance
Avoiding soy is more challenging than other food allergens because the FDA does not require manufactures to place a warning on the product to disclose soy ingredients, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Learn the various names and types of soy products to avoid ingesting them. Soy is in tofu, soy milk, soy nuts, miso, edamame and natto. Infants with a soy allergy should receive a milk-based formula or be breastfed.
Treatment
If someone with an allergy ingests soy products, some over-the-counter products may help alleviate the symptoms. Stomach discomfort is not treatable. The patient needs to wait a few hours until the soy passes for stomach relief. Antihistamines can help alleviate itching, eye irritations, nasal congestion and skin rashes. Topical hydrocortisone creams and lotions can soothe hives and eczema resulting from a soy allergy.
Tests
An allergist is the most qualified medical professional to diagnose and treat a soy allergy. Participate in blood and skin tests to determine the exact cause of a soy allergy, advises Mayo Clinic.
