Soy products are healthy sources of protein, fiber and calcium. It is a popular alternative among those who don't or can't tolerate milk products. Unfortunately, soy is also one of the most common allergy-causing foods, with around 15 protein components that may cause a reaction, notes the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, or AAFA. Someone with a soy allergy may react within minutes to hours of consuming soy foods, experiencing symptoms that range from mild to life-threatening.
Itchy Rash
Someone with soy allergies may initially experience tingling of the mouth within minutes of eating soy foods. Itching, hives and/or eczema may also occur. Hives are red, swollen, usually itchy, welts that appear on any part of the body. These symptoms are usually mild and resolve within 24 hours of exposure, according to the AAFA. People allergic to soy may also develop an itchy rash called eczema, with dry, thick and scaly rash on the inside of elbows, back of knees, cheeks and other specific body parts.
Breathing Problems
Someone with soy allergies may experience breathing problems such as wheezing, coughing and chest tightness when exposed to soy proteins, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Wheezing is a noisy, whistling sound heard when someone is breathing out. Other symptoms, such as stuffy or runny nose, swelling of the tongue, throat or lips, can block the airways of those with soy allergies.
Stomach Problems
Someone with a soy protein allergy may experience stomach problems within minutes to an hour after eating soy foods. Symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, notes MayoClinic.com. The person may also become dizzy, lightheaded or faint. Although moderately tolerable, stomach symptoms can get worse or last much longer.
Anaphylaxis
According to MayoClinic.com, anaphylactic reactions to a soy protein allergy are rare but life-threatening. An anaphylactic attack is sudden, severe or potentially deadly, and involves more than one area of the body. Signs and symptoms include tightening of the airways, swollen throat or tongue, a rapid drop in blood pressure, and one or symptoms related to breathing or stomach problems.
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