Soy is among one of the most common food allergies among infants and toddlers, according to Child Health. Soy formula is typically used as an alternative to traditional milk-based formulas because the infant develops symptoms of an allergy or intolerance after ingesting it. If your infant does not have a milk allergy, discontinue the use of soy formula and resume with cow's milk formulas. A soy allergy can cause various symptoms within a few minutes after the child has drank the formula. If you have any reason for concern, call your doctor.
Soy Allergy
If your baby has a soy allergy, she should not use soy formula. A few minutes after the child drinks the soy formula, she will develop obvious symptoms of an allergic reaction. The baby's immune system experiences a hypersensitivity to the proteins found in the soy and unleashes an attack against them. IgE antibodies are created to specifically fight off the soy proteins, which in turn causes the production of histamine. Increased levels of histamine cause inflammation and swelling to occur in different parts of the body.
Symptoms
After drinking the soy formula, your baby will demonstrate specific symptoms related to an allergic reaction. The most common symptoms include skin reactions, asthma, facial swelling and digestive issues. Skin reactions can cause an outbreak of eczema, hives and general skin irritation. If the baby develops asthma, he will take shallow breaths and appear to have difficulty taking a breath. Your child may vomit, have diarrhea or may grab the stomach due to inflammation in the digestive system.
Severe Symptoms
MayoClinic.com warns that a soy allergy can lead to severe complications. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that could be life-threatening if not properly treated. During anaphylaxis your body creates an excessive amount of histamine, causing significant swelling, such as in the throat. If your infant develops a faint and rapid heart rate, passes out or develops hives, call your doctor immediately. A severe allergic reaction may require the injection of epinephrine to restore the body back to normal function.
Consideration
If an infant is diagnosed with a soy allergy to formula and is also breast-fed, the nursing mother should avoid the ingestion of any foods that contain soy. The soy proteins can enter the breast milk and cause an allergic reaction. Your baby's pediatrician will recommend the best treatment options, such as rice-based formula if your child is also allergic to milk.
