All food allergies are a hypersensitivity of the immune system to the proteins found in the specific food. Child Health states that there are eight main foods that account for 90 percent of all food allergies. These foods include eggs, cow's milk, fish, shellfish, nuts, peanuts, soy and wheat. Food protein allergies are commonly confused with food intolerance because of similar symptoms. Talk with your doctor if you suspect that your infant has a protein or soy allergy.
Food Allergies
Most food allergies are found in infants and toddlers and are outgrown by the age of three, according to the Baby Center. Most symptoms first appear after the baby is weaned from breast milk and begins to take a bottle. If the infant doesn't react well to milk-based formula, her pediatrician may recommend a soy-based formula. There is a chance that your baby may be allergic to soy proteins as well.
Cause
A protein and soy allergy is caused by the same malfunction of the immune system. During an allergic reaction, the infant's immune system doesn't recognize the protein in the food as safe so it builds a defense to fight off the proteins, according to Kids Health. The immune system creates immunoglobulin E, or IgE, antibodies to ward off the proteins and causes a chemical reaction in the body where mast cells produce histamine. Histamine leads to swelling, inflammation and irritation that cause most food-related allergy symptoms.
Effect
Histamine is created in soft tissue, resulting in inflammation in the lungs, sinuses, skin and digestive tract. The lungs swell, restricting the infant's ability to breathe normally. The baby may begin to gasp for breath, wheeze or cough continually if the lungs swell. Nasal congestion, facial tenderness and a runny nose can develop shortly after the allergic reaction. Eczema, hives and general itchiness may result from an allergic reaction in the skin. It is common for the infant to vomit, develop diarrhea or become fussy from stomach cramping and pain, according to the Baby Center.
Diagnosis
Your doctor may recommend two approaches to diagnose your baby's allergy: skin test and a food elimination diet, according to Child Health. Small amounts of soy and other food proteins are placed on the baby's skin. The doctor may scratch the skin for the suspected allergen to enter the layers of the skin. If the infant's skin reacts with inflammation and redness, your child may have an allergy to that specific protein. An elimination diet removes all suspected food allergens and slowly re-introduces them under your doctor's supervision to determine if the baby develops adverse reactions when a specific food is introduced.
