Avoiding soy products may seem like an easy task, but soy is found in many products you wouldn't suspect, such as canned tuna, peanut butter and soups. Soy allergies mostly affect young children and infants, but can develop later in life. Soy allergy symptoms will typically develop within a few minutes after consuming soy and can range from mild to severe. Talk with your doctor if you suspect that you are allergic to soy.
Soy Allergy Condition
A soy allergy is a chronic condition triggered by ingesting soy beans or products that contain soy protein. The allergy is the result of a defect in your immune system. Even though the proteins in soybeans are safe for the human body, your immune system mistakes them as dangerous and reacts as if the body was under attack. The immune system develops a defense, involving antibodies and histamine. Antibodies signal the release of histamine and other chemicals to protect the body from infection. Soy allergy symptoms result from the release of these chemicals.
Respiratory Symptoms
The respiratory system is often affected by a soy allergy. The lungs, nasal passages and throat can all swell, cutting off the ability to breathe normally. You may experience nasal congestion, sinus pressure, sinus pain, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing. If your throat begins to close up, call your doctor immediately.
Digestive Symptoms
The digestive system can become inflamed from increased levels of histamine. Inflammation in the intestines causes the stomach to cramp and get rid of the food product as soon as it can. This can lead to gas, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and nausea. Digestive symptoms will subside once the soy is eliminated from the body. Other medications that treat digestive symptoms will be inefficient until the soy is expelled. Excessive diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
Skin Reactions
The skin can develop rashes that can appear anywhere on the body. If you're pre-disposed to eczema, a soy allergy can trigger it. Eczema is a hypersensitivity of the skin that forms small blisters that are extremely itchy. The blisters can weep, crust over and leave the skin feeling leathery and thick. Hives are another skin rash that is common with a soy allergy. Hives form in clusters in various shapes and sizes, and migrate from one part of the body to another in a matter of minutes. Most allergic skin reactions can be treated with hydrocortisone cream and using a cold compress on the affected areas.
