Not only can an adult develop soy allergy symptoms, but MayoClinic.com states that soy allergies are becoming more common in adulthood. Soy may seem like an easy food to avoid, but soy has become commonly used in various products, such as in processed meats, breads and desserts. If you're developing adverse reactions after you ingest certain foods, you should talk with an allergist to determine the cause of your allergy symptoms. A soy allergy is incurable but can be treated with diet modification.
Soy Allergy Cause
A soy allergy is caused by the proteins found in soy beans. Soy is a by-products of soy beans that is used to add protein to certain foods. A soy allergy is caused by a hypersensitivity of the immune system to the proteins found in soy. When you ingest soy, your body mistakes the proteins as a harmful substance and begins to attack them with immunoglobulin E, or IgE antibodies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The presence of IgE antibodies in the bloodstream cause mast cells to produce histamine, a chemical that causes inflammation in soft tissue.
Respiratory Symptoms
Respiratory symptoms may develop within a few minutes of eating soy. Your mouth may tingle or you may develop swelling in your face, mouth, lips or tongue. As histamine is produced in your lungs, your airways can swell, causing common asthma symptoms. These symptoms may include: chest tightness, difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath, according to the Cleveland Clinic. You may also develop nasal congestion, which can lead to sinus pain, sinus pressure and postnasal drip.
Other Symptoms
The other two parts of the body affected by a soy allergy are the digestive system and the skin. Inflammation in the gut can lead to nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea and bloating. Excessive vomiting or diarrhea is a concerning symptom that needs to be assessed by your doctor. The skin can become inflamed and itchy. Hives and eczema are two common allergy skin reactions that can occur shortly after eating soy products. Both skin conditions are severely itchy and can lead to the skin breaking.
Severe Symptoms
Severe symptoms from a soy allergy are rare, but can lead to death if not treated. Common severe symptoms include turning a bluish color, the inability to breathe, swelling in the face, feeling dizzy or faint and an increased heart rate. Call 911 if you develop any of these symptoms.
