Made from soy beans, soy is a part of the legume family. f you have a soy allergy, you will develop adverse reactions every time you ingest a food or beverage that contains soy. Eating ice cream, hard candy and ketchup can all cause a soy allergy reaction, because soy is an ingredient in many types of foods, even those you may not expect. Some soy allergy reactions are considered deadly, such as anaphylaxis, while other reactions may be mild. Any reactions you experience need to be disclosed to your doctor.
Risk Factors
Various factors will determine if you're at risk of developing a soy allergy. If you have a family history of soy or other food allergies, you're at higher risk. Other allergy conditions put you at a greater risk, such as hay fever, eczema or asthma. Young children are at the greatest risk of developing a soy allergy, although soy allergies are increasing in adulthood. If you're allergic to other legumes or wheat, you're at a higher risk, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Minor Reactions
Some of the most common reactions to soy proteins include nasal congestion, a runny nose, sneezing and skin reactions, according to Cleveland Clinic. Sinus complications can cause your nasal passages to swell, placing pressure on other parts of your head, leading to sinus headaches. You can also develop postnasal drip as a result of a soy allergy. This condition causes mucus to continually drip down your throat, leading to a sore throat and coughing. Some skin reactions that develop may be minor with general itching, redness and tingling. Most minor skin reactions go away within a few minutes.
Moderate Reactions
More significant reactions that can develop after soy products include digestive compactions, asthma and skin reactions. Moderate digestive symptoms from a soy allergy may cause nausea that can lead to vomiting. Your abdomen may cramp and you may develop bouts of diarrhea. You can develop moderate skin reactions, such as eczema or hives. Both skin conditions are considered harmless, unless they develop in your throat or inner ear.
More Severe Reactions
Asthma symptoms are common moderate reactions that cause you to develop wheezing, difficulty breathing and coughing. Asthma symptoms may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction and needs to be evaluated by your doctor. Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that will require emergency medical attention.
