In most healthy adults, eating soy will not cause adverse reactions. If you develop adverse reactions after eating soy products, you need to see a medical doctor for further evaluation. Adverse reactions to soy may affect your skin, sinuses, lungs and digestive tract. In some cases, a severe allergic reaction may potentially lead to death. Most adverse reactions to soy may be avoided by eliminating soy products from your diet. Consult with your doctor about any changes to your diet.
Skin Reactions
If you're allergic to soy, you may develop common allergic skin rashes or a general itching and swelling of the skin. Hives and eczema are two of the most typical allergic rashes from a soy allergy, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Both skin rashes cause inflammation, redness and extreme itching. Hives tend to form on your face from a food allergy, but they may develop anywhere. Hives are distinctive in that they appear as a cluster of welts, while eczema looks more like blisters or pimples. Avoid scratching the rashes to prevent infection.
Sinus or Lung Congestion
If you develop sinus and/or lung congestion after consuming soy products, you may be allergic to soy. The release of various chemicals, including antibodies and histamine, from a soy allergy may cause your sinus cavity and your lungs to swell, according to MayoClinic.com. Sinus reactions result in stuffiness, a runny nose, postnasal drip and sneezing. If your lungs swell, you may become short of breath, unable to breathe and lightheaded, or you may develop a wheezing sound.
Digestive Problems
Digestive reactions after eating soy may be the result of a soy allergy or soy intolerance. Both conditions affect the digestive system and cause symptoms such as cramping, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Only your doctor can properly diagnose the cause of your digestive complications. Soy intolerance is an immune system malfunction that results in your digestive system's inability to produce enough enzymes to digest soy proteins, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.
Life-threatening Reaction
If you are allergic to soy, you are at greater risk of developing anaphylaxis -- a severe allergic reaction. MayoClinc.com warns that anaphylactic shock affects your entire body and can cause your throat and lungs to swell, restricting your ability to breathe. If you develop shortness of breath, facial swelling or hives, call 911 immediately.
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