Soy milk will not affect your asthma condition unless you're allergic to soy. If you're allergic to soy, you can develop asthma symptoms within a few minutes after you drink soy milk. Soy milk is a milk alternative that is made from soy beans and contains soy proteins that can trigger an allergic reaction. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America states that asthma is a common symptom of a soy allergy. If you develop common asthma symptoms after drinking soy milk, call your doctor to determine if you're allergic to soy.
Soy Allergy Asthma Cause
If you develop asthma after drinking soy milk, you are most likely experiencing an allergic reaction. After you consume the soy milk, your immune system overreacts to the proteins in the beverage and begins to build a defense in the body. Immunoglobulin E, or IgE antibodies are created to fight off the soy proteins. The presence of these proteins cause mast cells throughout the body to create histamine, a chemical that helps to protect the body from infection, according to MayoClinic.com. The release of histamine in the soft tissue of the lungs leads to asthmatic symptoms.
Asthma Symptoms
Asthma symptoms caused by a soy allergy after drinking soy milk can develop within minutes or up to one hour after drinking the beverage. As your lungs become inflamed, you will experience shortness of breathe and the difficult breathing, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Wheezing may occur, the high-pitched sound made by restricted air pipes at the opening of your throat. You may begin to cough excessively in an attempt to open up the airways. Symptoms can range in severity depending on the individual reaction.
Other Symptoms
If the asthma symptoms are related to a soy allergy, you will develop other symptoms that will accompany your asthma symptoms. Other symptoms that are common with a soy allergy include hives, eczema, itching, fainting, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tingling in your lips, face or throat and anaphylaxis, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Anaphylaxis is a severe and sudden systematic allergic reaction that could lead to death. If you develop facial swelling, asthma and hives, call 911 immediately.
Treatment
Unlike other treatments for asthma, asthma caused by an allergic reaction to soy is primarily treated through prevention. Eliminate all soy products from your diet, including soy milk. Use other milk substitutes, such as rice milk, almond milk or coconut milk. Soy is widely used in processed foods. Read all food labels before consuming any product.
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