Throat swelling that occurs with a soy allergy is an alarming symptom that could be a sign of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that affects the entire body and could lead to life-threatening conditions. At the first sign of throat swelling, call your doctor and 911 for preventative measures. If you've been diagnosed with a severe allergy to soy, ask your doctor about obtaining a prescription for an epinephrine pen.
Soy Allergy
Although most food-related allergies are most common among children under three years old, allergies are on a rise in adults, according to MayoClinic.com. Soy is a by-product of soy beans and contains about 15 different proteins that could trigger an allergic reaction. If you're allergic to soy, your immune system overreacts whenever it identifies soy proteins and produces various chemicals in the body. These chemicals can cause minor to severe inflammation and allergy symptoms.
Throat Swelling and Anaphylaxis
Throat swelling is a primary sign of anaphylaxis. You may feel like you have a lump in your throat or you may have trouble breathing normally. Other symptoms that may follow closely behind your throat swelling are hives, facial swelling, lightheadedness and dizziness. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that causes your body to experience a state of shock. Most anaphylactic symptoms develop quickly and require immediate medical intervention. This type of reaction can lead to death if left untreated.
Emergency Care
Throat swelling from a soy allergy will require an injection of epinephrine. Common oral antihistamines and other oral medications should not be consumed if your throat is swollen because the pill may become lodged in your throat. Epinephrine is synthetic adrenalin that will restore your normal heart rate, blood pressure and reduce excessive swelling in your throat, face and sinuses. Epinephrine is administered with a needle. If you've been diagnosed with a severe allergy to soy, your doctor may prescribe this medication for you to carry on your person. If you have to administer the medication yourself, you still need to go to the emergency room for further evaluation.
Avoidance
Having a soy allergy will require that you avoid all products that contain soy. Soy is found in obvious products that are made from soy, such as soy milk, tofu and soy sauce. Soy may also be found in uncommon places, such as in chocolate, ice cream, salad dressings, sauces and some baked goods. Always read the products label before consuming the food or beverage.
