Food allergies can play havoc with your diet. Unfortunately, three of the most common food allergens -- eggs, dairy and soy -- are found in a variety of things, often hidden in foods where you wouldn't expect to find them. The symptoms of an allergy to eggs, dairy or soy can range from mild to life-threatening.
Egg Allergy
Most people with egg allergies are children who outgrow the allergy by adulthood. Sometimes, though, the allergy can persist throughout your life. Egg whites and yolks both contain potential allergy-causing proteins, but it's more common to be allergic to egg whites than to yolks. If a breastfed baby has an egg allergy he may have a reaction to egg protein that passes through his mother's milk.
Dairy Allergy
A dairy allergy, like an egg allergy, is common in kids and often outgrown by their adult years. Some babies are allergic to dairy and outgrow it by age 2 or 3. Some people never outgrow their dairy allergy. Having an allergy to dairy isn't the same as having an intolerance, though the symptoms can be similar. Being intolerant of dairy, sometimes known as lactose intolerance, means your body can't process a protein called lactose found in dairy products. A dairy allergy, like all allergies, is an immune system response.
Soy Allergy
Soy is found in foods from cakes to chocolate to meat products and is one of the most common food allergens. Children with soy allergies may have their first reaction after drinking soy formula, an alternative to cow's milk formula, often used when babies have dairy allergies or are from vegan families. Children may outgrow a soy allergy but it can persist into adulthood. Allergic reactions to soy are usually relatively mild, such as hives or an itchy mouth. Occasionally, though, a more severe reaction can occur.
Symptoms
Egg, dairy and soy allergies can all result in the same symptoms. Mild symptoms include a flushed face, tingling mouth and tongue, itchy skin and hives. More serious symptoms include nausea, vomiting and wheezing. Occasionally a very severe response called anaphylaxis can result. Anaphylaxis can present as swelling in your throat, making it difficult or impossible to breathe, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, loss of consciousness and shock, including a drastic drop in blood pressure. If you have any symptoms of a food allergy, see your doctor as soon as possible for testing to determine the cause. If you have symptoms of anaphylaxis, proceed to the hospital right away. Anaphylaxis can be deadly.
Managing Food Allergies
Managing egg, dairy and soy allergies can take a lot of effort, because these things are found in so many foods and are often hidden ingredients. When you see your doctor and he's diagnosed your allergy, he'll tell you which foods to avoid. You must do your best to avoid anything that contains the food to which you're allergic. Even if you've only had a mild reaction, the next reaction could be worse.
Allergens won't always be labeled as "egg," "dairy," "milk" or "soy." Products containing eggs may list albumin as an ingredient. Other names for dairy protein include casein, lactose, caseinates, rennet casein and lactalbumin. If you're allergic to soy, ask your doctor about the need to stay away from soy lecithin and soybean oil. Allergens can "hide" in foods where you wouldn't expect to find them -- soy in a meat product, for example. It's important to read the labels on everything you eat to avoid a reaction if you're allergic to eggs, dairy or soy.
