Soy is one of the eight most common food allergens in the United States, according to MayoClinic.com. Soybean allergic reactions can cause a systemic response that requires treatment with intravenous steroids such as Solu-Medrol, the brand name for methylprednisolone sodium succinate.
Uses
Most soy reactions cause only mild symptoms, such as tingling in the mouth, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea or skin reactions such as rash, swelling or hives. Solu-Medrol treatment is used in a severe allergic reaction that causes swelling of the face, tongue or airway that threatens a person's ability to breathe effectively.
Benefits
Methylprednisolone is a strong anti-inflammatory steroid. Solu-Medrol reduces inflammation and swelling. Intravenous infusions take effect more quickly than drugs given orally. Solu-Medrol may be given in the hospital when oral medications are not effective or cannot be given because of airway swelling.
Cross-Reactions
Between 10 percent to 35 percent of babies with milk allergy may also have allergies to soy, according to the International Association of Infant Food Manufacturers. In a study of 133 children with soy allergy, 88 percent of the children also had a peanut allergy, researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine reported in the March 2010 "Journal of Clinical Allergy and Immunology." The researchers found that 50 percent of the children in the study outgrew soy allergies by age 7. Do not give a child with a severe soy allergy soy at any age without checking first with your doctor.
Risks
Solu-Medrol can have side effects, like any drug. Steroids can mask signs of infection, which could have serious consequences if the infection isn't recognized and treated. Steroids also can cause fluid retention, mood swings, personality changes and in some cases, psychosis. These effects last only as long as you're taking the drug. Long-term steroid use can cause growth problems, skin thinning and cataract formation.
References
- Drugs.com: Solu-Medrol
- International Association of Infant Food Manufacturers: Cow's milk allergy: Feeding with cow’s milk protein (CMP) Hydrolysates, Amino Acid Formulas and Soy Formulas
- Mayo Clinic: Food Allergies: Understanding Food Labels
- The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: The Natural History of Soy Allergy
- Aukland Allergy Clinic: Diagnosing Allergic Diseases
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