Soy Milk Allergy Symptoms

Soy milk is a beverage that is produced from soybeans. To make soy milk, soybeans are first soaked and then ground along with water. The resulting product is the soy milk, that contains almost the same amount of protein as that of cow's milk. But, unlike cow's milk, it is low in saturated fats and contains no cholesterol, for which soy milk is often considered as a healthier substitute of cow's milk. Soy milk can be consumed by people who cannot take cow's milk due to lactose intolerance. However, soy milk can cause allergic reaction in some individuals. In fact, allergy to soy products is one of the most common food allergies in the world. Occasionally, it can also cause a life-threatening condition, called 'anaphylaxis'.

What Causes Soy Milk Allergy?

All types of allergies are caused by a hyperactive immune system, which recognizes some harmless substances as foreign invaders. Any substance that stimulate a hypersensitive immune reaction or an allergic reaction is called allergen. In case of soy milk allergy, the allergen is the protein found in soy milk. This protein is identified by the immune system as a harmful substance, for which it stimulates the production of antibodies (IgE antibodies), in order to destroy or neutralize the protein.

After this, whenever soy milk is consumed, the antibodies recognize the soy protein, and trigger the immune system to release histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream. Histamine and other chemicals released by the immune system are responsible for producing the symptoms associated with an allergic reaction. Food allergies like, soy milk allergy are often observed to run in families. However, it does not mean that an individual is sure to develop allergy to soy milk, just because a member of his or her family has soy milk allergy. But, such an individual may have a risk for developing soy or any other type of allergy.

Soy Milk Allergic Reactions

The symptoms of soy milk allergy can be mild or severe. In rare cases, the allergic reaction can lead to the condition, anaphylaxis. The most commonly observed symptoms are:

• Runny nose and itchy eyes
• Sudden outbreak of acne
• Skin rash or hives
• Nasal congestion
• Angioedema
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal Pain
• Atrophic dermatitis
• Tingling in mouth and throat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling of the face, mouth, lips and other parts of the body
• Wheezing
• Breathing difficulty

If the allergy symptoms are left untreated, it can lead to a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, which can produce the following symptoms

• Constriction of the airways
• Swelling of the throat
• A significant drop in blood pressure
• Rapid pulse
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Loss of consciousness

Apart from these symptoms, soy milk allergy in infants can cause colic and irritability, which can make a child to cry continuously without any apparent reason. The affected child may also appear to be in pain, and look quite unhappy.

Soy Milk Allergy Treatment

Allergy to soy or soy milk is usually diagnosed with the help of skin and blood test. As far as treatment is concerned, the best treatment for allergy is to avoid the particular allergen. However, medications are required to alleviate the allergy symptoms. Physicians usually recommend antihistamines to reduce the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to soy milk. A severe allergic reaction on the other hand, can require the administration of epinephrine.

If you happen to observe any of these symptoms, then never forget to inform your physician as soon as possible. The best way to prevent this type of allergy in the future is to avoid it and any product that contains soy milk. But, despite all your efforts, you might come in contact with soy milk, which may cause a severe allergic reaction at times. To prevent such a situation, you may like to talk to your physician about carrying an injection of epinephrine with you.