Symptoms and Diagnosis of Soy Allergy
Soy allergy symptoms range from mild rashes to life threatening whole body allergic reaction. Soybean allergy symptoms, like those of other allergies, are mainly of four types -
1. Dermatological
2. Gastrointestinal
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrheal
- Abdominal pain
3. Respiratory
- Asthma
- Runny nose
- Tightening of throat
4. Systemic
- Anaphylactic shock
- Organ failure
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Death
Anaphylactic shock however occurs only in very severe cases and is very rare, though not unheard of. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include-
- Rapid pulse
- Dangerously low blood pressure causing shock
- Dizziness, unconsciousness
- Swelling of face and throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Flushing and seizures
It is very important that you seek immediate medical attention in case of anaphylaxis as it can be fatal if not treated on time. Death occurs because the heart cannot supply the oxygen required by the body. This is referred to as cardiovascular collapse. Anaphylaxis also causes the throat to swell up making it difficult to breathe in oxygen.
Soy allergy can be diagnosed with the help of two tests-
Skin test: Here your doctor will inject small amount of soy protein by pricking your skin. If you are allergic to soy you’ll develop hives (rashes) on the skin where you were pricked.
Blood test: A blood test can determine the amount of antibodies IgE present in your bloodstream. This helps measure your immune system’s response to soy.
