Soy Allergy: Symptoms and Treatment Routes
Soy allergy can lead to various symptoms. We explain which symptoms can arise and which treatment really helps against it.
What is a soy allergy?
Soy allergy can occur both in primary form (in children) and in secondary form as part of a cross-allergy with birch pollen. Allergy symptoms include itching and burning in the mouth and throat, but also skin reactions. Treatment for soybean allergy is primarily by avoiding typical soy products. A hyposensitization does not help so far.
Since soybeans contain many proteins, they are often on the menu, especially for vegetarians and vegans. But the beans are also contained in many other foods where one would not think it directly – for example in tofu, miso or as soybean oil in margarine. Allergy sufferers should therefore always carefully study the important list of ingredients.
What symptoms are caused by allergy to soybeans?
If soya products are consumed, the allergens often cause the following symptoms in affected people:
- Itching and burning in the mouth and throat
- Swelling of the tongue, lips and the area around the larynx
- Reddened mucous membranes
- Nausea
- Skin rash/tumble
- Anaphylactic shock (in severe cases, more likely in the rarer primary form)
If the soy allergy is caused by a cross-reaction with birch pollen, the symptoms may be more severe during the birch’s flowering period.
How can I tell if I have a soy allergy?
The simplest method to determine an allergy is to have it diagnosed by a prick test at the doctor’s office. However, this method only works for primary soy allergies. Whether the secondary form is present can only be determined by testing for certain antibodies. The final certainty for the diagnosis is then given by a so-called provocation test under medical supervision.
Allergy reactions: What helps against a soy allergy?
Anyone suffering from soybean allergy should avoid any contact with appropriate foods to avoid an allergic reaction. By the way, not only food but also medicines can contain soya. In the case of a severe allergy, the pharmacist should be asked whether a particular product contains soy or not.