What is a soy allergy?
A soy allergy can arise 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. A soy allergy is treated primarily by avoiding typical soy products. A desensitization does not help so far.
Since soybeans contain many proteins, they are often on the menu of vegetarians and vegans. But in many other foods that you would not think of directly, the beans are included – for example, in tofu, miso or as soybean oil in margarine. Allergy sufferers should therefore always attentively study the important ingredient list.
What symptoms are caused by the allergy to soybeans?
If soy 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 area around the larynx
- Reddened mucous membranes
- nausea
- Rash / wheals
- Anaphylactic shock (in severe cases, rather in the rarer primary form)
If the soy allergy has been caused by a cross reaction with birch pollen, the symptoms may be stronger at the flowering time of the birch.
How can I tell if I have a soy allergy?
The easiest way to diagnose an allergy is to have a doctor prick test . However, this method works only for the primary soy allergy. Whether the secondary form is present can only be determined by examining certain antibodies. Final safety for the diagnosis then gives a so-called provocation test under medical supervision.
Allergy reactions: What helps against a soy allergy?
Anyone suffering from a soy allergy should avoid any contact with appropriate foods, so that no allergic reaction occurs. By the way, not only food but also medicines can contain soy. In case of a severe allergy, the pharmacist should be asked if a particular product contains soy or not.