Tag Archives: causes of allergies

Soy Yummy or Not? What You Need to Know about Soy Allergies

Food is life, literally and figuratively. It gives us the right nutrition we need to keep our bodies and minds healthy. Food also makes us happy and can’t live without eating. No wonder a lot of restaurants, cafes, diners, and food trucks appear here and there and in every street corner. Eating and enjoying our food is basically part of our lives.

However, not all people get to enjoy various foods and cuisines due to allergies. If you are allergic to certain foods, make sure to visit an allergy clinic to help treat your condition. Fortunately, allergies can be easier to manage by taking the prescribed medications religiously. Once symptoms occur, it is important to address them immediately to avoid further complications.

Facts about soy

People have mixed views about soy. On the one hand, some swear by its various health benefits. It is also a great protein alternative especially for vegans and vegetarians out there. Plus, soy is a common ingredient used in many Asian recipes. No wonder Asian people love their soy regardless of whether they incorporate it into sweet or savory dishes.

On the other hand, some do not like soy at all mainly because of their taste and texture. Also, a lot of people are allergic to it. If you are one of these soy allergics, it is best to visit an allergy physician for proper medication and treatment. You might undergo allergy testing when necessary.

There are also different types of soy products, namely: whole soy, fermented, soy-based processed food product, and soy supplements. Examples of whole soy products include tofu and soy milk. Fermented soy, on the other hand, includes products such as soy sauce, tempeh (an Indonesian fermented soy cake), and miso (a Japanese ingredient used in soups).

Soy-based processed food products are usually preferred by vegans and vegetarians as meat and dairy substitutes. Soybean oil and soy flours are also some examples of soy-based processed goods. Lastly, soy supplements are usually added to protein shakes and bars. It is also available in powder or capsule forms.

Symptoms and risks

For one thing, allergy to soy is a common type of allergies, especially among children. It is said that soy allergies usually occur at a young age. But in most cases, it can be outgrown before they reach school age. However, you should bring your child to an allergy doctor if symptoms appear and worsen over time.

This food ingredient is part of the legume family aside from lentils, beans, and peanuts. However, just because you are allergic to soy means you can be allergic to nuts although it may happen in rare cases. Still, it is best to consult an allergist doctor if you have soy allergies. Among symptoms to watch out for possible signs of soy allergies include the following.

  • Stomach cramps
  • Digestion problems
  • Diarrhea
  • Breathing difficulties/tightening of the throat
  • Repetitive coughing
  • Vomiting
  • The occurrence of hives or swelling around the lip or tongue
  • Anaphylaxis in worst cases

Treating soy allergies

Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for food allergies, including soy allergies. If you are currently breastfeeding, you may have to consult your doctor first to avoid possible complications on the baby. As an adult allergic to soy, the only thing you can do is to avoid soy products as much as possible.

That is why you should make it a point to check the label carefully. Aside from the aforementioned products, soy may be also present in other foods such as vegetable oil, cereals, cookies and crackers, and processed foods among a few. Basically, you should avoid food products with “soy”, “soybeans”, or “soya” in it.

Soy is not all bad… almost

On the one hand, soy provides a lot of health benefits, which are the following:

  • Can help lower cholesterol levels
  • Can improve fertility in women and lessen symptoms of menopause
  • A great source of protein, perfect for vegans and vegetarians

However, soy also has its cons. For example, it is said that soy can affect men’s testosterone levels. However, there is no definite proof of this claim. Still, there should be nothing to stop you from trying soy products unless you are allergic to them.

If you are allergic to soy, it is best to visit an allergy specialist doctor for proper treatment. Find an allergy doctor in Manassas VA today!

Anaphylaxis: A Life-Threatening Allergic Reaction You Should Take Seriously

Allergic reactions vary from person to person. On one hand, some might experience mild reactions that can be manageable by taking prescribed medications. On the other hand, some individuals may experience severe allergic reactions to the point of life-threatening. While the latter should be brought to the nearest allergy clinic immediately, all kinds of allergic reactions should be addressed for proper treatment nonetheless.

There are people who experience severe allergic reactions to allergens that can potentially be deadly for them. This frightening reaction is called anaphylaxis, which occurs when there is an excessive chemical release and results in shock.

Anaphylaxis commonly occurs to certain allergens such as food, latex, medications, and insect stings. If there are symptoms that appear following contact with the mentioned allergens, it is best to consult an allergy physician immediately. Just because it hasn’t happened to you in the past doesn’t mean anaphylaxis won’t happen to you ever in your life.

What causes anaphylaxis?

As you might know, our immune system is capable of producing antibodies that protect us against foreign substances like harmful viruses or bacteria. However, some people tend to overreact to these foreign substances. Some allergic reactions are not really life-threatening, but some people do experience intense reactions that lead to anaphylaxis.

As mentioned, everyone is susceptible to experiencing anaphylaxis even if you haven’t experienced this for once in your life. More so, you have higher chances of having an anaphylactic shock if you have experienced this at least once in the past.

Among common triggers include certain foods like shellfish and peanuts, as well as antibiotics and other certain medications. Latex (ex. ones used in gloves) and insect stings can also trigger anaphylaxis as well. Some triggers may not be as common as the previously mentioned ones such as intense physical activities. Regardless of the allergic triggers, it is best to consult an allergy specialist doctor immediately.

Common symptoms of anaphylaxis

Symptoms of anaphylaxis usually occur in a snap and may progress later on. At first, symptoms can be mild just like the usual such as a runny nose or a skin rash. However, it can lead to the worst if you do not address it immediately to an allergy specialist. Among symptoms to watch out for include the following.

  • Tightening of the throat, resulting in breathing difficulties
  • Appearance of hives
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness and fainting spells
  • Low blood pressure or increase in heartbeat rate
  • Cardiac arrest, in worst cases

If you have first experienced mild anaphylaxis before, you should still not take it for granted. In some cases, the next occurrence can be worse and can even lead to worse reactions and even death. Before it becomes too late, it is best to call an allergist doctor to help manage your allergic triggers.

Diagnosis and treatment

As mentioned, any allergic reactions that are not the usual should be treated immediately by an allergy doctor. If you or someone you know show signs of severe allergic reactions, it is best to have it treated immediately. Call for emergency assistance and remove the offending allergen as much as possible.

Ensure that the patient is breathing well and as comfortable as possible. If there is a sign of low blood pressure, the person should remain in a supine position and raise the legs off the ground. In the event that the patient stops breathing, perform CPR immediately until paramedics arrive.

In some cases, the patient will be given an epinephrine injection which helps in stabilizing blood pressure and reduce the occurrence of swelling. It also helps in relaxing the muscles and prevents the progression of the allergic triggers that can worsen your condition.

Unfortunately, anaphylaxis can be unpredictable. As mentioned, it can happen to people who have not experienced this ever in their lives. That is why you should know the abovementioned symptoms and make sure you do not take those symptoms for granted. If those appear, make sure to visit an allergy physician to help you manage your condition.

Avoid the life-threatening risks of anaphylaxis

Allergic reactions vary from person to person, but should still be addressed by an allergist in Manassas VA. Anaphylaxis can happen to anyone, including you. That is why you should be able to identify your triggers if you have one. Contact the best allergists near you to help manage your allergies.