Soybean dust allergy: All you need to know

KARACHI: The Sindh Health Department recently issued a preventive health advisory regarding the soybean dust allergy incident reported from Kemari and its surrounding areas.

Soy allergy is a relatively prevalent phenomenon. The allergy typically develops in infancy following a reaction to soy-based infant formula. Although most children outgrow the soy allergy, some carry the allergy into adulthood. Type-1 allergy (IgE-mediated) symptoms may result from ingesting or inhaling soybean dust.

The first asthma outbreak resulting from soybean dust inhalation occurred in Barcelona, Spain, from 1981 to 1987 due to the improper handling of soybean in the city’s harbor.

The immune system identifies specific soy proteins as harmful, thereby triggering the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in response to the allergen. The IgE antibodies recognize the allergen and signal the immune system to release histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream.

The symptoms that result in response to the soy allergy are serious; however, an allergic reaction to soy rarely is frightening or life-threatening. Signs and symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to

In some cases, people who are allergic to wheat, beans, milk, or other food items can also be allergic to soy. In addition, people who are allergic to soy may also be allergic to other legumes but may be able to eat them with no problem.

The preventive guideline says that people who have asthma must wear a mask, wash their hands, eyes, and face with water in case of an allergy attack. Those affected must also drink plenty of water as blood pressure drops abruptly following a severe asthma attack. Therefore, those affected must maintain blood pressure by drinking extra water and then rush to the hospital if they experience a headache, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, etc.

-MN Report