Sindh govt issues ‘Soya Dust Allergy’ health advisory

F.P. Report

KARACHI: Sindh Health Department on Wednesday issued preventive advisory about ‘soya dust allergy’ incidents reported in Keamari and its surroundings areas of Karachi city.

Allergy to soy, a product of soybeans, is a common food allergy. Often, soya allergy starts in infancy with reaction to soy-based infant formula. Although most children outgrow soy allergy later in life, but some of them carry the allergy to adulthood.

It can cause type-1 allergy (IgE-mediated) symptoms from ingestion, as well as, from inhalation of its dust. First asthma outbreaks due to the inhalation of soybean dust occurred in Barcelona, Spain from 1981 to 1987 released from handling of soybean in the city harbor.

The major cause is an immune system reaction which causes allergies. With a soy allergy, immune system identifies certain soy proteins as harmful, triggering the production of immunoglobulin E(IgE) antibodies to the soy protein (allergen). These IgE antibodies recognize it and signal immune system to release histamine and other chemicals into bloodstream.

The symptoms for most people, soy allergy is uncomfortable but not serious. Rarely, however, an allergic reaction to soy can be frightening and even life-threatening. Signs and symptoms of a food allergy usually develop within a few minutes to hours exposing to an allergen.

Major risk factors are; a person is at an increased risk of allergy of soy or other foods if other allergies, such as hay fever, asthma, hives or eczema, are common in family. The soy allergy is most common in children, epically toddlers and infants.

In some cases, people who are allergic to wheat, beans, milk or other food items can also have an allergic reaction to soy. Also, people who are allergic to soy may have test results showing allergy to other legumes, but may be able to eat them with no problem.

The preventive guideline for people are; remove soya dust sources (one ship of soya if present at Keamari), person who have asthma must wear mask, wash hands, eyes and face with water. In case of allergy attack, rush towards hospital for help, drink penalty of water.

Blood pressure drops abruptly after a severe asthma attack. Hence keep BP normal by drinking extra water and then rush to hospital if feeling any headache, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, etc.