Understanding Alpha-Gal Syndrome

What is alpha-gal syndrome?

Alpha-gal syndrome is a potentially serious type of food allergy. It’s also known as tick bite meat allergy. When you have this allergy, your body is sensitive to a carbohydrate called alpha-gal. This carb is found in the bodies of most mammals, such as cows, pigs, rabbits, and deer. As a result, you may have an allergic reaction when you eat meat or are exposed to other products made from these animals, such as:

• Beef

• Pork

• Venison

• Milk and other dairy foods

• Gelatin

• Some medicines and vaccines

What causes alpha-gal syndrome?

The exact cause of alpha-gal syndrome is not yet known. But research suggests it may be caused by a tick bite. People who have gotten many tick bites in the past have a higher risk for developing this allergy.

What are the symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome?

The symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome may vary from person to person. They can range from mild to severe. A severe reaction is called anaphylaxis. It can be life-threatening.

Symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome may include:

• Hives or rash and itching

• Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting

• Trouble breathing, coughing, or wheezing

• Feeling faint or dizzy

• Swelling of the face, mouth, or eyes

These symptoms may not appear right away. You may not have them until 2 to 6 hours after eating meat or being exposed to products with alpha-gal. This delay occurs because the body takes time to absorb the carbohydrate.

How is alpha-gal syndrome diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and health history. They will also do a physical exam. A blood test may be done to check for antibodies your body produces in response to alpha-gal. Your doctor may recommend allergy testing with a blood or skin test.

How is alpha-gal syndrome treated?

Your doctor will talk with you about your treatment options. These will depend on things like your age, your overall health, and your preferences. Together, you and your doctor can decide what treatment is best for you.

When you have an allergic reaction, the first treatment is often an antihistamine. If you have a severe reaction, you may need epinephrine. These medicines help stop the reaction in your body.

After treating the allergic reaction, your doctor may advise the following to prevent another one:

• Stop eating meat. Your doctor may tell you to not eat meat like pork, beef, lamb, and venison. Not eating these foods may make you less sensitive to alpha-gal over time. Keep in mind, you can still eat poultry and fish.

• Stay away from other products with alpha-gal in them. Depending on how bad your allergy is, your doctor may also advise that you stay away from cow’s milk, cheese and other dairy products, and gelatin. Reading the food label can help you identify items that may cause a reaction. You may also not be able to take some medicines or vaccines.

• Carry epinephrine. If you have had a severe reaction, your doctor may advise that you always keep epinephrine with you.

• Prevent tick bites. Alpha-gal syndrome may go away over time. But another tick bite can reactivate the allergy. To help prevent tick bites:

  • Use insect repellent.

  • Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or buy pretreated items.

  • Stay away from bushy or wooded areas—prime tick habitat.

  • Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors.

  • Always check your clothing and skin for ticks after coming inside.

  • Remove any ticks you find right away.

What else can you do to feel better?

Work closely with all your doctors. They are here to support you in your treatment decisions. It’s also helpful to take an active role in your care, such as:

• Keeping all appointments

• Getting regular screenings or other tests

When to call 911

If at any time you have any of the following symptoms of anaphylaxis, call 911 right away:

• Trouble breathing

• Trouble swallowing

• Loss of consciousness

• Chest tightness

• Feeling of doom

• Swelling of the throat

When to contact your doctor

Reach out to your doctor or seek medical care right away if you have any of these:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your doctor

• Symptoms that don’t get better or get worse

• New symptoms