What is alpha-gal?
Alpha-gal (galactose-α-1,3-galactose) is a sugar molecule found in most mammals.
Alpha-gal is not found in fish, reptiles, birds, or people.
Alpha-gal can be found in meat (pork, beef, rabbit, lamb, venison, etc.) and products made from mammals (including gelatin, cow's milk, and milk products).
What is alpha-gal syndrome (AGS)?
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) (also called alpha-gal allergy, red meat allergy, or tick bite meat allergy) is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. AGS is not caused by an infection. AGS symptoms occur after people eat red meat or are exposed to other products containing alpha-gal.
What are the symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome?
AGS reactions can include:
- Hives or itchy rash
- Nausea or vomiting
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
- Drop in blood pressure
- Swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or eye lids
- Dizziness or faintness
- Severe stomach pain
Symptoms commonly appear 2-6 hours after eating meat or dairy products, or after exposure to products containing alpha-gal (for example, gelatin-coated medications).
AGS reactions can be different from person-to-person. They can range from mild to severe or even life-threatening. Anaphylaxis (a potentially life-threatening reaction involving multiple organ systems) may need urgent medical care.
People may not have an allergic reaction after every alpha-gal exposure.
If you think you may have AGS go talk to your healthcare provider.
AGS can be severe, and even life-threatening. Seek immediate emergency care if you are having a severe allergic reaction.
Can I get alpha-gal syndrome from a tick bite?
Growing evidence suggests that AGS may be triggered by the bite of a lone star tick in the United States, but other kinds of ticks have not been ruled out. Other tick species have been connected with the development of AGS in other countries.
More research is needed to understand the role ticks play in starting this reaction, and why certain people develop AGS.
How do I know if I have AGS?
AGS is diagnosed by an allergist or other healthcare provider through a detailed patient history, physical examination, and a blood test that looks for specific antibodies (proteins made by your immune system) to alpha-gal.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend allergy skin testing.
What should I do if I have AGS?
AGS should be treated and managed under the care of an allergist or other healthcare provider.
Many foods and products contain alpha-gal; you will need to work with your healthcare provider to understand which products you need to avoid.
Prevent tick bites. New tick bites may reactivate allergic reactions to alpha-gal.
I have AGS, what foods and products do I need to avoid?
Not all patients with AGS have reactions to every ingredient containing alpha-gal.
Most healthcare providers recommend patients with AGS stop eating mammalian meat (such as beef, pork, lamb, venison, rabbit, etc).
Depending on your sensitivity and the severity of your allergic reaction, your healthcare provider may also suggest you avoid other foods and ingredients which may contain alpha-gal (such as cow's milk, milk-products, and gelatin).
Read food product labels carefully.
Although very rare, some people with severe AGS may react to ingredients in certain vaccines or medications. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking a new medication or receiving a vaccine.
What can I do to prevent AGS?
Preventing tick bites is important in preventing tickborne disease and may reduce your chances of developing AGS.
- After you come indoors
- Check your clothing for ticks.
- Shower and perform a thorough tick check.
- If you see an attached tick, remove it immediately.
- Take steps to prevent ticks on your pets
*Alpha-gal syndrome cases are not currently tracked in Nebraska
For more information on Alpha-gal Syndrome, please visit the CDC Alpha-gal Syndrome website.