ALLERGIC TO MEAT?
Could be due to tick bite saliva
What Is an Alpha-Gal Allergy?
By Elizabeth Pratt.
Published on March 09, 2022
Reviewed by Daniel More, MD
An alpha-gal allergy—also referred to as alpha-gal syndrome (AGS)—is an allergic reaction to red meat, such as beef, pork, lamb, or other mammal products.
This condition is most often caused by a tick bite, which transmits a sugar molecule called alpha-gal into the person's body. In some people, this triggers an immune system reaction that later produces mild to severe allergic reactions.
It is believed up to 3% of the population have an alpha-gal allergy, but it's possible there are more misdiagnosed or undiagnosed cases.1
This article covers what causes alpha-gal allergy, symptoms, treatment options, prevention strategies, and when to see a healthcare provider.
alpha-gal allergy spelled out with a partial definition
What Is Alpha-Gal?
Alpha-gal (alpha galactose-1,3-galactose) is a carbohydrate found in the saliva of the lone star tick that has a similar structure to a carbohydrate found in mammalian meat.
Causes
A growing body of research suggests that an alpha-gal allergy may be triggered when a person is bitten by a specific species of tick called the lone star tick. The role of tick bites in the development of alpha-gal allergy is not yet fully understood.2
Symptoms
An allergic reaction will not always occur following exposure to alpha-gal, and the reaction from alpha-gal can vary between people.3
The average delay in reaction time is between two to six hours. But this can vary from just minutes to as long as 12 to 24 hours.4
An alpha-gal allergy presents much later than most other food allergies, which typically occur within 20 to 30 minutes.
An alpha-gal reaction may cause symptoms like:3
Nausea
Vomiting
Rash
Diarrhea
Hives
Indigestion
Shortness of breath
Trouble breathing
Fainting
Dizziness
Cough
Swollen lips, tongue, throat, or eyelids
Drop in blood pressure
Heartburn
Stomach pain that is severe
