Description

Alpha-gal syndrome is a type of food allergy. It makes people allergic to red meat and other products derived from mammals.

In the united States, the disease usually begins with the bite of the Lone Star tick. The bite of the transfer of a sugar molecule called alpha-gal into the body. In some people, this triggers a reaction of the body's defenses, also called the immune system. Causes of mild to severe allergic reactions to red meat, such as beef, pork or lamb. It can also cause reactions of other foods that come from mammals, such as dairy products or jellies.

The Lone Star tick is found primarily in the southeastern united States. Most cases of alpha-gal syndrome were reported in the south, the east and central united States. But it seems that the disease is spreading to the north and west. The deer are carriers of the Lone Star tick to new parts of the country. Other types of ticks carry alpha-gal molecules in different parts of the world. Alpha-gal syndrome has been diagnosed in some parts of Europe, Australia, Asia, South Africa and Central and South America.

Some people may have alpha-gal syndrome and not know it. There are people who often have severe allergic reactions, also called anaphylactic reactions, for no clear reason. The tests also demonstrate that they do not have other food allergies. Researchers believe that some of these people may be affected by the alpha-gal syndrome.

There is No other treatment that avoid red meat and other products derived from mammals. If you have a severe allergic reaction, you may need medicine called epinephrine and treatment in the emergency room.

To avoid tick bites to prevent the alpha-gal syndrome. Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts when you're in forests, green areas. The use of insect repellent also. Check your entire body for ticks after spending time outside.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an alpha-gal allergic reaction usually take more time to start in comparison with other food allergies. Most of the reactions to common food allergens — peanuts or shellfish, for example — happen in a matter of minutes after having been exposed to them. In alpha-gal syndrome, the reactions usually appear around 3 to 6 hours after exposure. Foods that can cause a reaction, which include:

  • Red meat, such as beef, pork or lamb.
  • Organ meats.
  • Products made of mammals, such as gelatin, or dairy products.

The symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome may include:

  • Urticaria, pruritus, or itching, peeling of the skin.
  • Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat or other parts of the body.
  • Wheezing or shortness of breath.
  • Stomach pain, diarrhea, stomach pain, or vomiting.

The time delay between the ingestion of meat products, and getting an allergic reaction may be one reason why the alpha-gal syndrome was not understood at first. For example, a possible connection between a T-bone steak with dinner and hives in the midnight is far from being clear.

Researchers think they know the reason for the delay in the reaction. They say that it is due to the alpha-gal molecules take more time than other allergens to be digested and enter in the system that moves blood through the body.

When to see a doctor

Get help if you have a food allergy symptoms after eating, even several hours after eating. Consult your doctor or an allergy specialist, called an allergist.

Do not rule out the red meat as a possible cause of his reaction. This is even more important if you live or spend time in parts of the world where alpha-gal syndrome has been described.

Seek emergency medical treatment if you have symptoms of a serious allergic reaction which causes difficulty in breathing, called anaphylaxis, such as:

  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Rapid, weak pulse.
  • Dizziness or feeling light-headed.
  • Drooling and not be able to swallow.
  • Full body redness and heat, called flushing.

Causes

The majority of people with alpha-gal syndrome in the united states contract the disease when a Lone Star tick bites them. Bites from other types of ticks can lead to the condition. These other ticks cause alpha-gal syndrome in parts of Europe, Australia, Asia, South Africa and Central and South America.

Tick bites

Experts believe that the ticks that cause alpha-gal syndrome lead to alpha-gal molecules. These are obtained from the blood of animals that sting, such as cows and sheep. When a tick that carries these molecules bites a human, the tick is sent to alpha-gal into the body of the person.

For unknown reasons, some people have a strong immune response to these molecules. The body makes proteins called antibodies. These antibodies are directed alpha-gal as something that the immune system needs to be cleaned. The response is so strong that people with this type of allergy can't eat red meat. They can't eat certain foods facts of mammals without having an allergic reaction. People who receive a lot of tick bites in the time may develop symptoms worse.

The cancer drug cetuximab

People with antibodies related to the alpha-gal syndrome can have allergic reactions to the cancer drug cetuximab (Erbitux).

The research seems to show that cases of this allergy medications are linked to the alpha-gal syndrome. The antibodies that your immune system makes to the alpha-gal seem to react to the structure of the drug as well.

Risk factors

Health care providers still do not know why some people have alpha-gal syndrome after exposure, and others do not. The condition occurs mainly in the southern, eastern, and central united States. You are at greater risk if you live or spend time in these regions, and:

  • Spend a lot of time outdoors.
  • Have gotten multiple Lone Star tick bites.

In the last 20 to 30 years, the Lone Star tick has been found in large numbers towards the north to Maine. This tick has also been found as far west as central Texas and Oklahoma.

Alpha-gal syndrome, also happens in other parts of the world. This includes parts of Europe, Australia, Asia, South Africa and Central and South America. In these places, the bites of certain types of ticks also appear to increase the risk of the disease.

Complications

Alpha-gal syndrome can cause a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis. Can be fatal without treatment. Anaphylaxis is treated with prescription medicine called epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. You can give yourself an injection of epinephrine with a device called an auto-injector (EpiPen, Auvi-Q, others). You also need to go to the emergency room.

Anaphylaxis symptoms may include:

  • Strait, in the respiratory tract.
  • Inflammation of the throat that makes it hard to breathe.
  • A serious drop in blood pressure, called shock.
  • Rapid pulse.
  • Feeling dizzy or light-headed, or fainting

Health care providers believe that some people who get anaphylaxis frequently and for no clear reason can be to live with alpha-gal syndrome. They simply have not been diagnosed.

Prevention

The best way to prevent the alpha-gal syndrome is to avoid areas where they live. Be careful in wooded, bushy areas with high grass. You can reduce your risk of developing alpha-gal syndrome by following some simple tips:

  • The cover-up. Dress to protect yourself when you're in wooded or grassy areas. Wear shoes, long pants tucked into your socks, a long sleeved shirt, a hat and gloves. Also try to stick to trails and avoid walking through low bushes and long grass. If you have a dog, keep it on a leash too.
  • The use of insect repellent. Apply insect repellent with a 20% or more of the concentration of the active ingredient DEET on the skin. If you are a parent, put the insect repellent on their children. Avoiding their hands, eyes and mouth. Please note that the repellent chemicals can be toxic, so follow the instructions carefully. Apply products with the active ingredient permethrin to clothing, or buy pre-treated clothing.
  • Do your best to tick proof your yard. Clear the bushes and the leaves where they live. Keep your stack of firewood in sunny areas.
  • Check yourself, your children and your pets for ticks. Be vigilant after spending time in wooded or grassy areas.
  • It's helpful to shower as soon as you enter the house. Ticks often remain on your skin for hours before they stick. The shower and the use of a towel to try to remove the ticks.
  • To remove a tick with tweezers as soon as possible. Gently grasp the tick near its head or mouth. Don't squeeze or crush the tick. Kick it with care, firm grip. Once you've removed the entire tick, throw it in the trash. Put in an antiseptic where it was bitten. That can help prevent a disease.

Diagnosis

Health care providers can diagnose alpha-gal syndrome based on their personal history and certain medical tests.

Your doctor will probably ask you to:

  • If you've gotten the bites of ticks or you've gone to the places where they live.
  • What are the symptoms.
  • How long it took for symptoms to begin after you ate red meat or other food, such as mammalian food products.

Your healthcare provider may also give you a physical exam.

Other tests used to diagnose alpha-gal syndrome may include:

  • A blood test. A blood test can confirm and measure the amount of alpha-gal antibodies in the bloodstream. This is the key test for the diagnosis of alpha-gal syndrome.
  • A skin test. A health care provider punctures of your skin and exposed to small amounts of commercial substances or fresh red meat. If you are allergic to, you get a lump called a hive in the test site on your skin. Your healthcare provider or allergist can also test your skin for an allergic reaction to certain types of red meat. That is because there are different types of allergies to meat.

Treatment

Alpha-gal syndrome treatment is to avoid the foods that cause the reaction. Always check the labels of the ingredients in the store bought food. Make sure that you do not have red meat or meat-based ingredients, such as:

  • The beef.
  • The meat of the pig.
  • Lamb.
  • Organ meats.
  • Jellies.

Check the soup, stock cubes, gravy packet, and the flavor of the ingredients on pre-packaged goods. Ask your doctor or allergist for a list of foods to avoid, including meat extracts used in the flavor. The names of some meat-based ingredients that are easy to lose.

Be very careful when you eat at restaurants and social gatherings. Many people do not understand the severity of the allergic food reaction can be. And few people know that meat allergies exist. Even a small amount of red meat can cause a severe reaction.

If you are concerned that a food may contain something you're allergic, don't try it. What can we do to reduce your risk. For example, you can bring your own food to a party if the guests are making the food in the cooking surface.

For a severe allergic reaction, you may need an injection of epinephrine and emergency care. Many people with allergies to carry a device called an epinephrine auto-injector. It is a syringe and concealed needle that injects a single dose of medication when pressed against your thigh. If you have been diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome, your doctor or allergist will probably prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector.

The symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome may decrease or even disappear with time. This is especially true if you don't get any more bites of ticks that carry the alpha-gal. Some people with this condition may eat mammalian food products again after 1 to 2 years if there are no more tick bites.

Preparing for your appointment

To get the most out of your appointment, it is a good idea to be well prepared. Here are some tips to help you talk with your health care provider.

  • Write down your symptoms. Be ready to tell your provider what happened after you ate red meat. Include how much time it took for a reaction to occur. Be prepared to describe the type and the amount of red meat that you ate.
  • Take notes if you have had tick bites or have spent time in places where ticks may live. Your provider will likely want to know where you spent time outdoors, and with what frequency. Your provider is also likely that you want to know how many of the tick bites you think you've got.
  • Make a list of all the medications you are taking. Include vitamins or supplements.
  • Have a family member or friend if you can. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information your doctor gives you for an appointment. Someone who comes with you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
  • Write down any questions you may have.

Some basic questions to ask your provider include:

  • Are my symptoms probably caused by an allergy to red meat?
  • What else could be the cause of my symptoms?
  • What tests do I need?
  • What is the best treatment?
  • You should see a specialist?
  • There is a generic version of the medicine you're prescribing?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What websites do you suggest?
  • Do I need to carry an epinephrine auto-injector?

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider will ask you a series of questions, such as:

  • When did you start noticing the symptoms?
  • What kind of meat did you eat and how much you had before your symptoms started?
  • After you ate red meat, how much time is necessary that the symptoms appear?
  • He has dedicated time in the open air in the places where they live?
  • You've been bitten by a tick in the past? How many times? What made it tick look like?
  • Took some allergy medicines that you can buy without a prescription, such as antihistamines? If so, does it help?
  • Does red meat seem to trigger your symptoms? You get symptoms when you eat other foods?
  • How bad are the symptoms?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

What you can do in the meantime

If you think you have the alpha-gal syndrome, avoid the consumption of red meat to your appointment. If you have a severe reaction, seek emergency help.

Symptoms and treatment of the Alpha-gal syndrome