Do I Have Alpha-gal Syndrome?

Do your symptoms appear about three to six hours after eating red meat such as beef, pork or lamb, organ meats, and products made from mammals, such as gelatins or dairy products?

Do your symptoms wake you up in the middle of the night after an evening meal?

Have you been bitten by a tick recently?

Are you currently spending time or have you in the past spent time outdoors in tick-infested areas?

Do you have hives, itching, or itchy, scaly skin (eczema)?

Do you have swelling of your lips, face or eyelids?

Do you sneeze or have a runny nose?

Do you have shortness of breath, cough or wheezing?

Do you have a stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting

Do you have headaches?

Do you have swelling of your tongue and throat?

Do you have a weak pulse, dizziness or confusion?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have an alpha-gal syndrome. Alpha-gal syndrome is a type of food allergy. People with an alpha-gal syndrome have a mild to a severe allergic reaction to red meat and other products made from mammals. It is a recently identified type of allergy caused by a Lone Star tick bite. This type of tick is found in the southeastern United States. In other parts of the world (Europe, Australia and Asia), bites from other species of ticks can lead to the alpha-gal syndrome. The best way to prevent this condition is to avoid wooded or grassy areas where ticks live.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have an alpha-gal syndrome. Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergic reaction to red meat and other products made from mammals such as gelatins or dairy products. People in the U.S. develop alpha-gal syndrome after being bitten by a Lone Star tick. Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule found in mammals. The tick transmits these molecules to humans from previously bitten animals (cows and sheep). Alpha-gal molecules trigger a strong immune response usually 3 to 6 hours after eating red meat or products containing alpha-gal. A diagnosis is based on your detailed medical history and additional tests.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have an alpha-gal syndrome. Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergic reaction to the alpha-gal sugar molecule that is commonly found in most mammals. These molecules are spread to humans by a Lone Star tick bite. The hallmark of the alpha-gal syndrome is “delayed” allergic response - the symptoms occur within 3 to 6 hours after consuming red meat. Also, symptoms may not appear after every exposure and can range from mild to severe. An early diagnosis and dietary changes may help you prevent serious health problems. Alpha-gal syndrome should be managed under your doctor’s supervision.