Tick Talk 2: Alpha-gal syndrome

Key Takeaways:

• Alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-triggered allergy to red meat, is on the rise.
• It’s typically associated with bites from the Lone Star Tick, which is expanding into our communities.
• Symptoms can appear after eating meat or dairy products.
• There is no cure, but it is manageable.

In the first part of this series, we talked about ticks, how to prevent tick bites, and what to do if you find one on your skin.

For this blog, we’re going to talk about alpha-gal syndrome, which has been making headlines not only for an increase in outbreaks in the U.S. but also for its impact on the restaurant industry across the country.

But what is alpha-gal syndrome, how do you know if you have it, and how do you treat it?

Let’s get into it.

What is it?

Alpha-gal syndrome is a tick-triggered allergy to red meat. It’s a response of your immune system after experiencing a certain tick bite.

We typically associate alpha-gal with the bite from the Lone Star Tick, which is expanding its habitat to our communities.

Not every tick bite poses a risk for alpha-gal, however. But every tick bite is worth preventing.

What are the symptoms?

Reactions can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe and even life threatening.

Typically, symptoms appear two-to-six hours after consuming red meat or dairy products.

An Alpha-gal reaction can include:

• Hives or itchy rash
• Nausea or vomiting
• Severe stomach pain
• 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

If you are experiencing a severe allergic reaction, seek help immediately.

It’s important to note that it can take weeks or even months for a person to have alpha-gal symptoms after a tick bite.

Can it be treated?

There is no quick cure for alpha-gal, but it can be managed.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “most healthcare providers recommend patients with alpha-gal stop eating meat from mammals, such as beef, pork, lamb, venison, or rabbit. Food products that contain milk and milk products may also contain alpha-gal. Some people may also be sensitive to alpha-gal in gelatin and other products made or cooked with mammal fat.”

You may be prescribed an EpiPen to carry with you in the event you are exposed to alpha-gal. Your allergist will determine the best course of treatment for you.

Prevention is the best medicine

Easy ways to prevent tick infections include frequently checking for ticks, making sure you’re wearing appropriate garments that cover your extremities, and if you’re outside, consider using an insect or tick repellent