ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Alpha-gal syndrome

What is Alpha-gal syndrome?

18:07 - 15 February , 2024

Disease

It is a serious allergic condition after ingesting various types of meat, especially red meat, and other animal products, after being bitten by a tick known as lone star, which injects a sugar molecule called alpha-gal. It causes potentially fatal immune reactions after consuming meat and dairy products, among other animal products.

Products that can cause an allergic reaction are:

  • Red meats:
    • Beef.
    • Pork.
    • Lamb.
  • Animal organs.
  • Gelatin.
  • Dairy.

Signs and symptoms Alpha-gal syndrome

The condition usually appears between two and six hours after consuming foods that react to alpha-gal, with the following symptoms:

  • Heartburn or indigestion.
  • Fainting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or eyelids.
  • Dizziness.
  • Nausea.
  • Rash.
  • Itch.
  • Cough.
  • Vomit.

The greatest risk that alpha-gal syndrome can trigger is a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which if not treated in time can be fatal.

Diagnosis and treatment Alpha-gal syndrome

As there is no specific treatment, it is essential to go to the Emergency Room to be evaluated immediately and receive medical attention to avoid risks and complications.

Once the doctor analyzes the symptoms, they will perform a physical examination and order blood and skin tests for relevant animal proteins to confirm the diagnosis.

Alpha-gal syndrome treatment involves avoiding foods that cause the reaction, as well as certain medications to treat the symptoms.

Some people with this condition can resume eating animal products after a couple of years, as long as they do not suffer further tick bites.

In ABC Medical Center Internal Medicine Department, we provide you with health care services with the highest quality and safety, from prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up of infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological conditions, both chronic-degenerative and acute, through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.

Fuentes:

  • aaaai.org
  • cun.es
  • alergoaragon.org
  • microbacterium.es
  • mayoclinic.org
  • topdoctors.es
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com

How can we help you?

    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.