Angela Igo Vice President Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer | Fitzgibbon Hospital Marshall
Angela Igo Vice President Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer | Fitzgibbon Hospital Marshall
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a food allergy transmitted through tick bites, which has been gaining attention due to its serious and potentially life-threatening nature. Unlike most food allergies that cause immediate reactions, AGS is triggered by mammalian meat and manifests hours after consumption.
Dr. Alica Albers, a hospitalist physician at Fitzgibbon Hospital, explains: “Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergic reaction to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, commonly called ‘alpha-gal,’ a sugar molecule found in most mammalian meat including beef, pork, lamb and venison.” She adds that AGS was first identified in the early 2000s when researchers noticed delayed allergic reactions several hours after patients consumed red meat. “What makes AGS particularly distinctive is its delayed onset – reactions typically occur three to six hours after eating mammalian meat,” Dr. Albers said.
The condition develops when ticks, primarily the lone star tick in the United States, introduce alpha-gal into humans' bloodstreams. The immune system then produces antibodies against this sugar molecule. Upon consuming meat containing alpha-gal later on, these antibodies trigger an allergic reaction ranging from mild digestive issues to severe anaphylaxis.
Symptoms of AGS vary widely among individuals and can include hives, swelling, digestive problems such as nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and severe drops in blood pressure. Dr. Albers notes: “The delayed nature of symptoms often makes diagnosis challenging.”
Diagnosing AGS involves reviewing clinical history and symptoms along with blood tests for alpha-gal antibodies. Healthcare providers look for patterns of delayed reactions following red meat consumption in patients exposed to ticks.
The lone star tick is prevalent in southeastern, south-central and mid-Atlantic regions but is expanding its range northward and westward. Saline County in Missouri has reported several cases of AGS.
Risk factors include living or visiting tick-infested areas, spending time outdoors in wooded environments or having outdoor occupations. Adults are more commonly affected than children; some research suggests individuals with type O blood may be at higher risk.
Since there is no cure for AGS yet available treatment focuses on avoiding mammalian meat entirely; thus preventing tick bites becomes crucial according to Dr. Albers: “When venturing into tick-prone areas wear long-sleeved shirts... Apply EPA-approved insect repellents...”
After being outdoors it’s important to conduct thorough checks for ticks especially hidden areas like behind ears or knees while showering within two hours helps wash away unattached ones too! Landscape management around homes reduces their population effectively using methods like keeping grass short or removing leaf litter etcetera also consider professional treatments if needed!
For pet owners regular veterinary care including preventive medications essential since pets might bring them indoors hence checking regularly post-outdoor activities necessary too!
Managing diagnosed cases requires complete avoidance not just from meats but also processed foods medications personal care products containing alpha gal sometimes even dairy products gelatin need avoiding under guidance from healthcare professionals dietitians ensuring nutritionally adequate diets without triggering allergies
Fortunately though sensitivity might decrease over time provided further exposure avoided albeit varying patient-wise so those experiencing similar symptoms advised consulting primary care providers immediately meanwhile clinics such as Marshall Family Practice Missouri Valley Physicians Mid-MO Family Health accepting new patients scheduling details available online via www.fitzgibbon.org
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