Imagine sitting down to a juicy, perfectly cooked steak on a warm evening, and hours later you’re hit with terrible stomach cramps, itchy hives, and swelling so bad you might need to rush to the ER. The weird part? It’s not food poisoning, and the steak wasn’t bad. What’s actually happening is your own immune system is reacting, because of a tiny tick bite you got weeks or even months ago, one you probably don’t even remember.What Is Alpha Gal Syndrome?Alpha-gal syndrome is a food allergy that can develop after a tick bite, leading to allergic reactions to red meat and products made from it. While several types of ticks can trigger it, the lone star tick is the most common culprit. Not everyone who gets bitten will develop the allergy, but repeated bites can increase the risk or worsen symptoms, as per Cleveland Clinic.What Can Trigger an Alpha-gal Reaction?You may have an allergic reaction to:Meat from mammals, such as beef, pork, or lambFoods or products made with animal fatCertain medicationsCow’s milk and dairy productsAlpha-gal is a sugar molecule found in most mammals (except humans) and in tick saliva. Not everyone who is bitten by a tick develops alpha-gal syndrome, and you might not react to every food or product that contains it.Symptoms of Alpha-gal SyndromeAlpha-gal syndrome can cause reactions ranging from mild to life-threatening. Common symptoms include:Skin changes, like itching, hives, or flushingSwelling of lips, eyelids, throat, tongue, or face (angioedema)Respiratory issues, such as cough, shortness of breath, or wheezingDigestive problems, including stomach pain, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, or vomitingDizziness or faintingJoint painSome people may experience only skin or digestive symptoms, while others may have multiple symptoms at once. In severe cases, alpha-gal can trigger anaphylaxis, which can make breathing difficult, cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure, and even be fatal. Call 911 or go to the ER immediately if severe symptoms appear.Timing of SymptomsUnlike most food allergies, reactions to alpha-gal can occur two to six hours after eating meat or dairy. Medications containing alpha-gal may trigger a faster reaction.Causes of Alpha-gal SyndromeAlpha-gal syndrome develops after a tick bite, most commonly from the lone star tick, though bites from black-legged (deer) ticks and other species can also cause it. Ticks carry alpha-gal molecules in their saliva, and exposure during a bite can make your immune system recognize alpha-gal as a threat, triggering an allergy.Experts aren’t certain why some people develop the allergy while others do not. Repeated tick bites can worsen symptoms or make reactions more frequent.What Is Lone Star Tick?The lone star tick is a tiny bug, sometimes as small as a poppy seed. Adult female lone star ticks are easy to identify by the white dot on their backs, the “lone star.” They are commonly found in and around wooded areas across the Midwestern and Eastern United States.Having alpha-gal syndrome is not just about giving up burgers or steaks. Like other food allergies, it can affect a range of products you may need to avoid. While caution is important, most people with AGS won’t react to every item that contains alpha-gal, and for some, symptoms may improve within a few years. Your healthcare provider can guide you on which foods to steer clear of and what to expect in your individual case.
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