Alpha-Gal Syndrome
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is an allergic reaction to red meat or certain animal products. Allergic reactions range from mild to severe. The most severe reaction is anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a sudden, life-threatening reaction that needs immediate treatment. Anaphylaxis symptoms include throat tightness, trouble breathing, tingling, dizziness, and wheezing.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Have someone call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have trouble breathing, wheezing or severe shortness of breath.
- Your heart is pounding or racing.
- You have swelling in your mouth or throat.
- You feel lighthearted or faint.
Seek care immediately if:
- You have itching or hives that spread all over your body.
Call your doctor if:
- You have new or worsening rashes, hives, or itching.
- You have an upset stomach or are vomiting.
- You have stomach cramps or diarrhea.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Antihistamines decrease mild symptoms such as itching or a rash.
- Steroids help reduce swelling.
- Epinephrine is used to treat severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis. You will be taught how to use epinephrine if you are at risk for anaphylaxis.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Manage or prevent AGS:
- Carry medical alert identification. Wear jewelry or carry a card that says you have a food allergy. Ask your provider where to get these items. Tell all healthcare providers you have AGS. Some medicines and vaccines contain or are coated with material that contains alpha-gal. Your provider can tell you what to do if the vaccine or medicine you need may cause a reaction.
- Know the ingredients of everything you eat and drink. Read food labels. Ask about ingredients when you go to restaurants. Ask if an ingredient that causes a reaction is used to prepare a dish you want to order. A dietitian can help you create meal plans to avoid allergens.
- Prevent or manage tick bites. A new tick bite can make allergic reactions active again. If you go into areas that contain many trees, tall grasses, and underbrush, do the following:
- Prevent ticks from crawling through gaps in your clothing and onto your skin. Tuck your pant legs. Wear long sleeves that fit close to the skin at your wrists and neck. Wear a hat that fits close to your head.
- Apply insect repellant that contains DEET. Spray permethrin on your clothing. Apply repellant on exposed skin. Do not apply insect repellant on your child's face or hands.
- Check your and your child's clothing, hair, and skin for ticks. Shower within 2 hours of coming indoors. Carefully check the hairline, armpits, neck, and waist. Also check your pets after they are in tick-prone areas. Ask your pet's veterinarian about the best tick prevention products to use on your pet.
- Mange tick bites safely. Put on gloves. Use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible. Pull the tick straight up and out. Do not touch the tick with your bare hands. Check to make sure you removed the whole tick, including the head. Do not crush or squeeze the tick. Flush the tick down the toilet. Clean your skin with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Then wash your hands with soap and water.
Follow up with your doctor or allergist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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