Dr. Stacy Chronister Explains What Alpha-Gal Syndrome Is And How To Prevent It

Most people know the dangers of being bitten by a tick. There's concern for Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, but what about Alpha-gal syndrome?

Dr. Stacy Chronister is an Internal Medicine Specialist with OSU Medicine. She joined LeAnne Taylor on News On 6 at 9 to answer questions about it.

Chronister said a bite by a lone star tick in the Green Country region could result in Alpha-gal syndrome.

Alpha-gal is a protein found in the meat of mammals. This protein is then stored in the saliva or stomachs of lone star ticks and transferred to humans when they are bitten.

Our bodies then make antibodies against the Alpha-gal resulting in a significant food allergy to meat. Most severe reactions are to beef but can be in any mammalian product, such as pork, lamb, milk, gelatin, and some pharmaceutical products.

Since there is no alpha-gal protein in non-mammals, it is safe to eat chicken, fish, eggs, etc.

Why is it so hard to recognize?

Alpha-gal is a little bit harder to recognize than a typical food allergy, as typical food allergies begin just a few minutes but less than two hours after eating. Alpha-gal symptoms start two to eight hours after eating.

The person may wake up at night with the symptoms and not know what they could be related to.

What are the symptoms?

1. Hives, rash
2. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
3. Heartburn
4. Abdominal swelling
5. Stomach pain

Alpha-Gal Syndrome is a fairly newly recognized diagnosis, and although only about 200,000 formal diagnoses have been made, it is presumed that over 500,000 people suffer from the allergy.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

A diagnosis is made by having your doctor check blood tests for antibodies against the Alpha-gal proteins.

The treatment is to avoid all products that have mammalian proteins in them. It is possible for the symptoms to go away over time as the antibodies are flushed out of the system. Some people may have the allergy for life.

You can prevent being bitten by wearing tick repellent and protective clothing when outside.