Latest news with #Alpha-galSyndrome
News18
4 days ago
- Health
- News18
What Is Alpha-gal Syndrome? The Tick-Borne Allergy Making Red Meat And Dairy Dangerous
Last Updated: Alpha-gal Syndrome from tick bites causes severe allergies to red meat and dairy, with symptoms like itching, hives, and anaphylaxis Red meat and dairy are common in diets around the world, but a rare and serious allergy is turning these everyday foods into potential health threats, all because of a tick bite. Alpha-gal Syndrome, triggered when a person is bitten by certain types of ticks, can cause the immune system to react violently to red meat and even dairy products. As a result, foods that were once safe can suddenly cause severe allergic reactions. The condition is gaining attention worldwide, with cases on the rise and awareness still worryingly low. Symptoms of Alpha-gal Syndrome can include itching, hives, stomach pain, nausea, and even anaphylaxis—a potentially life-threatening reaction. What makes it more difficult to detect is the delayed onset of symptoms, which often appear two to six hours after eating the food. Many patients mistake it for food poisoning or unrelated illness, leading to delayed diagnosis and prolonged suffering. What Is Alpha-gal Syndrome? Alpha-gal Syndrome isn't a typical food allergy. It stems from a sugar molecule called galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose—known simply as alpha-gal—which is found in the meat of mammals such as cows, pigs, and deer. After being bitten by certain types of ticks, including the lone star tick and the deer tick, a person's immune system can become sensitised to this molecule. Later, eating red meat or dairy can trigger a severe allergic response. The allergy is particularly tricky because symptoms don't appear immediately. The delayed reaction makes it harder to connect the dots between what someone ate and how they're feeling hours later. Reactions range from mild stomach issues to full-body hives and life-threatening anaphylaxis. According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 450,000 people in the United States alone may be affected by Alpha-gal Syndrome. Once thought to be restricted to the southeastern US, the allergy is now appearing in new areas—including internationally. Serbia recently reported its first confirmed case, according to local magazine Vreme. Currently, there is no cure. Treatment mainly involves avoiding all forms of red meat, dairy, and any food products with hidden animal-based ingredients. Preventing further tick bites is also critical, as each one can increase sensitivity and worsen the allergy. In some cases, the condition may ease over time, but this varies by individual. As scientists continue researching the condition, experts recommend staying vigilant—especially when spending time in tick-prone areas. For those experiencing unexplained reactions after meals, Alpha-gal Syndrome may be worth discussing with a medical professional. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
4 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Red Meat Could Be Deadly: Fast-Spreading Disease Sparks Global Health Scare
Red meat, a staple in many diets, is now linked to a rare but serious allergy called Alpha-gal Syndrome. This condition, triggered by a tick bite, causes severe reactions to meat and dairy consumption, including itching and stomach pain. Often mistaken for food poisoning, Alpha-gal Syndrome is a growing concern worldwide. As awareness is low, many cases may go undiagnosed. Experts warn that understanding this allergy is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you're experiencing unusual symptoms after eating meat or dairy, consult a healthcare professional to determine if Alpha-gal Syndrome is the cause. What is alpha-gal syndrome? Alpha-gal syndrome isn't your typical food allergy. It's caused by a sugar molecule called galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, or alpha-gal, found in the meat and tissues of mammals like cows, pigs, and deer. After a bite from a tick, especially the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) or deer tick, your immune system can become sensitised to this molecule. Months later, eating red meat or even dairy products can trigger a severe allergic reaction: hives, nausea, abdominal pain, or even life-threatening anaphylaxis. Nearly 450,000 people may be affected in the US alone: According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 450,000 people may be affected. More data and research are needed to understand how many people are affected by this condition. Once believed to be limited to the southeastern US, the condition is now spreading globally as tick populations thrive and expand. According to the Serbian news magazine Vreme, the first case of alpha-gal syndrome has been confirmed in Serbia. Worryingly, many doctors still aren't familiar with alpha-gal syndrome, making diagnosis difficult and delayed. The reaction isn't immediate either. Symptoms typically begin two to six hours after eating a triggering food, making it even harder to trace the cause. Patients often suffer for months without answers. And each tick bite risks intensifying the allergy. There's no cure yet. Avoiding red meat, dairy, and hidden animal-derived ingredients is essential - along with avoiding further tick bites. For some, the condition may fade over time with strict diet control. Scientists are still working to fully understand the disease's mechanics and why only some people react this way. Until then, staying informed and protecting yourself from ticks may be the best defence.
