Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) is an allergy to meat and other proteins made from animals. It is caused by a tick bite and is affecting people in the area. The Extension Service gave out flyers at the Worth County/Northeast Nodaway game in Ravenwood Thursday to raise awareness.
Symptoms are different for different people. They can range from mild to life-threatening. There is no known cure, so finding out early or preventing it is important.
Red meat from mammals like beef, pork, rabbit, venison, and sheep have a carbohydrate called alpha-gal. These molecules are also found in dairy foods and mammalian byproducts. AGS is also found in the saliva of the Lone Star Tick. When this tick bites a person, it can transfer alpha-gal, potentially causing AGS. The Lone Star Tick is common in the south and central US, including Missouri. Missouri has one of the higher rates of AGS.
Symptoms occur two to six hours after eating meat, dairy, or mammal byproducts. Common symptoms include hives and/or stomach problems. Breathing symptoms can also occur. Other symptoms can include nausea or vomiting, heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea, drop in blood pressure, coughing, swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or eyelids, dizziness, faintness, or severe stomach pain.
Foods that can trigger AGS include meat from mammals such as beef, pork, venison, lamb, bison, goat, or rabbit; mammal organ meat such as liver, kidneys, or sweetbreads; Rocky Mountain or prairie oysters, milk and dairy products including ice cream, yogurt, butter, and cheese; gelatin, meat broth, stock, and gravy; and butter, tallow, lard, or suet.
Not all people with AGS have reactions to every food. Some are more sensitive than others. Most people with AGS need to avoid red meat. Some also have sensitivity to dairy and dairy products. A small number must also avoid byproducts like gelatin. Some may even need to avoid cross-contact, such as when cooking utensils or surfaces touch trigger foods. Areas of potential cross-contamination include fry oil, meat grinders and slicers, cast iron pans, grills, and cooking utensils and surfaces.
The following foods do not contain alpha gal but be aware of hidden ingredients. These include chicken, turkey, duck, emu, quail, fish and other seafood, eggs, fruits, vegetables, soy products, vegan dairy alternatives, legumes, nuts, seeds, and grain foods.
Many food products have hidden ingredients that can trigger AGS symptoms. Poultry products can have beef or pork casings. Canned chicken can have beef or pork broth. Lunchmeat can have Carrageenan. Pre-seasoned chicken can have beef or pork fat, dairy, or bullion. Gummy products, pudding, and roasted nuts can have gelatin. Breads and cereals can have butter, milk, lard, or gelatin. Pasta or rice seasoning can have dried beef or pork broth or fat. Spice mixes can have beef or pork fat, broth, bullion, stock, gravy, whey, or powdered milk. Baked beans can have lard or bacon. Protein powder can have Collagen or whey. Check the ingredient labels on anything you buy.
Some personal items and medications can have ingredients that can trigger AGS symptoms. For personal items, check for ingredients such as gelatin, glycerin, and collagen. Medications such as over-the-counter medications and prescription dietary supplements, vaccines, ointments, creams, and pills with gel capsules can have such ingredients as well. Be sure your physicians, dentists, and eye doctors know of your AGS diagnosis.
There are four steps to an AGS diagnosis. Your provider will look at your medical history, do a physical exam, take a blood test, and watch for reactions to meat foods and products.
Many people with AGS report both waking up at night with stomach problems and a history of tick bites or outdoor hobbies. Symptoms can change over time. People who avoid tick bites can see their reactions decrease. Yet new tick bites can make the allergy worse and lead to stronger reactions.
Tick bites can occur at any time of the year, but most occur between April and September. To avoid ticks, stay away from grassy, brushy, or wooded areas whenever possible. Walk in the center of trails when hiking. Wear light-colored clothing so you can see ticks more easily. Tuck your pant legs into your socks or tape them. Use EPA-approved insect repellents such as DEET or picaridin. Treat clothing and gear with products having 0.5% permethrin or buy pre-treated items. After being outside, check your clothes, gear, and pets for ticks. Take a shower and change clothes as soon as possible. Remove any attached ticks right away. If not washing immediately, dry your clothes on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any ticks.
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