Allergic reactions can be terrifying. One moment you’re feeling fine, and in another moment, you’re struggling to breathe for no apparent reason. Your throat has swollen nearly shut, and you can’t do anything about it.
Even if you’ve never had allergies before, you can develop them as the result of something as simple as a tick bite. A tick bite from the right tick can cause alpha gal allergy or an allergy to red meat
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the alpha gal allergy treatment that works best.
What Is Alpha Gal Allergy?
Alpha-gal allergy, also known as a red meat allergy or alpha-gal syndrome, is a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. The reaction occurs as a result of a person eating meat or dairy products or medications coated in alpha-gal. The symptoms will show up in as little as two hours and as much as six hours after consuming these products.
This syndrome is tricky because people with AGS may not react every time they have an alpha-gal exposure.
Alpha Gal Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms vary with alpha gal allergy. They range from uncomfortable skin rashes and gastrointestinal distress to difficulty breathing. Here is the full range of symptoms:
- Hives
- Rashes
- Heartburn
- Severe stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Swollen lips, throat, and tongue.
An AGA reaction doesn’t usually happen immediately. It can take hours after exposure for a symptom to show up. As a result, an AGA reaction takes a while to diagnose, especially if you’re eating a variety of things.
Alpha Gal Allergy Treatment
Once you’ve received the official alpha gal allergy diagnosis, it’s time to start managing your allergy. There is no successful alpha gal cure. There are treatments that will help you avoid and alleviate symptoms, though.
Management
First and foremost, if you have a red meat allergy, you should avoid red meat. In short, if it swims or flies, it’s okay. Otherwise, stay away from the meat.
You should also avoid dairy products and gelatin, which may contain alpha-gal.
Take medication and vaccinations with caution. On rare occasion, individuals with alpha gal allergy has reacted to vaccinations and medications because of the alpha-gal in them.
You should also avoid areas with ticks. A tick bite most likely led to your alpha gal allergy, so it only makes sense to avoid getting another bite.
Pharmaceutical Treatment
If you have ever had a severe reaction, you should start carrying an epinephrine auto-injector, commonly known as an EpiPen. With allergies, subsequent reactions are typically more severe than the original reaction.
You should also carry over-the-counter antihistamines. These will alleviate symptoms and lessen the reaction should you have one.
Acupuncture
Many patients have found relief from alpha gal allergy with acupuncture treatments. This treatment involves the nearly painless insertion of a tiny needle into your skin. Acupuncture can trigger the body in a way that leads to an allergy or sensitivity to go away on its own.
Furthermore, acupuncture has a variety of other benefits, thus it will benefit patients regardless of the outcome on alpha gal allergy.
Seek Treatment, Seek Relief
You don’t have to suffer silently with alpha gal allergy. An effective alpha gal allergy treatment can alleviate your symptoms and even give you the hope of eating red meat once again.
Do you suffer from allergies? Have you exhausted all your possibilities? We can help.
Our experienced staff can help you find relief from your alpha gal allergy symptoms. Contact us, and let us help you today.
