I suggested testing after a tick bite. As the article notes, this syndrome is becoming more common as the tick that carries it is becoming more common. And, the syndrome was only identified a few years ago. MA docs are not very familiar with it, but are getting more so. It is a specialty area for allergists, who are now educating colleagues about the growing occurances.
If one develops alpha-gal, you will not know until you are hit with some pretty nasty, and even life-threatening symptoms. If you test positive, you simply avoid ALL red meat products, including gelatin that hides in may places, including medications. The alpha gal can dissipate, over time, and you can return to eating meat. But, the only safe way to know is to test every 6-12 months. Of course, if you are vegetarian, or vegan, or never eat “red” meat, you can forgo any of the above. I have had bouts over the course of 15 years and never knew what it was until recently. I say “bouts” as they were intermittent. It does not happen every time you eat red meat, and the symptoms are delayed onset. You can eat dinner, go to bed, and be woken up with some very scary and painful symptoms, as I have. I did learn, early on, to be sensitive to the symptoms and to pound children’s Benadryl as soon as symptoms started, even though had no idea what was causing them. But they are VERY scary. It was only a few years ago that it became known that the cause of these symptoms was triggered by a tick bite. I never go anywhere without an Epic Pen and lots of Benadryl, just in case. If anyone has had tick bites and managed not to get any of the tick borne diseases, cunt your self lucky! Just be forewarned. > On Jul 12, 2024, at 5:53 PM, Bob Kupperstein <[email protected]> wrote: > > I'm not sure it makes sense to advocate for routine testing for a potential > disorder which is not common in this area (according to the article cited) > and which has no effective treatment anyway. > > It certainly makes sense to take plenty of measures to prevent tick bites, > but it is also important to keep in mind that most bites do not result in > serious infections or side effects. > > Thanks, > > -Bob > > On Fri, Jul 12, 2024 at 2:21 PM Sara Mattes <[email protected] > <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >> ALPHA-GAL is serious business. >> Given that symptom onset is delayed and often happens at night, it is hard >> to connect to the tick bite. >> Many MDs are still unaware of this tock-born problem. >> A simple blood test is now available to test. >> If you know you have been bitten, it is worth asking for the test. >> >> If you ever experience and serious itching, hives, swelling of tongue & >> lips, and there is no know trigger, get the test. >> These symptoms often respond top Benadryl. >> Children’s chewable are faster acting than the adult pills, and you can add >> to dosage as you note a lack of complete response. >> >> As notes in the article, the incidence of this is on the rise. >> Climate change has been a facilitating factor. >> >> Be aware, at best, alpha-gal it is extremely uncomfortable, at worst, it is >> life-threatening. >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> While the overall tick population has been on the dramatic rise in >> Massachusetts in recent years, there is one species that hunts in packs. >> >> https://patch.com/massachusetts/across-ma/tick-bomb-what-know-ma-species-behind-meat-allergies?utm_source=shared-email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=share >> -- >> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >> To post, send mail to [email protected] >> <mailto:[email protected]>. >> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. >> Change your subscription settings at >> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >>
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