Thursday, December 5, 2019

Alpha-Gal condition causing Anaphylaxis



I think I have finally found out what is causing my anaphylaxis.  It is called alpha-gal.  I just had #54 anaphylactic shock last night.

Alpha-gal syndrome is a recently identified type of food allergy to red meat. In the United States, the condition most often begins when a Lone Star tick bite transmits a sugar molecule called alpha-gal into the body. In some people, this triggers an immune system reaction that later produces mild to severe allergic reactions when they eat red meat.

My symptoms exactly!  The full story at this link.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alpha-gal-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20428608

Signs and symptoms of an alpha-gal allergic reaction are often delayed compared with other food allergies. Most reactions to common food allergens — peanuts or shellfish, for example — happen within minutes of exposure. In alpha-gal syndrome, signs and symptoms typically don't appear for three to six hours after eating red meat.
Signs and symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome may include:
  • Hives, itching, or itchy, scaly skin (eczema)
  • Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, or other body parts
  • Wheezing or shortness of breath
  • A runny nose
  • Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
  • Sneezing
  • Headaches
  • Anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially deadly allergic reaction that restricts breathing