Several responses to the recent post regarding Alpha Gal allergy confirmed that there is widespread lack of awareness about it. Even many medical professionals have slight or no knowledge of causes or treatment. The learning curve is steep but essential given the potentially lethal outcome of an episode.
Being bitten by a Texas Lone Star tick is the usual route for infection. Numerous "causes"...most of them mammal-related, even dog hair and food fumes... can trigger an episode. Reactions include anaphylaxis (swelling or closure of the throat which can stop breathing; drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, and dizziness or passing out), nausea or vomiting, heartburn, cough, shortness of breath and severe stomach pain. To date there is no cure, so precautions, avoidance of triggers and use of epinephrine (EpiPen) as first line treatment are essential.
Matters such as diet, medications, medical and dental care rank high among considerations: Some anesthetics produce reactions and should be reviewed pre surgery; some OTC drugs such as NASIDs, lisinopril, clonidine and hydrocodine are to be avoided as are pig valves for cardiac surgery; reading labels before purchases has become routine.
In recent weeks we have expanded our knowledge and resources for contending with AG and thought these might be useful to some readers, their families or friends. Helpful discoveries include: an internet search of AG can produce useful data as can books pictured here, and a couple of sites on Facebook... The Alpha Gal Kitchen and Alpha Gal Support.
Thanks for the info. I know several people who have this. Everyone needs to be educated.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. Fortunately, tick infections are almost unknown here in the UK. But i have to be careful when in the US as I will be for 3 weeks this summer.
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