What is alpha-gal, and how did I or my loved one get it?
Alpha gal syndrome is contracted by a tick bite specifically the Lonestar tick Some scientists say that you can get it from other ticks seen as how other parts of the world showing signs of alpha now syndrome contraction from different various types of ticks, but this is still being studied.
Some people contract Alpha Gal syndrome immediately and some do not Studies have not been able to identify why this is but we're hoping that by pushing the government to recognize Alpha Gal syndrome as a allergy concern and epidemic we will get more studies put into the alpha gal syndrome and advocacy as well.
Some frequently asked questions and answers:
Q. What can I eat and can't eat now?
A. No mammal meats. However, Alpha gal syndrome comes with a wide variety of sensitivity in individuals. This means that you may be able to eat one mammal meat and then not eat the others. For one person sensitivity there may be 10 others that are not as sensitive. There are individuals that are not even able to eat processed foods that have mammal byproducts in it. There are tons of meats that are Turkey and chicken that have preservatives in it including fish that are mammal byproducts or the preservatives have the alpha gal molecule in it like red seaweed (Carrageenan) Unfortunately companies are not mandated to put on products the preservatives that they use.
Q. How do I get my family to understand?
A. You can give them the link to This web that has all the information that they will need and a support group that they can join to help them become more supportive in understanding along with you. Talking to them openly about what you're going through how every symptom effects you is very important. It is very important for them to understand wholly and completely the struggle that you are going through. They won't know how to support you unless you communicate your needs your boundaries in your safety. For some people Alpha Gal syndrome is life threatening and they need EpiPens.
Q. Should I go to the allergist?
A. It is important to get a diagnosis yes, but it's more important to be able to have a list of foods that you are allergic to and not allergic to. If you are low on funds and do not have insurance you can get a kit and go to your local doctor and have them administer it and send it off for you. I do not have any that I am sponsoring or have referrals for you At this time. If you can go to the doctor and get a work up it's best to see if you have 1. alpha Gal syndrome
2. a allergy panel work and 3. a histamine intolerance work up. Number three is important because it will let you know if you have mast cell activation syndrome accompanied by the Alpha gal syndrome.
Q. how can I keep myself safe if I'm fume reactive?
A. If you are fume active Then you will need to think about the times a day you're going out and around town. And you'll need to understand how your fume reactions sensitivity works. Some people can go out and about the burger joints but as soon as they get around a dog dander were different types of mammal products cooking and they have a allergic reaction. That could be your fine with beef but pork starts giving you hives and breathing problems or vice versa. You will have to get a different job if you're in the food industry and really think about where you're going to work that's safe for you depending on your sensitivity. Currently they don't look at Alpha gal syndrome as a disability and I'm not sure if you could get disability for it depending on your severity. But it's worth a try to get a doctor's and then go and file for disability if you're really bad fume reactive.
Q. What is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome?
A. Mast cell activation syndrome is a histamine intolerance