Can a tick bite give you a meat allergy?
Posted: 29th November 2019 | Posted by Costa
Can a tick bite give you a meat allergy?
It sounds too crazy to believe: a tick bite can suddenly make you allergic to meat. However, it’s true. And, it’s not just tick bites. Redbugs, also known as harvest mites or berry bugs, may also contribute to the condition.
Alpha-gal syndrome
Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergy to red meat. There are alpha-gal incidents across the world – in the USA, UK, Europe, Australia, and Asia. In the UK, the tick that carries the bacterial infection, Lyme Disease, is also responsible for spreading alpha-gal syndrome. However, the exact cause of the resultant allergy is unknown.
The allergy itself isn’t directly to red meat. Rather, it’s a reaction to a molecule found in pork, beef, and other forms of meat called alpha-gal. People who experience the allergy find out after eating red meat and feeling sick later. For example, two patients in Glasgow both went into anaphylactic shock during their sleep nearly four hours after they consumed meat.
Symptoms range from serious – like anaphylactic shock – to hives, stomach problems, and other mild reactions. But due to the large delay between food and the first appearance of symptoms, it’s sometimes hard to identify what exactly causes the reaction.
Prevention and treatment
Preventative measures are useful. You should cover up, use insect repellents, and check yourself, children, and pets for ticks. If you find one, remove it as quickly as possible, making sure when you pull it out, you also remove the head without squashing it.
If you contract alpha-gal syndrome, unfortunately, there is no treatment yet. Avoiding red meat is the most effective way to ensure you don’t experience symptoms. But, unlike most food allergies, the symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome may lessen or even disappear over time as long as there are no further bites. Some people have been able to eat meat again after two years, but others have not.
Alpha-gal syndrome isn’t something to worry about unless you’ve had a tick bite. If you haven’t, it’s likely your symptoms are due to something else. If you’re experiencing food allergy symptoms and aren’t sure why, it’s important to contact an allergy professional for a formal diagnosis.
The consultants at The London Allergy and Immunology Centre can help you determine the cause of your allergy symptoms and advise you on the best course of action. This will help you get your life back under control and live without anxiety. Book an appointment today.