Alpha-Gal Syndrome: Symptoms of the Red Meat Allergy

Hives or a rash are a common symptom of an alpha-gal reaction. CDC.

Key points

• Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) reactions range from mild to severe, and some can be life-threatening.
• Symptoms usually appear 2–6 hours after exposure to products containing alpha-gal, such as red meat or dairy.
• Seek emergency care immediately for a severe allergic reaction.

What to watch for

Reactions differ from person to person — and from one exposure to the next, even to the same product. People with AGS may not react to every alpha-gal product. Besides red meat and dairy, reactions can follow other products containing alpha-gal, such as gelatin-coated medicines.

Symptoms can include:

• hives or an itchy rash
• nausea or vomiting
• severe stomach pain
• heartburn or indigestion
• diarrhea
• cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• a drop in blood pressure
• swelling of the lips, throat, tongue or eyelids
• dizziness or faintness
• a combination of these known as anaphylaxis

Did you know? It can take weeks to months after a tick bite for AGS symptoms to begin.

Emergencies

Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction involving several organ systems. Seek emergency care immediately if you have a severe reaction.

If you think you have AGS

Talk to your health care provider. They may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector or epinephrine nasal spray; learn how to use it, how to prepare for a reaction and how to recognize anaphylaxis. Even after using epinephrine, still seek emergency care.

Sources

Based on "Alpha-gal Syndrome: Signs and Symptoms," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; a work of the United States government in the public domain.