Alpha-gal Syndrome

Diagnosis of Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Diagnosing Alpha-Gal Syndrome begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms and medical history. Your healthcare professional will perform a physical exam and may recommend a blood test to check for alpha-gal antibodies.

• A positive blood test shows the presence of alpha-gal antibodies, but having these antibodies does not always mean you have Alpha-Gal Syndrome.

• Diagnosis is based on a combination of symptoms, medical history, and antibody levels.

Treatment for Alpha-Gal Syndrome

The primary treatment for Alpha-Gal Syndrome is avoiding foods and products that trigger reactions.

1. Avoid Trigger Foods

• Eliminate red meat and meat-based ingredients from your diet.

• Carefully read ingredient labels, as meat extracts are sometimes used for flavoring under names that may not be obvious.

• Your healthcare professional can provide a list of foods and additives to avoid.

2. Be Aware of Animal-Derived Products

Some medical products contain alpha-gal, although reactions are rare:

• Heart valves from pigs or cows

• Monoclonal antibodies used to treat certain diseases

• Heparin (blood-thinning medication)

• Certain snake bite treatments

3. Managing Allergic Reactions

• For mild reactions, standard allergy medications may provide relief.

• For severe reactions, an epinephrine injection and emergency care are required.

• Many patients carry an epinephrine auto-injector, which delivers a single dose of medicine when pressed against the thigh.

4. Emergency Preparedness

• After diagnosis, your healthcare professional will likely prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector.

• They will also teach you how to use it properly for rapid response during a severe reaction.

Key Takeaways

• Alpha-Gal Syndrome is diagnosed through symptoms, medical history, and blood tests for alpha-gal antibodies.

• Treatment focuses on avoiding red meat and animal-derived products.

• Epinephrine auto-injectors are essential for managing severe allergic reactions.