Alpha-gal syndrome is not curable and the only thing you can do to manage the symptoms is to avoid foods and things that trigger alpha-gal such as red meat or foods and medicines that contain alpha-gal.
Alpha-gal does tend to last forever and most people who are affected by alpha-gal have it for life.
The symptoms of alpha-gal include.
Hives, itching, or itchy, scaly skin (eczema)
Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, or other body parts.
Wheezing or shortness of breath.
A runny nose.
Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.
Sneezing.
Headaches.
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) (also called alpha-gal allergy, red meat allergy, or tick bite meat allergy) is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
AGS is not caused by an infection.
AGS symptoms occur after people eat red meat or are exposed to other products containing alpha-gal.
Alpha-gal syndrome doesn't go away, but you can manage symptoms by avoiding: Meats, organs, and blood of mammals.
Dairy products. Gelatin and other animal derivatives.
In most cases, alpha-gal syndrome is a lifelong condition.
However, it does go away from some patients, sometimes after a few years.
Allergists can do an annual blood test to look at antibody levels against the alpha-gal sugar molecule to determine whether a patient continues to be allergic to red meat.
Gelatin-Containing Vaccines for Varicella, Zoster, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Induce Basophil Activation in Patients with Alpha-Gal Syndrome.
A blood test for galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) specific IgE (sIgE) is the main test that healthcare providers use to help them diagnose alpha-gal syndrome (1,2).
In the U.S., this test is available via Viracor Eurofins Clinical Diagnostics.
Allergic reactions to alpha-gal can be treated with an over-the-counter antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
Stronger reactions provoked by alpha-gal might need to be addressed with epinephrine.