Gastroenterologists should be aware of the diagnosis and management of alpha-gal syndrome because a subset of alpha-gal allergic patients show GI symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting without skin changes or anaphylaxis. The diagnosis of alpha-gal syndrome can be made among patients with GI distress and increased serum alpha-gal IgE antibodies whose symptoms are relieved adequately on an alpha-gal–avoidance diet that eliminates pork, beef and mammalian-derived products. Patients with suspected alpha-gal allergy should be counseled on an alpha-gal–avoidance diet because that is the primary management. Counseling also should include measures to avoid tick bites because further bites can drive alpha-gal IgE titers higher and worsen the allergy. Patients who also have reactions such as facial swelling, urticaria and respiratory difficulty should be referred to allergists. GI alpha-gal syndrome recently was described and prospective studies are needed to better understand this condition.
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.