Symptoms of Alpha-gal Syndrome

Key points

  • Symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) may be mild or severe.
  • They usually appear 2-6 hours after eating meat or dairy products.
  • If you are having a severe allergic reaction, seek immediate emergency care.
Diagram of man’s body showing red rash all over

What to look out for

AGS reactions can include:

  • Hives or itchy rash
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Heartburn or indigestion
  • Diarrhea
  • Cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
  • Drop in blood pressure
  • Swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or eye lids
  • Dizziness or faintness
Diagram of man’s body showing red rash all over
Hives or a rash are a common symptom of an AGS reaction.

Symptoms usually appear 2-6 hours after eating meat or dairy products. They also may appear after exposure to products containing alpha-gal (for example, gelatin-coated medications).

AGS reactions can be different from person to person. They can range from mild to severe, and some may be life-threatening.

Anaphylaxis (a potentially life-threatening reaction involving multiple organ systems) may need urgent medical care.

People may not have an allergic reaction after every alpha-gal exposure.

If you think you may have AGS, talk to your healthcare provider.

When to seek emergency help

AGS can be severe and even life-threatening. Seek immediate emergency care if you are having a severe allergic reaction.

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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)