Environmental Allergies

Environmental allergies, also known as seasonal allergies or allergic rhinitis, refer to a group of conditions caused by an overactive immune system responding to substances in the environment such as pollen, mold, dust mites, and animal dander. These substances, known as allergens, are typically harmless but trigger an immune response in individuals with allergies, resulting in symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, throat irritation, and coughing.

Environmental allergies are common and can be seasonal or year-round, depending on the type of allergen and the individual's sensitivity. While environmental allergies are not typically life-threatening, they can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and may lead to complications such as sinus infections and ear infections.

Apha-Gal Syndrome

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a type of food allergy that is caused by the immune system's reaction to a type of sugar molecule called alpha-gal. This molecule is found in mammalian meats such as beef, pork, lamb, and venison.

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The scientific mechanism of AGS is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the bite of a specific type of tick, the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum). This tick is known to carry the alpha-gal molecule, and when it bites a person, the molecule may be introduced into their bloodstream.

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Once alpha-gal is in the bloodstream, the immune system may recognize it as a foreign substance and produce antibodies against it. The next time the person eats mammalian meat, the immune system will react to the alpha-gal in the food, causing an allergic reaction.

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This reaction is a type of delayed hypersensitivity reaction, which means that symptoms do not occur immediately after eating mammalian meat, but instead develop several hours later. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include itching, hives, swelling, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

AGS is an uncommon condition, but it is becoming increasingly recognized as a food allergy in certain regions where the Lone Star tick is prevalent. Lastly, more research are being conducted to fully understand the scientific mechanism of AGS and to develop effective treatments for this condition.

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Alpha-gal allergic reactions can occur after exposure to:

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• Mammalian meats, organs, and blood

• Dairy products, gelatin, and other foods derived from mammals

• Foods that contain mammalian byproducts

• Drugs, medical products, personal care, household and other products with mammalian ingredients

• Products containing carrageenan, which isn’t from a mammal, but which contains the alpha-gal epitope

• Flounder eggs

Food Allergies

Food allergies are a type of immune system response triggered by specific proteins found in certain foods. When someone with a food allergy consumes or comes into contact with the allergen, their immune system mistakenly identifies it as harmful and produces an allergic reaction, which can range from mild to severe and life-threatening.

Symptoms of food allergies can include hives, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis, which is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause breathing difficulties, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.

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Common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, milk, eggs, soy, and wheat. Food allergies are diagnosed through a combination of a medical history, physical exam, and allergy testing. Treatment for food allergies involves strict avoidance of the allergen and the use of medications such as antihistamines and epinephrine to manage symptoms in case of accidental exposure. It's important for individuals with food allergies to have an emergency action plan in place and carry an epinephrine auto-injector with them at all times in case of a severe allergic reaction.