What Is Alpha-Gal Syndrome and How Can a Chiropractor Help?
Alpha-Gal Syndrome, or AGS, is a medical condition caused by a severe allergy to red meat. It can be caused by a tick bite, and symptoms can be mild to severe. While there is no cure for AGS, your symptoms can be managed so that your quality of life improves. At Skaggs Chiropractic, our chiropractor Dr. Steven Skaggs has extensive experience diagnosing and treating AGS in Joplin, MO.
What Is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?
AGS is a serious food allergy that is triggered by the consumption of red meat. It is caused by tick bites, and you are more likely to get it if you are bitten more than once. Some ticks’ saliva contains a molecule called alpha-gal. Alpha-gal is a carbohydrate molecule that is found in mammals, and not humans. If this molecule enters your bloodstream, it can cause a sensitivity to red meat. Eating red meat triggers an immune system response and your body reacts like red meat is harmful.
What Are the Symptoms of Alpha-Gal Syndrome?
AGS causes an allergic reaction. The symptoms include:
- Itchy skin
- Flushing or redness
- Hives
- Swelling of the lips, eyelids, throat, tongue, or face
- Gastrointestinal issues
How Is Alpha-Gal Syndrome Diagnosed?
If you have AGS, you will experience symptoms after eating meat, including pork, beef, rabbit, lamb, goat, buffalo, or venison. You may also experience symptoms after using medical products or medications containing the alpha-gal molecule, or products made from mammals, like gelatin, cow’s milk, and cosmetics. We may take blood tests, do a physical exam, discuss your symptoms and your work and home environment, evaluate your diet, and have you start an elimination diet. We may also do a skin prick test.
How Can a Chiropractor Treat Alpha-Gal Syndrome?
The treatment for AGS includes avoiding foods and products containing alpha-gal, including red meat. You may also need to take medications. Dr. Skaggs recommends hyperbaric Oxygen therapy, or HBOT, to manage symptoms of AGS. HBOT delivers 90-94% pure Oxygen to your body and can improve immune system response, treat allergies, and get rid of skin rashes, irritation, and hives.
Get Treatment for Alpha-Gal Syndrome in Joplin, MO
If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of HBOT for Alpha-Gal Syndrome, visit us at Skaggs Chiropractic. Dr. Skaggs and his team will run diagnostic testing, assess your overall health, discuss your symptoms and treatment options, and determine if you are a good candidate for HBOT for AGS. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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