Send us a text

Is It A Tummy Ache or A Tick Bite? Understanding Alpha-Gal Syndrome
How can a tiny tick bite make you allergic to your favorite steak or burger? What if your unexplained tummy aches are actually a delayed allergic reaction to the meal you ate hours ago? This is the strange reality of Alpha-Gal Syndrome.
In this fascinating episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – unravel the mysteries of this unique and increasingly common food allergy.
They dive into the surprising origin story of Alpha-Gal, explaining how it was discovered and why it's an allergy to a carbohydrate, not a protein, which turned the allergy world on its head. Learn how a tick bite transmits this allergy, why the reactions are dangerously delayed, and the crucial role of co-factors like exercise, alcohol, and high-fat meals. This is an essential guide to understanding, diagnosing, and managing this complex and often misunderstood condition.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
- The surprising origin story of Alpha-Gal Syndrome and its link to a chemotherapy drug.
- How a tick bite *actually* causes a red meat allergy (and to other mammal products).
- Why Alpha-Gal is a delayed reaction, with symptoms appearing 2-6 hours after eating.
- The danger of "just testing" for Alpha-Gal after a tick bite and the risk of false positives.
EPISODE IN A GLANCE
01:33 The Origin Story: Dr. Platts-Mills & The Cetuximab Connection
03:04 How a Tick Bite Causes Red Meat Allergy
06:12 The Danger of Over-Testing & False Positives
09:24 The "Histamine Bucket": Co-Factors That Trigger Reactions
16:26 Management & Living with Alpha-Gal (Liberalizing the Diet)
20:05 Crucial Tick Prevention Tips
WRITE A PODCAST REVIEW
SEND US A SUGGESTION
[email protected]
ABOUT HOSTS
KARA WADA, MD
Dr. Kara Wada is a quadruple board-certified physician in allergy, immunology, and lifestyle medicine, and founder of the Immune Confident Institute. As a Sjogren’s patient and life coach, she combines modern medicine with lifestyle and mindset practices to help patients harness their body's ability to heal.
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok
AMBER PATTERSON, MD
Dr. Amber Patterson is a world-renowned allergy and immunology expert pioneering the future of immunotherapy. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™ (a 3-injection allergy shot protocol), she is redefining allergy care through her practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni ILIT Learning Network.
Website
Instagram
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube

MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.