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.
What to look out for
AGS reactions can be different from person to person. They can range from mild to severe, and some may be life-threatening. People may not have the same allergic reaction after every exposure to products containing alpha-gal.
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).
When to seek emergency care
Seek immediate emergency care if you are having a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction involving multiple organ systems.
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
- A combination of symptoms referred to as anaphylaxis
