I was recently diagnosed with this "new" rare food allergy which manifests as an "itchy panic attack." Discovered in 2007, it is only found in the South East US aligned with the distribution of the lone star tick. This allergy manifests with hives and my prescribed medication for the allergic response is an epi-pen!
Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, or Alpha-Gal for short, is a delayed allergy to mammal meat affecting a growing number of the population. This allergy is initially caused by the Lone Star tick bite. Since the reaction to eating mammal meat is delayed by several hours, the proper diagnosis is often missed or misdiagnosed. People who are afflicted with the Alpha-Gal allergy have to be constantly vigilant about the ingredients they consume, because an allergic reaction can be severe and life-threatening.
http://alpha-gal.org/
Alpha Gal - Rare Food Allergy in the Southeast Caused by Lone Star Tick
Amanda, so sorry to hear you have developed this allergy. It truly sounds scary.
Blessings & prayers for you & your garden this year.
Cris
Thank you M'dear.
I haven't had an episode since I was diagnosed because now I know what's causing it, and I know what to avoid.
It was hideously frightening though. My mother had severe food allergies, so I'm not surprised to have this now. In fact, she had prednisone to take in case her throat would swell. Yes, that was scary too.
Good to see you - nice to be back.
xo
A.