Backyard Bug Patrol Publishes Helpful Content About Ticks Causing Alpha-Gal Allergy

Great Falls, Virginia -

Backyard Bug Patrol is pleased to announce its new blog post regarding ticks that cause the Alpha-Gal allergy. The informative article, along with dozens of others with information on a variety of pests and the potential threat posed by each of them, can be found at https://goo.gl/posts/uGSqU. Each post contains detailed information, answers to commonly asked questions, and more connected to the subject in question.

The blog is intended to help create awareness among people about the potential danger posed by tick bites and how they can cause allergic reactions that may have serious repercussions. “Galactose-alpha-1, 3-galactose (alpha-gal) is a carbohydrate found in the cells of many mammals that humans eat, such as cows, sheep, and pigs,” according to an article that discusses alpha-gal. It continues, “Poultry that has been injected with natural flavoring containing beef or other mammal cells may also have alpha-gal. As a result of autoimmune responses, some people become allergic to alpha-gal. People with this allergy may experience mild discomfort after eating meat, or they may have a dangerous reaction that leaves them unable to breathe. The spectrum of reactions to alpha-gal varies. Most instances of this allergy are triggered by tick bites.”

An Alpha-Gal allergy is a type of food allergy to red meat. Scientific studies have found that certain types of ticks may instigate hypersensitivity to things containing alpha-gal, including red meat, in people that they bite. Ticks that may cause the allergy include the lone star tick in the United States, the castor bean tick in Europe, the paralysis tick in Australia, and another, currently unknown, species of tick found in South Africa. Backyard Bug Patrol’s article on alpha-gal allergy can be found at https://backyardbugpatrol.com/tick-control/ticks-cause-alpha-gal-allergy/.

The symptoms of an allergic reaction to alpha-gal are quite similar to those caused by other allergic reactions. Skin reactions such as hives, itching, or eczema may signal an allergic reaction. Swelling, especially of the lips, face, tongue, throat, or other body parts is another potential sign of an allergic reaction and can be fatal if it causes some sort of obstruction. Other symptoms include shortness of breath or wheezing, a runny nose, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, sneezing, and headaches.

An article that provides further information on how the problem is becoming more and more prevalent states, “One of the strangest side effects of a tick bite—a new allergy to red meat—could be even easier to get than previously thought. New research out this weekend suggests that bites from certain ticks can cause the allergy no matter what they’ve recently bitten. The finding could overturn a commonly held theory that ticks need to have recently gorged on the blood of other mammals before they can spread a meat allergy to humans.”

Alpha-gal reactions, in many cases, typically appear three to six hours after consuming red meat. Many people remain unaware of their allergy until they consume red meat, though an Alpha-gal allergy is generally believed to be temporary. The allergy may remain for as little as eight months to as long as five years, with the severity of the allergy varying from person to person. However, it usually goes away after a while. On the other hand, those who suspect they might have bitten by a tick and are now suffering from alpha-gal allergy should seek out professional help as the allergic reaction can be life threatening.

Backyard Bug Patrol’s blog states that, “Protecting yourself from ticks is the best way to ensure that you don’t develop the allergy and can continue to enjoy red meat without reaction. Of course, it’s also important to keep yourself protected from the diseases they spread, so make sure you are using adequate tick control around your home, and wearing the right clothing should you venture into an area that is likely to have ticks.”

Besides their information on ticks and Alpha-gal allergy, Backyard Bug Patrol’s blog provides detailed information on a wide variety of topics, including the dangers of, and how to deal with, other insects like mosquitoes. In addition to this, Backyard Bug Control has received a number of Yelp reviews that attest to the trustworthiness and usefulness of their services. These reviews can be found at https://www.yelp.com/biz/backyard-bug-patrol-great-falls-2.