Most people have heard of the most common tick-borne illnesses like Lyme & Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Many have heard of Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis & Tularemia. But most doctors aren't even familiar with one of the most recently discovered tick-related illnesses called Alpha Gal Syndrome. I know I hadn't learned of it until I moved to the South.
I feel fortunate to have done this interview with Board Certified Internist/Pediatrician Dr. Laura Diefendorf. In this podcast episode you'll learn all about Alpha Gal including the answers to the following questions:
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- What is alpha gal?
- Why hadn’t I heard of it until I moved to the South?
- How does one get alpha gal?
- What actually is alpha-galactosidase?
- What is the physical reaction that occurs?
- Is it similar to an immediate allergic or anaphylactic reaction?
- What are some symptoms of alpha gal allergy?
- Why is alpha gal so difficult to diagnose?
- How long does it usually take to come to a diagnosis?
- How long ago was alpha gal discovered?
- How long after ingesting mammalian meat does it take for the reaction to occur?
- What kinds of food products can elicit the alpha gal reaction?
- What type of test can help diagnose alpha gal syndrome?
- Are there other diagnostic criteria?
- What other factors can exacerbate a reaction?
- What are the risks associated with repeat tick exposures?
- What types of ticks carry the alpha gal carbohydrate complex?
- What are some primary prevention strategies?
- Is there treatment?
- Does the reaction improve over time if there is no repeat exposure?
- Can alpha gal patients ever eat mammalian meat again?
- What about dairy?
- Can this condition be life threatening?
- What other precautions need to be taken to prevent reaction?
- Are children affected differently than adults?
- Where can I find reliable information about such a new and rare disease?
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Dr. Laura Diefendorf is double board certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. Her practice is Duke Primary Care in Henderson, NC
https://www.dukehealth.org/find-doctors-physicians/laura-p-diefendorf-md
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Thanks so much for listening!
There's lots more on my website:
www.drlexlifestylemedicine.com
and....
If you love the music, check out:
www.therealmichaelvm.com/music
All my love & gratitude to:
my guests: Dr. Laura Diefendorf,
my inspiration: my patients,
my idea guy: Edward,
my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,
my tech & equipment guy: Pop,
my angel: Susie,
my music & sound guy: Mike VM,
my mascots: Jules & Penny Sue,
my creative director: Emily,
my love, Michael.
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