Alphagal (AGS) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) are kinda related but aren't the same. The Alphagal blood panel is your best friend if you suspect Alphagal, plain and simple; but since MCAS is "closely related" you should be aware of it as well.
Alphagal is "a serious, potentially life-threatening allergic condition triggered by eating red meat (beef, pork, lamb) or dairy, typically caused by a lone star tick bite. Symptoms, which may be delayed 2–6+ hours after consumption, include hives, nausea, stomach pain, and anaphylaxis. Diagnosis involves a blood test for specific antibodies, and management focuses on dietary avoidance. " (Fom Mayo Clinic).
MCAS " is a chronic, multi-systemic immune disorder where mast cells inappropriately release excessive chemical mediators, causing severe allergic-type symptoms, including hives, itching, flushing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and hypotension. It is triggered by environmental factors (stress, heat, foods) and treated with antihistamines, stabilizers, and avoiding triggers" (From Cleveland Clinic).
MCAS has way more trigger possibilities and has actual medications that can work to control it
MCAS is actually harder to diagnose since AGS only needs a simple blood test that any medical provider can order. I should specify that ER visits and immediate care centers are less likely to be able (or willing) to order these tests. Don't ask why the ER won't do the full panel of tick born illnesses cause I don't know the stupidity behind it. Immediate care centers generally have their hands tied as to what they can do, again stupidity, but I'll leave it at that.
According to a few different sites, which I cannot verify the validity of, AGS can "trigger MCAS"
The issue is the similarities, just get the tick born illness blood panel done and know if AGS is the cause.
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