Misdiagnosis Of Alpha-Gal Syndrome As Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity Or Lactose Intolerance: A Diagnostic Blind Spot….
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), an emerging tick caused hypersensitivity, is getting noticed. Why?
- An unusual signs and symptoms
- delayed food-related allergic reactions.
It can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, and cramping-are common and often underrecognized.
Such common GI reports can be seen as non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and lactose intolerance. Consequently, many patients with AGS undergo:
- unnecessary dietary restrictions such as no wheat.
- Continuing to feel ill.
- misdirected therapies that waste time, are useless, and incur costs.
All 50 states have ticks carrying Bartonella, Lyme, Babesia and other tick-borne problems. So GI and family doctors much have it in mind with non-city residents.
Clinicians rarely consider AGS when evaluating chronic, unexplained food-triggered symptoms, perpetuating diagnostic blind spots. Current guidelines for evaluating NCGS and lactose intolerance seldom incorporate testing for alpha-gal IgE, despite growing evidence that a subset of misdiagnosed patients may in fact harbor AGS.
Clinically, this misclassification carries significant consequences:
Patients may continue mammalian food exposure with risk of escalating allergic reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis, while adhering to unnecessary or ineffective gluten-free or lactose-free diets.
We Must Add Alpha-Gal IgE Testing Into Gastroenterology [GI] Workups!
IN THE 80’S I LEARNED 45 SECONDS OR LESS ABOUT LYME AND TICKS.
GI doctors learn little and rarely consider this cause.
SO YOU MUST ASK FOR ALPHA-GAL IgE TESTING. WE DO ON ALL OUR INTAKES.
Source
Awosika A, Balaji P. Misdiagnosis of alpha-gal syndrome as non-celiac gluten sensitivity or lactose intolerance: A diagnostic blind spot for clinicians. World J Gastroenterol. 2026 Jan 21;32(3):116350. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v32.i3.116350. PMID: 41640614; PMCID: PMC12865371.