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Complications of Tick Bites

Most people know about the dangers of tick bites for causing serious diseases like Lyme’s disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever, but few are aware of a new complication that can arise as a result of a tick bite. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology a bite from a Lone Star Tick can cause someone to develop a severe allergy to meat. You can identify a Lone Star Tick by the single white dot in the center of its back.

The allergy to meat is primarily red meat, which would include beef, pork and venison. It can also develop over time to include allergies to poultry. This is a life altering allergy because it will completely change the way that you eat. It is important to recognize the signs of an allergic reaction to meat. This includes:

  • Developing hives

  • Stuffy nose

  • Severe nausea and stomach cramps,

  • Anaphylaxis shock

The type of allergy is different from other food allergies because the allergic reaction will not happen while you are eating. Instead the symptoms may take several hours to develop. Some people will not be aware of what made them become sick because the delay is so long.

The good news is that there are two tests you can take to determine if you are allergic to meat. The skin test involves injecting some of the allergen just below the surface of the skin to gauge the body’s reaction. The blood test will look for IgE antibodies and can take longer to process.

Living with Meat Allergies

Many people who develop meat allergies as result of a tick bite are hunters or outdoorsmen. Often this coincides with a love of meat, barbecues and grilling. It can be devastating to realize that you have to make such a large lifestyle change in order to stay alive. Each allergic reaction will be worse than the previous one, so it is important to stop eating red meat immediately.

  1. Once you determine you are allergic to red meat, you can try eating the alternatives of poultry and seafood. You should carefully monitor your reactions when eating this since many people do eventually become allergic to poultry too.

  2. Find other foods to grill and cook. Although you may no longer be able to grill steaks, there are great alternatives that will allow you to grill up tasty treats with your friends at a barbecue. Portobello mushroom burgers are a popular alternative to a hamburger. You can also grill vegetables and other foods. Since allergies are involved, it would be best to have two different grills to avoid cross contamination and an allergy attack. Keeping the red meat on one and the other options on the other grill should do the trick.

  3. Try ethnic foods and vegan or vegetarian alternatives. There are a variety of dishes from other countries that are packed with flavor and so good that you may not miss the meat in the dish. Some ideas include a vegetarian Aloo Gobi Masala or a Vegetable Red or Yellow curry.

Be sure to follow your doctor’s advice when it comes to avoiding meat and meat products. You may also want to purchase an EPIpen in case you have an allergic reaction.

Preventing Meat Allergies

The best way to prevent developing meat allergies from the Lone Star Tick is to avoid being bitten. This means dressing in long pants and sleeves and tucking in your pants to your socks. It also means using a strong insect repellent that includes DEET as an active ingredient. Another option to consider is having your yard and home treated for ticks by professionals like EcoTek. This treatment can protect you and your family members from having to deal with the nightmare of a meat allergy.


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