Patient Education
Pollen Counts
Allergic Rhinitis
Food Allergies
Alpha-gal Allergy
If you are you allergic to beef and pork, you may also be allergic to gelatin. Read about the ground-breaking testing available for this allergy otherwise known as also known as meat allergy or Mammalian Meat Allergy (MMA). You can learn all about this type of allergy and
Alpha-Gal Syndrome: Could a Tick Bite Be Behind Your Symptoms?
If you’ve experienced unexplained hives, stomach pain, or allergic reactions hours after eating red meat, you may want to learn about Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). This tick-triggered allergy is on the rise across Arkansas and the surrounding region. Our own Dr. Tina Merritt, who was part of the original team that discovered AGS and helped develop its diagnostic testing, recently spoke with 40/29 News to help our community better understand it. Watch the segment below to learn what Alpha-gal is, how it’s diagnosed, and what steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.
WEBINAR REPLAY: Taking a Bite Out of Alpha-Gal Syndrome: How to Prevent and Manage Tick-Borne Food Allergy, January 31, 2024
In this recorded webinar, viewers will gain a comprehensive introduction to Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS)—a tick-borne condition that causes an allergic reaction to mammalian meat and products containing mammalian-derived ingredients, such as certain pharmaceuticals and vaccines, after exposure to the alpha-gal sugar molecule.
The session covers:
- The latest scientific insights and developments around AGS
- How AGS is diagnosed and tested
- Key support needs for AGS patients of all ages
- Navigating dietary restrictions and becoming an “ingredient detective”
- Pharmaceutical considerations including OTC meds, prescriptions, and vaccines
- Social and emotional challenges in daily life—at work, school, and in healthcare interactions


