Physician awareness is crucial in distinguishing Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) from Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS), two distinct conditions with overlapping symptoms but vastly different underlying causes. A new educational initiative, made possible through an educational grant from Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation, seeks to empower healthcare providers with the knowledge necessary for accurate diagnosis and management.

CSU vs. AGS: Key Differences Physicians Need to Know

• CSU is characterized by spontaneous outbreaks of hives and swelling, often without any identifiable external trigger. It is commonly autoimmune, requiring long-term management.

• AGS, on the other hand, is triggered by a bite from the Lone Star tick and results in a delayed allergic reaction to alpha-gal, a molecule found in mammalian products. The unique delayed response in AGS—occurring hours after exposure—can make it challenging to diagnose.

  
  

Expert-Led Insights

This educational content was authored by two leading experts:

• Scott Commins, MD, PhD, William J. Yount Distinguished Professor of Medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, is a pioneer in AGS research. His work has been instrumental in advancing understanding of this emerging allergic condition.

• Sachin A. Shah, PharmD, FACC, FAHA, Professor of Pharmacy at the University of the Pacific, focuses on the pharmacological management of allergies and chronic conditions. His insights help ensure that physicians consider hidden allergens in medications when treating patients with CSU or AGS.

  
  

VeganMed’s Role in Supporting Physician Education

As a leader in ingredient transparency, VeganMed remains committed to supporting healthcare providers by offering resources that help patients make informed choices, particularly those managing complex allergic conditions.

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