Our specialized allergy services are designed to screen and treat allergies at all levels from mild recurring seasonal allergies to severe allergic reactions to animals, food, and other triggers. In addition, we provide regular immunizations to help you and your family reduce the risk of serious allergic reactions and side effects as well as reducing the risk for infections.

What Are the Causes and Symptoms of Allergies?

Allergies are your immune system’s reaction to substances which aren’t typically harmful, such as pollen or dust. When you or your family members suffer from allergies, it is normally the effect of an overly sensitive immune response which results in the release of chemicals known as histamines. Histamines then trigger allergy symptoms such as coughing, itching, a stuffy nose, and a skin rash. Allergies decreases the immune system causing lack of energy, fatigue and recurrent upper respiratory infections. Some people experience severe, life-threatening allergic reactions which result in vomiting, diarrhea, and anaphylaxis.

Common allergy triggers include:

  • Pet and animal dander
  • Pollen
  • Mold
  • Dust
  • Drugs
  • Foods, especially milk, peanuts, soy, shellfish, and wheat
  • Insect venom, from bees for example
  • Hot or cold temperatures
  • Sunlight
  • Cigarette smoke

What Happens During Allergy Screening?

Our expert team of medical doctors perform allergy screening and testing to confirm whether your symptoms are caused by allergies or another health condition. Our allergy screenings include allergy skin testing or blood tests to identify the underlying cause of your allergic symptoms.

During allergy skin testing, our physician will place a small amount of an allergen (allergy-causing substance) on your skin, slightly pricking your skin and observing for signs of a reaction. Skin testing is the most common and the gold standard method of allergy screening and takes only 15 – 20 minutes to complete, but the doctor may also order blood tests which will require a short wait for results.

How Can Allergies Be Treated?

Our caring medical doctors will formulate a personalized plan for treating your allergies which may include medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants, or allergy immunotherapy as allergy shots or sublingual drops.  Allergy immunotherapy can help when symptoms are difficult to manage or allergens cannot be avoided (such as your family pet who generates pet dander). Immunotherapy as allergy injections or sublingual drops are the true treatment of allergies. These are scheduled and administered on a regular basis to help reduce your symptoms and prevent serious allergic reactions.

At Healthcare Associates of Texas, we know how allergies can affect your life, so our goal is to reduce your symptoms allowing you to live your best life comfortably without allergy symptoms. We deliver personalized care and superior treatment that is compassionate, convenient, and cost effective. Schedule an appointment or call your local clinic to discuss any questions you might have.

 

References:
https://medlineplus.gov/magazine/issues/summer11/articles/summer11pg20.html
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000812.htm
https://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm079311.htm