Allergies

Whether you have year-round allergies or sneezing, congestion, and itching that make you miserable during certain seasons, you can get treatment that eases your symptoms from the experienced Alpha Advantage team in Lakeway, San Antonio, and Plano, Texas. Their comprehensive care includes advanced allergy testing, personalized treatment, and immunotherapy that relieves your allergies and eases your symptoms. Call the nearest office or request an appointment online today.

What causes allergies? 

Allergies begin when your immune system tags a harmless substance as a potential danger. That substance becomes an allergen, and your immune system triggers a reaction every time you encounter it.

The most common allergens include:

• Pollen (from trees, grass, weeds, or flowers)
• Mold spores
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Poison ivy and oak
• Insect venom
• Nickel
• Latex
• Certain medicines
• Food proteins

Peanuts, milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and sesame cause most food allergies.

What symptoms do allergies cause?

As a group, allergies cause the following symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Congested nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Itchy nose, mouth, or eyes
• Red, itchy rash
• Dry, scaly skin
• Hives
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain 

Food, insect venom, medication, and latex allergies can trigger a severe, life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. This reaction occurs rapidly, causing:

• Swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat
• Swelling in the body (angioedema)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Confusion
• Fainting

At the first anaphylactic symptom, you must immediately use a self-injecting epinephrine pen (if you have one) and call 911 for emergency medical attention.

How are allergies diagnosed and treated?

The skilled Alpha Advantage team offers comprehensive allergy services, including the following:

Allergy testing

Your provider does a skin prick test to identify your specific allergens. During the test, they place a small drop of the suspected allergens on your arm and gently prick the skin. In about 15 minutes, an itchy, red bump appears under the substance that causes your allergies.

Customized treatment

Your provider discusses your allergy test results and develops a treatment plan. Your treatment may begin with a plan to avoid allergens and medications to ease your symptoms.

You may also need a prescription for an epinephrine pen if you have an allergy that puts you at risk for anaphylaxis.

Allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots)

Your Alpha Advantage provider injects a small amount of your allergen. Regular injections and gradually increasing doses make your immune system less reactive, and your symptoms improve.

You may experience symptom relief in a few months to a year, but most people need regular shots for several years to get the best results. The Alpha Advantage team provides ongoing monitoring to ensure you achieve the best possible results.

Call Alpha Advantage or book your next allergy appointment online today.