Allergy Testing and Treatments in San Antonio

Allergies can be an annoyance or a life-threatening condition. Common allergens include pollen, dust, shellfish, nuts, and certain medications. Identifying the specific cause of an allergy is the first critical step in planning effective treatment. Once the allergens causing your symptoms are identified, a custom treatment plan will be developed to alleviate symptoms and help you live a happier, more comfortable quality of life.

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Personalized Allergy Treatment Strategies

At San Antonio ENT, our allergy specialists offer a range of treatments for real-world allergy relief, including:

Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots): A long-term treatment designed to decrease sensitivity to allergens. Patients receive injections containing tiny amounts of the allergen, gradually increasing to build tolerance and reduce allergy symptoms.
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): An alternative to injections, SLIT involves placing a tablet containing the allergen under the tongue daily. It’s effective for environmental and specific food allergies, enhancing tolerance to allergens with minimal side effects.
Medication Management: Utilizes antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids to relieve symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and congestion. Medications are tailored to the individual’s specific allergy profile and symptom severity.
Environmental Control Strategies: Recommendations to minimize exposure to allergens, such as air purifiers, avoiding outdoor activities during high pollen counts, and dust mite-proof bedding.
Nasal Irrigation: A saline solution is used to flush out allergens from the nasal passages, helping to relieve nasal congestion and irritation.
Allergen Avoidance: Personalized guidance on how to avoid known allergens, including dietary advice for food allergies and tips for reducing exposure to environmental allergens

What Sets San Antonio ENT Apart?

Our ear, nose, and throat specialists at San Antonio ENT are committed to providing cutting-edge, compassionate care. Our board-certified physicians are highly specialized professionals united in the goal of offering state-of-the-art, empathetic, and cost-efficient allergy treatments in San Antonio.

Our focus is to identify the underlying cause of an allergic reaction and alleviate the symptoms associated with allergies to bring long-term relief. Our comprehensive approach to allergy care encompasses advanced diagnostic techniques, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support.

Allergy Testing and Treatment

Our ENT providers care for patients who suffer from allergies. We offer an allergy skin test via a multiprick device that allows our allergy staff to determine skin’s reactions to the allergen extract. We also offer a blood test in order to test for pollen, other irritants and certain foods.

Along with allergy testing, we offer treatment for allergies at all of our locations. Besides therapy with medications, we can improve long-term sufferers by providing immunotherapy, either by allergy injections or by allergy drops (SLIT).

Allergy Symptoms

Runny or Stuffy Nose: An overflow or blockage in the nasal passages caused by the body’s reaction to allergens, leading to discomfort and breathing difficulties.
Sneezing: A reflex action to clear the nasal airways of irritants and allergens, often occurring in rapid succession.
Itchy, Watery Eyes: Irritation and excessive tear production in the eyes triggered by allergen exposure, causing discomfort and blurred vision.
Itchy Throat or Mouth: A tingling or itching sensation in the throat or mouth area, often due to airborne or ingested allergens.
Coughing: A physical response to clear the throat and airways of mucus or irritants, which can be persistent.
Skin Rashes or Hives: Red, itchy, and sometimes swollen patches on the skin caused by an allergic reaction to food, medication, or environmental factors.
Fatigue: General tiredness and lack of energy, which can be a less obvious symptom of chronic allergy sufferers due to poor sleep or the body’s reaction to fighting allergens.
Shortness of Breath or Wheezing: Difficulty breathing or a whistling sound when breathing out, often associated with asthma or severe allergic reactions.
Swelling of the Lips, Face, Tongue, or Throat: Medically termed “angioedema,” this reaction can affect breathing and is a severe allergic reaction requiring immediate medical attention.
Hives, Low Blood Pressure, Weak, Rapid Pulse, Dizziness, Fainting: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening symptom, occurring seconds or minutes after exposure to an allergen. The body can go into shock from the flood of chemicals released by the immune system.

These symptoms can vary in severity and may occur as a single symptom or in combination, depending on sensitivity and type of allergen.

Comprehensive Allergy Testing

At San Antonio ENT, we employ a comprehensive range of allergy testing methods to identify allergens accurately. These tests allow us to develop custom treatment plans.

Skin Prick Testing

This is the most common form of allergy testing. Small amounts of suspected allergens are applied to the skin, usually on the forearm or back, and the skin then gently pricked or scratched. If a raised, red welt (similar to a mosquito bite) appears, it indicates a possible allergy to that substance.

Intradermal Testing

Intradermal testing may be used for allergens not identified by skin prick test. A small amount of the allergen is injected just under the skin. This method is often used to detect environmental or medication allergies.

Patch Testing

Patch tests primarily identify skin allergies (contact dermatitis). Patch tests involve placing patches treated with potential allergens on the skin, typically on the back. The patches remain in place for several days to check for reactions.

Blood Testing (Specific IgE tests)

When skin testing is impossible, blood tests can measure the amount of IgE antibodies to specific allergens in the blood. This data can help identify allergies to foods, dust mites, pet dander, and pollen.

Component Testing

This is a more specific type of blood testing used to identify allergies to specific components of an allergen. It’s beneficial in assessing food allergies, where it can determine the risk of a systemic reaction.

Spirometry (Pulmonary Function Testing)

Though not a direct test for allergies, spirometry can help assess how well your lungs work by measuring airflow. It helps diagnose asthma, which allergies can trigger.

The allergy testing performed by our allergy specialists at San Antonio ENT allows us to diagnose and treat your unique allergy profile. San Antonio ENT is your dedicated partner in allergy care, offering state-of-the-art testing and treatment options to address and manage your allergies effectively. If you’re seeking comprehensive allergy solutions, reach out to us to learn more about how we can help you achieve lasting relief.