At Specialty Care Clinics in McAllen, our experienced allergists utilize advanced diagnostic tools for precise allergy testing. Following identification of your specific allergens, we develop personalized treatment strategies, which may include medication management and allergy immunotherapy options like allergy shots or sublingual tablets. Our goal is to provide you with long-term relief and empower you to effectively manage your allergies. Schedule your consultation today to take the first step towards breathing easier and living more comfortably.
This common condition involves inflammation of the nasal passages triggered by airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores. Symptoms often include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy nose and eyes, and postnasal drip. While often seasonal (hence "hay fever"), it can also occur year-round depending on the specific allergens.
In individuals with allergic asthma, exposure to specific allergens can trigger asthma symptoms. These allergens cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Identifying and avoiding these triggers is crucial for managing allergic asthma and preventing exacerbations.
This chronic skin condition is often linked to allergies and involves an overactive immune response in the skin. It manifests as itchy, red, dry, and cracked skin, commonly appearing on the face, scalp, elbows, knees, and hands. While not solely caused by allergies, exposure to certain allergens can flare up eczema symptoms in susceptible individuals.
At Specialty Care Clinics in McAllen, we utilize skin prick testing as a rapid and frequently used method to detect immediate allergic responses. During this test, small amounts of allergen extracts are applied to your skin, followed by a gentle prick. Within approximately 15-20 minutes, the development of a raised, itchy bump at a specific application site indicates a positive allergy to that particular substance.
For situations where skin testing isn't ideal or provides uncertain results, Specialty Care Clinics in McAllen offers allergy blood tests. These tests analyze your blood for specific IgE antibodies linked to various allergens. Elevated levels of these antibodies indicate a sensitivity to that particular substance. This method is especially beneficial for individuals with extensive skin conditions or those using medications that can interfere with skin test accuracy.
At Specialty Care Clinics in McAllen, we utilize patch testing to identify the triggers of allergic contact dermatitis, a type of delayed skin reaction. This involves applying patches containing various potential irritants to your skin for about two days. Following removal, our specialists will assess the treated areas for any localized allergic responses like redness, swelling, or the formation of blisters.
For lasting relief from allergies, Specialty Care Clinics in McAllen provides allergy immunotherapy. This long-term treatment works by gradually making your immune system less sensitive to specific allergens through methods like allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) with increasing allergen doses, and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), using allergen tablets or drops under the tongue. Over time, this can lead to a substantial decrease in your allergic reactions and offer long-term comfort.
Specialty Care Clinics in McAllen provides various medications to alleviate allergy symptoms. These include antihistamines that block histamine, corticosteroids (available as nasal sprays, inhalers, and creams) to reduce inflammation, decongestants for nasal congestion, and leukotriene modifiers targeting inflammatory chemicals. Our experienced specialists will prescribe the most suitable medication based on your specific allergy type and its severity.
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