ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGIES

Environmental Allergies Specialist

If you’re among the 50 million people in the United States who suffer from the sneezing and congestion brought on by environmental allergies, you can receive personalized treatment at Apex Allergy and Asthma. At our two San Antonio, Texas offices, allergy specialist Mark Stahl, DO, provides on-site environmental allergy testing to identify your allergy triggers. Dr. Stahl also designs a treatment plan to help you manage your environmental allergy symptoms year-round.

Call the Apex Allergy and Asthma office nearest you to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online today.

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Environmental Allergies Q & A

What are environmental allergies?
Environmental allergies involve your immune system’s response to substances in the environment that aren’t usually harmful. Common triggers of environmental allergies include:
- Dust
- Mold
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Insect bites
- Cigarette smoke
Coming into contact with these allergens can trigger a wide range of symptoms, running from mild to severe.
What are the symptoms of environmental allergies?
Making contact with an environmental allergen can cause symptoms like:
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Headaches
- Persistent fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nasal congestion
If you suffer from contact dermatitis, a rash that develops from contact with allergens, you might experience itchy, inflamed skin that’s dry and flaky.
In some cases, environmental allergies can trigger asthma, a serious condition that inflames your airways, making it hard to breathe.
If these symptoms interfere with your quality of life or your ability to stay active, schedule a consultation at Apex Allergy and Asthma.
How are environmental allergies diagnosed?

Apex Allergy and Asthma offers on-site allergy testing to gather information on what’s triggering your environmental allergies. They order blood work to identify antibodies that your body produces when reacting to an allergen.
The allergy specialists also offer skin prick tests that expose you to known allergens. They prick your skin with small amounts of allergens and monitor your results. If a red welt forms at the test site, you might have an allergy to the substance.
How are environmental allergies treated?

Your treatment plan for environmental allergies can include:

Medications
Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines reduce symptoms of environmental allergies. Some people need to take these medications year-round to prevent severe allergy symptoms.

Immunotherapy
Apex Allergy and Asthma also offers immunotherapy (allergy shots). By injecting a small amount of a known allergen into your skin, the allergists gradually reduce your body’s reaction to the substance.
You can also receive sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), a treatment that involves placing small amounts of allergens under your tongue.
Rush immunotherapy provides faster relief from your allergy symptoms. You receive immunotherapy shots on a shorter timeline than traditional immunotherapy.
If you undergo cluster immunotherapy, you’ll receive several allergy injections during each visit to build up your body’s tolerance to known allergens.

Lifestyle changes
You can also benefit from making lifestyle changes that help you avoid airborne allergens like dust and mold. Use indoor air filters to trap these allergens in your home and vacuum often to reduce pet dander, dust mites, and other known environmental allergens.
At the height of allergy season, especially in the spring and fall, stay indoors when pollen counts are high, and be sure to keep your windows closed.
To learn more about available treatments for environmental allergies, call the Apex Allergy and Asthma office nearest you or schedule an appointment online today.