Allergies Specialist
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Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Central Texas
Allergy and Asthma Specialists located in Austin, TX & Cedar Park, TX
Between drug, food, environmental, and insect allergies — and everything in between — you can experience uncomfortable and even life-threatening side effects. If you have known allergies, or suspect you might be allergic to something, schedule an evaluation at Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Central Texas. With locations in Austin, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Killeen, and Round Rock, Texas, you have a clinic nearby. Book your exam online, or call your closest office directly.
Allergies Q & A
Why do I have allergies?
Allergies are your body’s abnormal reaction to an otherwise safe substance. When the invader enters your body — or when you come into contact with the allergen — your immune system goes into overdrive. It starts producing antibodies that stay on high alert for the potential foreign invader (the allergen).
Each time you’re exposed to the allergen, these antibodies release several chemicals, including histamine, which leads to the uncomfortable allergic reactions you experience. You can have allergies because of:
- A family history of allergies
- History of asthma
- Chronic skin conditions, like eczema
You can potentially become allergic to anything in your environment. Some of the most common types of allergies include airborne or environmental, food, medication, insect stings, or latex.
What are the symptoms of allergies?
Because allergic reactions can cause widespread swelling that can affect your airways — which makes breathing difficult — it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction. Depending on what you’re allergic to, you may experience:
- Sneezing or a runny nose
- Facial swelling
- Rashes or hives
- Severe itching
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
If you’re severely allergic to something, exposure to it can trigger a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. This condition, which can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness, warrants a trip to the emergency room.
How are allergies treated?
No matter how minor or how severe your allergies may be, the team of board-certified physicians and skilled practitioners at Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Central Texas can help. Most allergy sufferers who have allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, or stinging insect allergies, to name a few, benefit from immunotherapy (allergy shots).
Immunotherapy involves getting a series of injections that contain low levels of the known allergen. Your body responds to the allergen, which is given in increasing doses, so you gradually start developing an immunity or tolerance to it. Immunotherapy is so effective, it can dramatically reduce — or even stop — allergic reactions.
For severe allergies, your dedicated practitioner at Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Central Texas may even prescribe epinephrine injections to reduce symptoms during life-threatening reactions.
Get relief from allergy attacks by booking an evaluation at Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Central Texas today. Click on the online scheduler, or call your most convenient location.
