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What to Expect this Spring Season

What to Expect this Spring Season

Spring or 2022 has sprung and your allergies might have already made you aware of it…

Pollen and other allergens play a considerable part in affecting many Texans’ lives during the
springtime. Trees produce pollen for their reproduction and spread by wind, whereas flowering
plants depend on insects to spread their pollen. Here’s what to expect this Spring season.

Common Texas tree pollens include:

Oak
Ash
Elm
Pecan
Cottonwood

Those who suffer from pollen allergies can have moderate to severe levels of symptoms like:

Sneezing
Watery, puffy, and itchy eyes
Stuffy nose
Coughing
Wheezing
Difficulty breathing

What can you do to prevent these triggers?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to cure allergies, but there certainly are ways to reduce and
prevent them:
Keep windows closed (especially in the early mornings)
Bathing in the evenings to remove pollen and keep bedding clean
Clean bedding weekly with hot water to remove any allergens
Check pollen count in your city each morning and prepare before you leave your home (P.S. We post San

Antonio’s pollen counts daily on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter– follow us!)

Change your clothes after you’ve been outside
Vacuum and sweep floors weekly (possibly daily, if you have pets)

You can always treat your allergies either through OTC medications or prescribed medication/
biologics.

If you believe you suffer from allergies that affect your daily life, schedule an appointment today
with one of our board-certified providers. We want to help enhance your quality of life and more.

Call us today at 210-616-0882.

March 24, 2022/by Kayla Gomez

Allergies, English, Health, Recipes

Refreshing, Allergy-friendly Recipes for the Summer

Kids are home for the summer and this heat is unreal. You need to keep them busy while you work from home. What do you do?

Family time can be a great and memorable time these days, and what better way to spend time together than by making refreshing allergy-friendly snacks!

Here are 5 refreshing recipes to make your family and friends with allergies on a hot, summer day.

Black Cacao Nice Cream

Ingredients:
- 4 frozen bananas
- ½ cup canned full fat coconut milk
- ¼ cup cacao powder
- 1 tsp activated charcoal
- 1 to 2 tsp agave OR sub honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup non-dairy milk

Instructions:
- Blend coconut milk, cacao powder, charcoal, and agave until smooth. Add frozen bananas and blend using the tamper tool until smooth and creamy. Adding up to 1/4 cup non-dairy milk only as needed.
- If you want scoopable ice cream, pour into a freezer-friendly airtight container, or a bread pan and top with plastic wrap. Freeze for 3-6 hours until frozen and allow to thaw 5-15 minutes before scooping.
- Scoop into a bowl or cone, add desired toppings, and enjoy!

Raspberry Chocolate Protein Popsicles

Makes around 6 popsicles, depending on the size of your molds.

Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- One 12-ounce package of frozen raspberries
- 1 cup full fat coconut milk
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 1 scoop Bob’s Red Mill Chocolate Nutritional Booster
- Optional: 2-3 tsp pure maple syrup OR agave

Instructions:
- Place all of the ingredients in your blender. Blend until everything is smooth. Taste and add the sweetener if needed
- Pour into popsicle molds and allow to freeze completely, 6 hours overnight.
- When you’re ready to serve, run warm water over the popsicle mold, until you can slide the popsicle out.

Mango Lava Flow Smoothies

Ingredients
- Mango Puree:
  - ½ cup Dole frozen mango chunks
  - ½ cup coconut milk carton or can, preferably light or it will be thick and hard to blend
- Pina Colada smoothie
  - 1 cup Dole frozen pineapple chunks
  - ½ cup greek yogurt plain or vanilla, or dairy-free yogurt alternative
  - 1 cup coconut milk carton or can, preferably light or it will be thick and hard to blend
  - ½ cup ice (depending on desired consistency)
  - 1 tsp honey, sweeten to taste
  - Optional: ¼ tsp coconut extract
  - Optional: 2 maraschino cherries

Instructions:
- Mango Puree:
  - Combine the mango and coconut milk in a blender and puree until smooth.
  - Set aside in the blender if you have a second blender jar or in a pitcher or measuring cup.
- Pina Colada smoothie
  - Combine the pineapple, yogurt, coconut milk, and ice in a blender and puree until smooth.
- To serve:
  - Pour a small amount of the mango puree into each of the two glasses. Top each with about a quarter of the pina colada smoothie and a little more mango puree. Pour half of the remaining pina colada smoothie in each glass and top with the remaining mango puree.

Triple Berry Kiwi Smoothies- Immunity Boosting

Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- ¾ cup frozen raspberries
- ½ cup frozen blueberries
- 2 kiwi (peeled and sliced)
- 1 cup of orange juice

Instructions:
- Place frozen berries in a blender and let them thaw for 10 minutes.
- Add kiwi and orange juice and blend on high until smooth.
- Garnish with desired fruit and enjoy!

Fizzy Pineapple Punch

Ingredients:
- One 12-ounce can of frozen pineapple juice concentrate thawed
- One 6-ounce can of frozen limeade concentrate thawed
- 1 ½ cups cold water
- 1-liter club soda chilled
- Assorted fruit: strawberries raspberries, blueberries, oranges, limes, and pineapple)
- Optional: garnish such as fresh mint
Instructions:
- Pour thawed pineapple juice concentrate and thaw limeade concentrate in a large pitcher
- Add cold water and most of the club soda (reserve about ⅓ cup)
- Stir to combine and chill until cold
- Add ice cubes and assorted fruits to serving glasses and pour in chilled punch
- Garnish as desired and top off glasses with a splash of extra club soda

We hope that these recipes will help you and your family find great new snacks and spend more time together. Thank you, A Whisk and Two Wands, Allergy Awesomeness, Cupcakes, and Kale Chips, the pretty bee, and The Chunky Chef for providing these recipes, respectively.

If you suspect you or a loved one has food allergies, call Allergy SA at (210) 616-0882 to schedule an appointment with a board-certified allergist. Same day appointments are available.

June 23, 2021/by Kayla Gomez

Allergies, English, Health

15 Allergy Friendly & Affordable Easter Candy

Easter is right around the corner and we want to make sure that you are fully aware of what your children will eat this weekend. We have made a list of 15 affordable Easter treats that exclude some of the most common allergens so you can have a fun and safe Easter weekend!

Amanda’s Own Confections: Jelly Beans

This product is dairy-free, nut-free, peanut-free, gluten-free, wheat-free, soy-free, egg-free, sesame-free, mustard-free, shellfish-free and crustacean-free. NOT vegan.
Price: ranges from $7.25 – $8.25

Chocolate Emporium: Chocolate bunnies

This product is dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan and parve.
Price: $4.85 each

Double Bubble: Egg shaped gumballs

This product is nut-free gluten-free, shellfish-free, egg-free and kosher.
Price: $1.00

Evolved: Chocolate bars

This product is gluten-free, dairy-free, cane sugar-free, soy-free and vegan. Check website for more flavors and ingredient listings.
Price: $4.99

free2b Foods: Chocolate butter cups

This product is gluten-free, egg-free, fish-free, peanut-free, shellfish-free, soy-free, tree nut-free and wheat-free. Check website for more flavors and ingredient listings.
Price: $2.50

No Whey Foods: Chocolate lollipops

This product is dairy-free, milk-free, lactose-free, peanut-free, tree nut-free, egg-free, soy-free, wheat-free, gluten-free and vegan.
Price: $3.95 each

Spangler: Dumdum fruity bunny pops

This product is dairy-free, gluten-free, tree nut-free, peanut-free, egg-free, soy-free, and fat-free.
Price: $2.99

Jelly Belly Candy Company: Sunkist fruit gems

This product is fat-free, peanut-free, gluten-free, kosher and vegan.
Price: $7.59

Tootsie Roll: Easter Midgees

This product is egg-free, tree nut-free, coconut-free, sesame-free, gluten free, wheat-free, shellfish-free and kosher.
Price: $9.99

Vermont Nut Free Chocolates: Marshmallow on a stick

This product is peanut-free, tree nut-free, coconut-free, sesame-free, fish-free, shellfish-free and kosher.
Price: $3.95 each

YumEarth: Licorice

This product is peanut-free, gluten-free, tree nut-free, milk-free, egg-free, fish-free, shellfish-free, soy-free and vegan. Check website for more flavors and ingredient listings.

Enjoy Life Foods: Chocolate Minis

This product is wheat-free, dairy-free, soy-free, sulfate-free, lupin-free, fish-free, crustaceans-free, peanut-free, tree nut-free, casein-free, egg-free, sesame-free, mustard-free and shellfish-free. Check website for more flavors and ingredient listings.
Price: $4.99

Skip’s Candies: Marsh Pops

This product is peanut-free, tree nut-free, and coconut-free.
Price: $3.25

Bo & Ty: Gummy worms

This product is nut-free and gluten-free.
Price: $6.14

Smarties (American): anything!

All of their product is gluten-free, milk-free, egg-free, fish-free, shellfish-free, tree nut-free, peanut-free, wheat-free, soy-free and vegan.
Price: starting at $2.89

We hope that you stay safe this weekend and enjoy all of the sweets and always remember to look at ingredients label before you consume your candy.

If you believe that your child has food allergies, please call AllergySA to schedule an appointment with one of our providers at 210-616-0882.

Happy Easter!

March 31, 2021/by Kayla Gomez

Allergies, English, Health, Illness

Is It Mountain Cedar Allergies or COVID-19?

Venn Diagram of COVID and Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases

Are you feeling a slight sniffle, cough or headache? This winter brings an extra layer of worry for mountain cedar sufferers as they try to decipher the difference between mountain cedar allergies and COVID-19.

The CDC has shared this helpful Venn diagram showing the differences and similarities of seasonal allergies to COVID-19. The biggest difference is that COVID-19 may cause: fever, chills, body aches, loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea while seasonal allergies will not.

If you are experiencing a mixture of these symptoms it could be possible that you have contracted the COVID-19 virus while also being affected by mountain cedar pollen in the air. The only way to know for sure is by getting a COVID-19 test.

Taking extra precaution to wear a mask and social distance this winter is advised. If you believe that you may have COVID-19, be sure to get tested and quarantine to avoid spreading the virus to others. If you are having trouble breathing, or other emergency warning signs, seek emergency medical care immediately.

AllergySA is not a current testing site for COVID-19. For a list of testing locations please visit: https://covid19.sanantonio.gov/What-YOU-Can-Do/Testing#TestingLocation

A COVID-19 Vaccine is days away from approval. For up to date information on the vaccination, visit our COVID-19 Information page at: https://allergysa.com/covid19/#COVID-Vaccination

December 10, 2020/by Kayla Gomez

Allergies, English, Health

First Patient Reaches Maintenance Phase of Palforzia® – New FDA Approved Peanut Allergy Treatment

Congratulations to Claire for being our first peanut allergy patient to reach the maintenance phase of Palforzia®.

Palforzia® is the first and only standardized oral immunotherapy treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to minimize the incidence and severity of an allergic reaction from accidental exposure to peanuts.

Early this year, AllergySA was the first to introduce Palforzia® to the San Antonio area and is now the second in the nation to have a patient reach the maintenance phase. The treatment involves an up-dosing phase first administered in an allergist’s office every 2 weeks for about 6 months. Once up-dosing has been completed, the patient will continue taking the maintenance dose at home daily.

To start treatment, the patient needs to be between the ages of 4 and 17 with a confirmed diagnosis of peanut allergy. In the event of accidental peanut exposure, Palforzia® can help reduce the risk of a severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis.

Palforzia® is covered by all major insurances including Medicaid. To find out if Palforzia® is right for your family, schedule an appointment with AllergySA at 210-616-0882.

November 9, 2020/by Kayla Gomez

Allergies, English, News

San Antonio Express-News: San Antonio Clinics to Offer First Drug To Treat Peanut Allergies

Dr. Lukena Karkhanis and AllergySA were featured on the front page the San Antonio Express-News on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 as one of the first clinics in San Antonio to offer the newly approved peanut allergy drug, named Palforzia.

“This will definitely be a game-changer, and it decreases their chances of a severe reaction,” said Dr. Lukena Karkhanis of AllergySA, who treats Claire and dozens of other South Texas children with peanut allergies.

To see if Palforzia is right for your peanut allergic child, call AllergySA at 210-616-0882 to schedule an appointment.

February 11, 2020/by Kayla Gomez

Allergies, English, News

New Peanut Allergy Treatment

Dr. Lukena Karkhanis of AllergySA was interviewed by News4SanAntonio.com on the first ever FDA approved treatment for peanut allergies named Palforzia.

“[A peanut allergy] restricts where they can vacation, it restricts where they can travel, it restricts what they can participate in terms of extracurricular activities, where the parent will not be there at all times. I think Palforzia will be a big game changer there,” Karkhanis said.

To find out if Palforzia is the right treatment for your peanut allergic child, contact AllergySA at 210-616-0882 to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified allergists.

February 6, 2020/by Kayla Gomez

Allergies, English, Health

Is the Flu Shot Safe If I Am Allergic to Eggs?

With flu season just around the corner comes the very common question: “Can I get a flu shot if I am allergic to eggs?” Most types of influenza vaccine contain a very small amount of egg protein causing people to second guess the safety of flu shots if they are allergic to eggs. Contrary to what most think, research has shown that the administration of the flu vaccine is safe for those with egg allergies.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests avoiding flu shots only if you have had a severe allergic reaction to the flu vaccine itself. If you’ve had a mild or severe allergic reaction to eggs, the CDC advises the following:

If eggs cause only hives you can safely get the flu vaccine appropriate for your age and health status anywhere.

If eggs cause swelling, trouble breathing, lightheadedness, recurrent vomiting, or if you’ve had to use an emergency intervention (like your Epi-Pen®), you can get a flu shot, but it must be in a medical setting supervised by a provider who can recognize and manage severe allergic reactions.

If you’ve had a reaction to eggs in the past, talk to your doctor. They may choose to give you the vaccine in their office or send you to an allergist.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, a large number of research studies published over the last several years have proved that thousands of egg-allergic children, including those with a severe life-threatening reaction to eating eggs, have received injectable influenza vaccine as a single dose without a reaction. The flu is responsible for the hospitalization of more than 21,100 children under the age of five annually, yet the CDC says nowhere near enough children are vaccinated every year. According to their statistics, only 55 percent of children ages 5 to 17 get the vaccination.

For more information, or to get your flu shot in our office, speak with a medical assistant during your next office or allergy shot visit.

October 8, 2019/by allergysa

Allergies, English, Health

Ragweed Allergy

The primary reason for fall allergies in the United States is ragweed pollen. A ragweed plant only lives one season, but it is very powerful. A single plant can produce up to 1 billion pollen grains. These grains are very lightweight and float easily through the air. Allergies occur when the body’s immune system treats an allergen, such as ragweed, like a foreign invader. This starts a chemical reaction that produces and sends histamine throughout the bloodstream causing allergy symptoms.

Symptoms of ragweed allergy are similar to those of other pollen allergies including:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion • Headaches
• Irritated eyes • Itchy throat

The best way to control your allergy is to minimize contact with the pollen. There is no cure for ragweed allergy but it can be managed. Receiving the correct diagnosis is the first step in managing your symptoms. An allergist will give you a physical exam, ask about your health history and perform allergy testing to determine exactly what you are and are not allergic to.

Remember that pollen can go into your home via your clothes, your hair or your pet — so change your clothes after being outside for long periods, shower before going to bed and wash your hands after petting an animal that has been outside. Also, keep your windows closed at all times, both at home and in the car.

People who experience ragweed allergies are also often sensitive to certain foods. This is because some plants can contain pollen that is similar to ragweed. This condition is known as oral allergy syndrome. Some foods that may cause symptoms in a person with a ragweed allergy include bananas, cantaloupes, chamomile tea, cucumber, honey that contains pollen, sunflower seeds, or zucchini.

Ragweed allergies can be treated with antihistamines and other allergy medications. Your allergist/immunologist can provide a long-term treatment plan which can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms caused by allergic rhinitis. Schedule an appointment with one of AllergySA’s experienced medical staff by calling 210-616-0882 and allow us to assist you in detecting any allergies you may be suffering from.

September 17, 2019/by allergysa

Allergies, Spanish

Manejo de alergias alimentarias en la escuela

Es la temporada de regreso a la escuela y eso conlleva grandes responsabilidades para preparar a su estudiante para el año que viene. Para aquellos con alergias a los alimentos, prepararse para la temporada de otoño significa hacer un esfuerzo adicional para tener un año escolar seguro y saludable. Para hacer esto, saber exactamente a qué alimentos es alérgico su hijo es imprescindible y tener un plan de emergencia es una necesidad.

Antes de que comience el año escolar, es crucial tener una conversación individual con el maestro de su hijo (y la enfermera de la escuela si es posible) con respecto a todas las alergias a los alimentos y las reacciones que pueda tener su hijo. Los maestros pueden ayudar a prevenir una reacción alérgica a los alimentos en el aula siguiendo estos consejos:

Mantenga la comida fuera del aula. Si esto no es posible, todos los alimentos deben manipularse con precaución para garantizar seguridad.
Tenga una mesa de almuerzo libre de alergias para que los estudiantes con alergias alimentarias puedan sentirse cómodos mientras están en la misma habitación con diferentes tipos de alimentos.
Anime a todos los estudiantes y al personal a lavarse las manos antes y después de manipular o consumir cualquier tipo de alimento.

También es importante que el maestro de su hijo comprenda los síntomas dé una reacción alérgica a los alimentos. Revisar estos signos ayudará al maestro a reconocer cuándo ocurre una reacción y la gravedad.

Los síntomas leves a moderados de una alergia alimentaria pueden incluir uno o más de los siguientes:

Enrojecimiento de la piel, particularmente alrededor de la boca o los ojos.
Urticaria (áreas rojizas, hinchadas, con picazón alrededor de la boca)
Comezón en la boca o canal auditivo
Náuseas o vómitos
Diarrea
Dolor de estómago
Congestión nasal o secreción nasal.
Estornudos
Tos seca
Sabor extraño en la boca.

Los síntomas graves pueden incluir uno o más de los siguientes:

Hinchazón de los labios, lengua y / o garganta que bloquea la respiración.
Problemas para tragar
Falta de aliento
Caída de la presión arterial.
Pérdida de conciencia.
Dolor en el pecho
La piel azul
Sensación de muerte inminente

Tener un Plan de atención de emergencia para alergias alimentarias y anafilaxia en los archivos ayudará a los maestros a saber exactamente qué pasos tomar dependiendo de la gravedad de la reacción. Síntomas leves a moderados a menudo se tratan con antihistamínicos y se controla que la gravedad de los síntomas no aumente. Los síntomas graves pueden ser un signo de la afección potencialmente mortal conocida como anafilaxia. Este tipo de reacción requiere tratamiento inmediato con una inyección de epinefrina y atención médica urgente. Es importante que su hijo tenga un plan de alergia alimentaria y EpiPen disponible en la escuela, y que el maestro de su hijo sepa cómo usar uno en caso de que ocurra una reacción anafilactica.

La única forma de saber si su hijo es alérgico a los alimentos es visitar a un alergista certificado. El diagnóstico adecuado de una alergia alimentaria o intolerancia alimentaria es el primer paso para controlar esta afección. Programe una cita este verano con uno de los expertos médicos de AllergySA llamando al 210-616-0882 y permítanos ayudarlo a detectar cualquier alergia que su hijo pueda estar sufriendo.

August 13, 2019/by allergysa

What to Expect this Spring Season

Refreshing, Allergy-friendly Recipes for the Summer

Black Cacao Nice Cream

Raspberry Chocolate Protein Popsicles

Makes around 6 popsicles, depending on the size of your molds.

Mango Lava Flow Smoothies

Triple Berry Kiwi Smoothies- Immunity Boosting

Fizzy Pineapple Punch

15 Allergy Friendly & Affordable Easter Candy

Is It Mountain Cedar Allergies or COVID-19?

First Patient Reaches Maintenance Phase of Palforzia® – New FDA Approved Peanut Allergy Treatment

San Antonio Express-News: San Antonio Clinics to Offer First Drug To Treat Peanut Allergies

New Peanut Allergy Treatment

Is the Flu Shot Safe If I Am Allergic to Eggs?

Ragweed Allergy

Manejo de alergias alimentarias en la escuela

LOCATION INFORMATION

Medical Center

Stone Oak

Southside

CONTACT INFORMATION