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Allergies, English

5 Ways to Avoid An Insect Sting This Summer

We are officially halfway through summer which means a sting from a bee, hornet, wasp, or fire ant is more likely to occur while enjoying outdoor activities. In this blog, we’ll explore what to look out for if you do get stung and how to treat it. It is important to keep in mind that you can still experience a mild reaction when stung but it doesn’t always mean you are allergic. Knowing the difference, along with the symptoms of an allergic reaction, is imperative to determine what steps to take next.

An allergic reaction to a stinging insect may include:
• Pain and Redness
• Swelling beyond the affected area including the face, throat or tongue
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Stomach Cramps
• Nausea
• Itchiness and hives over large areas of the body

A basic way to treat a sting includes applying a cold compress, to reduce swelling and pain, along with the use of a topical ointment to relieve itching. If symptoms are worse than redness and swelling at the sight of the insect sting, it is important to seek medical attention immediately as you may be experiencing an allergic reaction.

A fire ant sting is a bit different because it usually happens by many ants at once and the risk of infection is higher. Almost everyone stung by fire ants develops an itchy hive or lump at the site of the sting, which usually goes down within 30 minutes to an hour. This is followed by a small blister within eight to 24 hours and can become infected if scratched or opened.

Insect stings can also cause symptoms that are not considered an allergic reaction called a toxic reaction or serum sickness. A toxic reaction takes place when the insect venom acts as a poison in the body and causes symptoms such as nausea, fever, swelling, and more. Serum sickness is an unusual reaction to a foreign substance in the body that can cause similar symptoms hours or days after the sting. Visiting a board-certified allergist is the best way to differentiate an allergy from one of these reactions.

Now that we have covered symptoms, here are five ways that you can prevent stings from happening while enjoying these last weeks of summer.

  1. Avoid wearing sandals or walking barefoot in the grass.
  2. Do not drink from open beverage cans. Stinging insects will crawl inside a can attracted by the sweet beverage.
  3. Avoid brightly colored clothing and perfume when outdoors. Many stinging insects are searching for food and could confuse you with a flower.
  4. Insects are most likely to sting if their homes are disturbed, so have hives and nests around your home destroyed. This activity can be dangerous, you should hire a trained professional.
  5. Don’t swat at a flying insect. Gently brush it aside or patiently wait for it to leave. This action might make them feel threatened.

Insect sting awareness and treatment is necessary for your wellbeing and crucial to prevent further concerns. A board-certified allergist will help you verify your diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan. Immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be one of the treatment options decided on by you and your allergist as an effective long-term plan. If you think you may be allergic to an insect sting, schedule an appointment with one of AllergySA’s experienced physicians by calling 210-616-0882. If possible, bring in the dead insect to help the doctor determine your exact allergy.

July 23, 2019/by allergysa
https://secureservercdn.net/166.62.107.20/4xz.24f.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/0E42F9DC-6CEA-4EE2-B04B-D7D14F9D7667.jpg?time=1653504351 3456 5184 allergysa https://secureservercdn.net/166.62.107.20/4xz.24f.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/allergysa-logo-accredited.png allergysa2019-07-23 15:10:462020-05-21 06:25:485 Ways to Avoid An Insect Sting This Summer
Allergies, English, Health, News

What you need to know about food allergies and your child

No parent wants to see their child suffer. As a parent, one of the worst fears is that one’s child will or has developed a food allergy. Whether inherited or not, food allergies are more common in children, with research showing that about 40% of children with food allergies are usually allergic to multiple foods. If you suspect that your child might have food allergies, then you need to have them tested as soon as possible by scheduling an appointment. The earlier the detection the better in improving your child’s quality of life. The three most common food allergies are milk, egg and peanut, in that order.

Symptoms of food allergies will vary from person to person, and according to which food was consumed. Some common symptoms include vomiting, upset stomach, hives, rashes, itching, and tingling lips. Severe life-threatening symptoms can sometimes occur, and if difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or fainting is experienced, immediate medical attention needs to be sought.

Identifying food allergies can sometimes be complicated, especially if symptoms are relatively mild. Many parents experiment with elimination diets to identify specific food allergies, but this can sometimes be dangerous without a doctor’s guidance. Testing by a board-certified allergist is recommended because the process will be performed in the safety of a doctor’s office. Testing is done by obtaining blood samples or by performing skin testing. If you suspect your child has an allergy, schedule your appointment today. to see an allergist. Start a diary before the appointment and keep track of what symptoms your child experiences and what you think causes them.

Unfortunately, antihistamines like Benadryl won’t treat food allergies. When one or more food allergies have been confirmed, you need to ensure that your child avoids any contact with those particular foods. This will entail reading labels thoroughly, informing your child’s school of these specific restrictions, and teaching your child the importance of avoiding the offending foods.

Reading food labels can sometimes be confusing because food ingredients can be listed in other forms. For instance, “natural flavorings” may contain allergens, even though that particular allergen isn’t listed in the ingredients. However, more and more food manufacturers are placing allergy warnings on their labels that alert consumers that their products contain one or more common allergens. If you’re ever unsure whether or not a food contains one of your child’s allergens, it’s better to be safe and call the manufacturer.

Food allergies occur frequently in children, and if one or more allergies are identified in your child, then he or she can still live a high-quality life. As long as you ensure that the food allergens are strictly avoided at all times, your child should be healthy and happy. To make allergy avoidance even easier, manufacturers are introducing new and improved allergy-free products. This can make snacking and eating on-the-go easy, regardless of what your child might be allergic to. Our board-certified allergists are the best-qualified specialists to determine the sources of your child’s potential allergen. Schedule your appointment today.

-Lukena Karkhanis, MD

Source: FARE Food Allergy Research & Education

April 10, 2019/by allergysa
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Allergies, English, Health

The Most Common Ways That Pollen Gets Into Your Home

If you suffer from frequent allergies, keeping pollen out of your home is vitally important. Doing so ensures that you feel yourself when you’re home and can avoid battling allergy symptoms such as a scratchy throat, runny nose and itchy eyes. Here are a few ways that pollen commonly finds its way into a home and how to keep it from happening.

Pollen In Your Hair 

Having pollen in your hair will cause you to experience allergies no matter where you are, but this is especially true at home. For example, if you go to bed with pollen in your hair, it is then transferred to your pillow and blankets, where it can continue to bother you for days to come. Get in the habit of washing your hair often, and especially every night before you go to bed, and you’ll soon notice an absence of allergy symptoms as you fall asleep and wake up in the morning.

Coming In On Your Pets 

As lovable as they are, pets are the perfect carriers for pollen. As you let them inside and outside, pollen sticks to your pet’s hair, just as it does to yours, and also to their paws. You can easily fix this problem by brushing your pet outdoors before you let them into your home and wiping their paws off each time they approach the door.

Through Open Windows 

Unfortunate as it is, especially during the most beautiful times of the year, keeping your windows closed is the best way to keep pollen out of your home. However, be sure to keep an eye on your local pollen forecast for days when pollen levels are low. On these days you can often get away with opening your windows for a while and enjoying the fresh air without the worry of excess pollen getting into your living space.

Negative Air Pressure 

When negative air pressure exists, it means that your home is sucking outside air in through the cracks in your doors and windows. This is caused by leaks in the heating and cooling ducts of your home. If you’ve had a long-term problem with pollen getting into your home, have a professional take a look your home’s ducts and check for leaks. Fixing this negative pressure will instantly create a cleaner and pollen-free living environment.

If you think any of these common causes of pollen in the home apply to you, then simply take the measures to fix them and you will be much more comfortable. By keeping your windows closed when pollen is high, washing your hair regularly, fixing negative air pressure and making sure your pets are clean, you’ll have a pollen-free living space that you can fully enjoy.

April 1, 2019/by allergysa
https://secureservercdn.net/166.62.107.20/4xz.24f.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Allergy-SA-Allergies-Pollen-Sneezing-scaled.jpeg?time=1653504351 1707 2560 allergysa https://secureservercdn.net/166.62.107.20/4xz.24f.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/allergysa-logo-accredited.png allergysa2019-04-01 17:18:492019-04-11 18:55:12The Most Common Ways That Pollen Gets Into Your Home
Allergies, English, Health, Illness

San Antonio Ranked The #5 Most Challenging U.S. City To Live In With Pollen Allergies

San Antonio has been ranked the #5 most challenging U.S. city to live in with pollen allergies, according to the Spring Allergy Capitals Report from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

The city jumped from the 22nd spot in 2016 to the 5th spot in 2018 because of the report’s findings on the following factors:

  • Pollen and mold counts
  • Allergy medication usage
  • Availability of board-certified allergists

San Antonio is not the only South Texas city to make the top of the list. McAllen, Texas came in at #1 followed by: #2: Louisville, Kentucky, #3: Jackson, Mississippi, and #4: Memphis, Tennessee. See the full 2018 Spring Allergy Capitals report here.

According to Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of AAFA, the report, “helps people in these areas be more aware of what may contribute to their allergy symptoms, so they can work with their health care providers to get relief.”

The board-certified allergists and medical professionals of AllergySA are committed to caring for adult and pediatric patients with asthma, allergy and immunology issues in San Antonio and South Texas. With the right treatment plan, seasonal allergies can be managed for better quality of life.

If you have never been tested for seasonal allergies, contact AllergySA at (210) 616-0882 to set up a new patient appointment today.

May 22, 2018/by allergysa
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English, Health

EpiPen Shortage Notice

There is currently a supply shortage on EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr® due to manufacturing delays. Mylan has released a statement explaining that product is still available, and they are able to assist in locating alternative pharmacies.

AllergySA is committed to providing quality care in a timely and caring manner and will continue to update our patients as information is available.

If you are having trouble filling your prescription, please contact our office at (210) 616-0882 to speak with a medical assistant.

PLEASE NOTE: There is not a shortage on other epinephrine auto-injectors. The shortage is only on EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr®.

May 11, 2018/by allergysa
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English, Health

May 1st is World Asthma Day

May 1st is World Asthma Day. If you’re living with asthma, know that you’re not alone. You can control your asthma by taking the right medications and knowing your triggers. The board-certified allergists at AllergySA are here to help. Contact us at 210-616-0882.

May 1, 2018/by allergysa
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Allergies, English, Health, Illness

Cold vs. Allergies

Are you reaching for the tissues with a runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing several times a day? Before you go straight for the cold medicine aisle in your local pharmacy, here are some tips to help you determine if your symptoms are being caused by a common cold or seasonal allergies.

A common cold is caused by a virus and will generally last 7 to 10 days. Symptoms include a sore throat, coughing, sneezing, and a runny or stuffy nose. Fever, fatigue, aches and pains may also be experienced.

Allergy symptoms are immune system responses to allergens (such as pollen) and can last for weeks, or as long as the person is exposed to the allergen. Symptoms include itchy eyes, sneezing, and a runny or stuffy nose. A cough and sore throat may also be experienced, but never a fever.

It is always best to check with a medical professional to determine the cause of your symptoms. If you are experiencing allergy symptoms, make an appointment with one of our board certified physicians today by calling 210-616-0882.

If allergies are the culprit, the best way to handle your symptoms is to know exactly what is causing them. This can be done through an allergy skin test in our office. For more information on what to expect during an allergy skin test procedure visit: https://allergysa.com/what-expect. 

December 29, 2017/by allergysa
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Allergies, English, Health

Preparing for Summer Allergies and Asthma

Are you prepared for allergies and asthma this summer? Learn more from Allergy SA’s Medical Director Joseph D. Diaz, M.D. as featured on San Antonio Living.

Book Now at 210-616-0882.

May 30, 2017/by allergysa
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English, Health, News

Breakthrough Treatment for Eczema

Dupixent (dupilumab) injection, the first biologic agent to treat adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) has been approved by the FDA. Allergy SA is redefining the treatment of eczema by providing Dupixent for new and current patients.

Watch Allergy SA’s Medical Director, Joseph Diaz M.D. discuss this new treatment option featured on KSAT 12: http://www.ksat.com/health/san-antonio-texas-teen-thankful-for-breakthrough-eczema-treatment

April 27, 2017/by allergysa
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Allergies, English, Health

Local Elementary Students Compete with Animal Allergy Alert App

This week, Dr. Diaz was invited to speak with the Robotics Team of Spicewood Elementary. This talented group of students from the Southwest Independent School District are preparing for a competition where they will present their project titled the Animal Allergy Alert App.

As a part of their research, the students wanted to speak with a specialist who could help them better understand the causes, symptoms and treatments of animal allergies. Dr. Diaz was thrilled to speak with the group about common types of animal allergies as well as symptoms ranging from mild local reactions to severe anaphylaxis.

Dr. Diaz and the students discussed how avoidance is the number one treatment for allergies and how their Animal Allergy Alert App plays a role in that treatment. They also discussed other treatment options such as the use of antihistamines and epinephrine.

Allergy SA wishes the Spicewood Elementary Robotics Team the best of luck on their upcoming competition this March.

If you believe you or a family member has an allergy to animals, contact Allergy SA for an appointment today at (210) 616-0882.

February 9, 2017/by allergysa
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LOCATION INFORMATION

Medical Center

2414 Babcock Rd #109
San Antonio, TX 78229

Medical Center AllergySA - 2414 Babcock Rd #109, San Antonio, TX 78229
Clinic Hours

Monday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 7:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 12:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am – 12:00pm

Allergy Shot Hours

Monday: 8:00am – 4:40pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 4:40pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 6:15pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 4:40pm
Friday: 8:00am – 11:40am
Saturday: 8:00am – 11:40am

Stone Oak

19016 Stone Oak Pkwy #250
San Antonio, TX 78258

Stone Oak AllergySA - 19016 Stone Oak Pkwy #250, San Antonio, TX 78258
Clinic Hours

Monday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am-5:00pm

Allergy Shot Hours

Monday: 8:00am – 4:40pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 4:40pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 4:40pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 4:40pm

Southside

7500 Barlite Blvd #106
San Antonio, TX 78224

South Side - AllergySA.com - 7500 Barlite Blvd #106, San Antonio, TX 78224
Clinic Hours

Monday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 12:00pm

Allergy Shot Hours

Monday: 8:00am – 4:40pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 5:30pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 4:40pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 4:40pm
Friday: 8:00am – 11:40am

CONTACT INFORMATION

OFFICE: (210) 616-0882  | FAX: (210) 692-7833 |  EMAIL: info@allergysa.com

© Copyright - AllergySA.com | Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Associates of South Texas
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