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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.

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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®.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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

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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.

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Pumpkin Soup

Makes: 6 servings

Free of: All Top Allergens and Gluten-Free

Ingredients:

  • 8 cups vegetable stock [Look for allergen-free, gluten-free brand]
  • 4 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 cups baking pumpkin, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. In a large pot, heat oil over high heat. Add pumpkin, carrots, celery and onion. Cook for 5 minutes, then add stock, bay leaf and thyme.
  2. Reduce heat to a medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
  3. Puree soup in a food processor and season with salt and pepper.

Serving Suggestion: Accentuate the soup’s smooth flavor with a dash of ground cinnamon.

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.

*Source: Simon Clarke – Allergic Living Magazine

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Preparing for Mountain Cedar Season

With the change in weather also comes a change in the allergens that fill our air. Mountain cedar season is on its way with December, January and February being its heaviest months. Mountain cedar grows naturally in this region and is considered to be the most allergenic tree in Central Texas.

Common symptoms of “Cedar Fever” include sneezing, nasal blockage, runny nose and itchy and watery eyes. Other symptoms can include fatigue, mild headache, sore throat, partial loss of smell and the sensation of ear plugging.

According to Dr. Karkhanis, one of our board certified physicians, the best way to beat cedar fever is to prepare for it early with these steps:

  • GET TESTED BY A BOARD-CERTIFIED ALLERGIST: Visiting one of our board-certified providers for an allergy skin test is the best way to get a definitive answer about your allergies. This will lead to better treatment of your exact symptoms instead of wasting time and money treating the incorrect illness.
  • START YOUR MEDICATIONS EARLY: After your skin test, your allergist will discuss what medications are needed and if you are a candidate for allergy drops or shots. It is recommended that you begin your medication several weeks prior to the start of the season. This will reduce your likelihood of experiencing those irritating cedar fever symptoms instead of trying to treat the symptoms after they have started.

Once the mountain cedar season begins, it is also important to reduce your pollen exposure by taking the following actions:

  • Reduce pollen from entering your home by changing air filters regularly, keeping windows and doors closed, bathing pets often, and showering and changing clothes after being outdoors.
  • Reduce pollen exposure when outdoors by keeping car windows closed and decreasing your time spent outside on days when the pollen count is high.

If you believe you suffer from allergies caused by mountain cedar, call Allergy SA at 210-616-0882 to schedule an appointment with one of our board certified allergists. Same day appointments are available.

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Gluten-Free Cranberry Pumpkin Bread

Makes: 4 mini loafs

Free of: gluten and all top allergens

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/3 cups (320 mL) brown rice flour
  • 1/2 cup (120 mL) potato starch
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) tapioca starch
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) buckwheat flour
  • 2 tsp xanthan gum
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2/3 cup (160 mL) packed brown sugar
  • 1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup (120 mL) grapeseed; rice bran or canola oil
  • 1/2 cup (120 mL) pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) orange juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup (160 mL) dried cranberries

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 325° F. Grease 4 mini loaf pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, starches, xanthan gum, baking powder, baking soda, spices and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, blend sugar, pumpkin, oil, maple syrup, juice and vanilla with a hand mixer. Add flour mixture and briefly mix until smooth. The batter will be somewhat thick. Stir in cranberries
  4. Divide batter among prepared pans, smoothing out tops (they will rise, but keep shape). Bake 45-55 minutes, until firm to touch and bread pulls slightly away from pan sides. A toothpick inserted into a loaf may yield a few small crumbs.
  5. Let loaves cool 10 minutes in pan. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

Vanilla Spice Icing Option:

Sift 1 1/2 cup powdered confectioner’s sugar into a medium bowl. Whisk in 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened dairy-free milk alternative, 1 tablespoon dairy-free soy-free buttery spread, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and pinch of salt. Whisk in additional milk alternative, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until desire drizzly consistency is reached. When loaves are completely cool, place on serving platter and drizzle with icing.

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.

*Source: Alisa Fleming – Allergic Living Magazine http://allergicliving.com/2015/11/10/gluten-free-cranberry-pumpkin-bread/

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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

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

Stone Oak

19016 Stone Oak Pkwy #250
San Antonio, TX 78258

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

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

Southside

7500 Barlite Blvd #106
San Antonio, TX 78224

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

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

CONTACT INFORMATION

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