Allergies Specialist

Allergies are quite common, but that doesn't make it any easier to deal with the sneezing, itching, and runny or congested nose. The providers at Boerne Family Medicine have extensive experience testing for allergies and successfully treating them with immunotherapy. We're also experts at helping you identify and eliminate the items you need to avoid if you have a food allergy. Call the office in Boerne, Texas, or make an appointment online so you can begin to get relief from allergies.

Allergies Q & A

Your immune system identifies harmful substances that enter your body then destroys them. The first time it recognizes a dangerous substance, it produces antibodies so the immune system can react immediately the next time your body detects it.

An allergy begins when your immune system reacts to a substance that's harmless, labeling it as an enemy. Then every time that substance - the allergen - enters or touches your body, your body releases histamines, causing an allergic reaction.

You can develop allergies to many different allergens. Some of the most common include:

Contact allergens: Poison ivy, soap, latex
Airborne allergens: Pollen, mold, dust
Insect stings: Bees, wasps, hornets
Pet allergies: Dogs, cats, pets with fur
Medications: Many possible medications; penicillin is the most common
Food allergies: Peanuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fis

Allergies often cause nasal congestion and ear infections in young children, which can make it hard to distinguish the symptoms from a common cold. Otherwise, the most common allergy symptoms include:

Runny nose
Congested nose
Itchy nose, eyes, or mouth
Swollen tongue or face
Watery eyes
Sneezing
Skin rashes, hives, scaling, or swelling at site of insect sting
Upset stomach, cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (food allergies)

One in 13 children have a food allergy, and the only treatment is to avoid the food that's responsible. Peanuts, milk, and eggs are the most common food allergens in children, but eight types of foods are responsible for 90% of allergies. The other five foods are wheat, tree nuts, soy, shellfish, and fish.

Food allergies can trigger a severe reaction, called anaphylaxis, that impairs breathing, lowers blood pressure, and may be life-threatening. Peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are most likely to cause anaphylaxis.

You must get an allergy test to identify your allergens before you can begin treatment. Consider allergy testing when you have:

Chronic sinus infections or difficulty breathing
Shortness of breath, wheezing, or a tight chest
No relief from over-the-counter medicines
Allergy symptoms lasting several months
Allergies that hamper normal life
Asthma attacks that worsen or occur more frequently

If you suspect you or anyone in your family has an allergy, call the office or make an appointment online with Boerne Family Medicine for an evaluation and testing.