Allergies can turn a beautiful day into a nightmare. If you live in Georgetown, TX, there’s good news. You don’t have to suffer anymore. Here’s your roadmap to finding top allergy treatments in your community.
What Are Allergies?
Allergies happen when your body reacts to something harmless as if it were dangerous. This could be pollen, dust, or certain foods. It causes your immune system to overreact, causing symptoms that can range from mild to life-threatening. Substances that trigger allergic reactions are known as allergens.
The most common allergens include:
- Pollen from trees, grass, or weeds
- Certain foods, such as milk, eggs, peanuts, or wheat
- Dust mites
- Cockroaches
- Moulds
- Venom from stinging insects like fire ants, bees, and wasps
- Pet dander
- Certain medications, like some antibiotics
- Latex
Allergies are very common and occur in people of all ages. According to the Cleveland Clinic, they affect over 50 million people each year in the United States alone. They rank as the sixth-leading cause of chronic illness in the country.
Symptoms of Allergies
Symptoms of allergies can vary significantly depending on the allergy. Recognizing allergy symptoms is the first step toward effective treatment. Common symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itching
- Watery eyes
- Skin reactions from direct contact with allergens, such as an itchy raised rash (hives) or eczema
Some individuals may also experience coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, especially if the allergies are related to airborne triggers. If you have asthma, allergens may trigger or aggravate your symptoms.
In severe circumstances, an allergic reaction can cause anaphylaxis. This is a medical emergency characterized by swelling, difficulty breathing, and a sudden drop in blood pressure. Understanding these symptoms allows you to take prompt action and seek the right treatment, ensuring your comfort and safety.
How an Allergist Can Help
If you’re looking for comprehensive allergy care, Georgetown ENT is your go-to place for expert care. Board-certified ENT physician Dr. Scott W. Franklin is uniquely qualified to evaluate and treat allergies for adults and children. His expertise stems from completing a fellowship program with the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (AAOA).
At Georgetown ENT, we use a range of diagnostic techniques to help establish what you’re allergic to. Following a thorough evaluation, our allergist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to help manage your allergy symptoms effectively.
Allergy Testing
Do you know what triggers your allergies? Georgetown ENT offers in-office allergy testing. The tests help identify exactly what you’re allergic to and whether it’s pollen, dust mites, or a particular food. Allergy testing can involve a range of tests, depending on the suspected allergy you have.
The most common types of tests include:
Skin Prick Test
A skin prick test, also known as a skin puncture or scratch test, is the most frequently used test for allergies. It involves pricking the skin a number of times in a specific area, especially the forearm or back. Then, very small amounts of allergens are added to the area. You will be closely monitored throughout the procedure. Your allergist will assess for any signs of allergy, such as itching, redness, or more. If you’re allergic, you’ll usually see small bumps appear within 20 minutes.
Blood Test
For those who might have severe allergic reactions, a blood test can identify allergens without direct exposure. The test looks for the presence of antibodies that fight particular allergens.
Top Allergy Treatments in Georgetown
Effective allergy management is personalized to an individual’s unique requirements. It usually involves a combination of treatment methods. These may include medications, immunotherapy, and allergy avoidance.
Medication Management
Once you know what you’re allergic to, managing symptoms becomes easier. Your allergist will help you find the right medication. Depending on your symptoms, this could be:
- Antihistamines, which work by blocking substances released by the body during an allergic reaction, known as histamine
- Nasal sprays
- Decongestants
- Eye drops
- Asthma medications, such as inhalers or oral medicines
- Steroid creams for eczema
- Nasal saline irrigation to clear out mucus and allergens trapped inside the nose
- Epinephrine (EpiPen®) for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
Immunotherapy
For severe allergies, immunotherapy (allergy shots or allergy drops) could be the answer. This form of medical management helps reduce your sensitivity to allergens gradually and safely over time. It involves exposing the body to a very small amount of an allergen allowing it to build up a tolerance to it.
Allergen Avoidance
In some cases, avoiding what makes you sick is recommended to avoid troublesome symptoms. This is especially important for allergies, such as a latex allergy, or a specific food or drug allergy. If you have a seasonal pollen allergy, avoiding outdoor activities when the pollen count is high can help reduce symptoms. Georgetown ENT can give you tips on how to minimize exposure. For instance, using air purifiers at home or resources like the American Academy of Allergy and Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) website to learn about the worst seasons for specific type of pollen allergy.
Why Choose Georgetown ENT?
There are many reasons to consider Georgetown ENT for effective allergy relief.
- Comfortable Setting: Both adults and children feel at ease here
- Expert Care: Board-certified specialists ensure top-notch treatment
- Personalized Plans: Every treatment plan is tailored to you
- Community Trusted: Patients come from all over north Austin for a reason
Allergist in Georgetown, TX
Are you ready for relief? Then schedule an appointment with Dr. Scott W. Franklin at Georgetown ENT for personalized allergy treatment. We offer comprehensive allergy care along with a wide range of innovative medical and surgical treatments for ear, nose, and throat conditions.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (512) 869-0604 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
