If you’re tired of the sneezing and watery eyes that summer allergies cause, it might be time to schedule allergy testing to get a better handle on your condition.
At Castle Hills Family Practice, our medical providers are experts in helping people manage seasonal and chronic allergies. We offer on-site allergy testing services to help you identify what’s triggering bothersome allergy symptoms – a first step in allergy management.
During the warmer summer months, it’s likely that you’ll spend more time outdoors. Unfortunately, this can increase your exposure to common allergy triggers like:
Leaving your windows open can also allow these allergens into your home where they settle into your carpets, curtains, and furniture. This constant contact with allergens can make it difficult to manage symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and a runny nose.
If you have moderate to severe allergy symptoms, you may be limited in what activities you can do during the summer months. The good news is that with the right treatment plan, you can minimize the side effects of summer allergies, so you don’t have to miss out on the fun.
The most effective way to stay in control of your allergies is to identify what your triggers are. At Castle Hills Family Practice, we offer several types of allergy tests, including:
Each type of testing provides insight into what substances trigger an allergic reaction in your body. Using your test results, our physicians can design an allergy treatment plan to reduce the severity of your symptoms and prevent allergic reactions.
At our practice, we may recommend allergy shots (immunotherapy) to reduce your immune system’s response to specific allergens. Over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications can also help relieve many of your summer allergy symptoms.
In addition to following our physician’s treatment plan for allergies, there are other things you can do to limit your exposure to known allergens. Here are some tips to follow:
You can limit exposure to outdoor allergens on your skin by wearing loose, long-sleeved clothing.
When pollen counts are high, it can also help to wear a face mask over your mouth and nose to prevent inhaling pollen and other airborne allergens.
Because pollen and other allergens can cling to your clothing and skin, consider taking a shower after spending time outside.
You can also reduce the number of allergens in your home by throwing your clothing in the washer immediately.
Another way to minimize allergens in your home is by keeping windows and doors closed during the day.
Be sure to regularly clean the filters in your air conditioner and consider using an air purifier in the rooms you frequent, such as your living room and bedroom.
If you need help gaining control over your summertime allergies, schedule allergy testing online or call one of our San Antonio, Texas offices near you today.
