Anaphylactic Reactions
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs suddenly after exposure to a triggering allergen. This leads to swelling and constriction of the airways and a quick reduction in blood pressure. Southwest Asthma & Allergy Associates helps you identify the cause and develop a management plan following an anaphylactic episode.
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Symptoms of Anaphylactic Reactions
The allergic reaction appears within minutes and worsens quickly if left untreated. Watch for these signs:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Wheezing or persistent coughing
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face
- Hives, itching, or skin flushing
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Rapid or weak pulse
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- Trouble swallowing
- Feeling faint or loss of consciousness
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Our Diagnostic Approach
We follow an organized approach to identifying the cause of your anaphylactic reaction and making sure you receive an accurate diagnosis.
Detailed Medical History Review
We’ll talk through your past reactions, any known triggers, and your family history. From there, we can get a clearer picture of your risk and figure out which tests actually make sense for your situation.
Allergy Skin Prick Testing
We apply standardized allergen extracts to the skin using a small lancet. A raised bump may indicate a possible allergic reaction. This quick and safe test can be used to support allergy evaluation in patients of all ages.
Blood Tests for Specific IgE
If the skin tests do not produce conclusive results, then we conduct a blood test for the specific IgE antibodies. This blood test helps identify allergen-specific IgE antibodies associated with anaphylactic reactions.
Supervised Oral Challenges
When needed, our clinicians will walk you through a supervised food or medication challenge to confirm your triggers and make sure you are safe every step of the way.
Treatment & Long-term Management Plans
Treating a reaction quickly is important, but so is what comes after. Long-term care reduces the chances of future episodes and supports a better quality of life over time.
Emergency Treatment
Epinephrine is the first and most important treatment for anaphylaxis, and additional medications may be used during severe episodes as needed. We also provide personalized action plans tailored for home, school, and work so that patients and their families feel prepared and know exactly what to do in an emergency.
Allergen Avoidance Strategies
We teach you how to read labels, avoid cross-contact, and take the right steps to manage your allergies confidently in everyday life.
Allergy Immunotherapy
Allergy immunotherapy may be used for selected allergens, including insect venom, to reduce sensitivity and lower the risk of severe reactions.
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Clinical Support & Insurance Coverage
Southwest Asthma & Allergy Associates has been providing adult and pediatric allergy care for more than 40 years. Our clinics are spread across the Greater Houston area, so you’re never far from supervised care and the allergy services you need. We accept Medicaid and CHIP and work with major insurance providers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, and United Healthcare. For our uninsured patients, our SWAAA Round-Up Plan is an affordable option to help make care more accessible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This is called a biphasic reaction. A second round of symptoms can occur hours later, even without new exposure.
Yes. For some people, exercise alone can trigger a severe allergic reaction. That risk gets even higher when combined with certain foods or medications.
Yes. Asthmatic patients have sensitive airways, so they are more likely to experience a severe reaction.
Contact Us Today!
If you have had an anaphylactic reaction, do not delay your treatment. Our team at Southwest Asthma & Allergy Associates is here with a care plan built around your specific needs. Give us a call to schedule an appointment.
