Environmental Allergies Care
Environmental allergies happen because the immune system overreacts to airborne substances that are completely harmless on their own. The result is often sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and breathing trouble that does not go away. At Southwest Asthma & Allergy Associates, we use careful testing to pinpoint your exact allergens and build an individualized care plan so you can feel better day to day.
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Common Environmental Allergens
Environmental allergies can be seasonal or year-round. Common environmental allergens include:
Pollen Allergies
- Tree pollen
- Grass pollen
- Weed pollen
Indoor Allergens
- Dust mites
- Mold spores
- Pet dander
Outdoor Irritants
Beyond traditional allergens, everyday outdoor irritants play a major role in respiratory health. Common irritants include:
- Air pollution
- Smoke
- Weather changes
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Symptoms of Environmental Allergies
Persistent exposure to environmental allergens can manifest as allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis. Recognizing these clinical symptoms early allows for timely diagnostic intervention:
- Sneezing
- Runny or congested
- nose
- Sore throat
- Watery eyes
- Sinus pressure
- Persistent coughing
- Wheezing
- Postnasal drip
- Fatigue
- Skin irritation or rash
Our Diagnostic Approach
We start with a complete evaluation to figure out if your symptoms come from environmental triggers or another respiratory condition.
Skin Prick Testing
Skin prick testing is a simple way to figure out which airborne allergens are affecting you. We place a small amount of allergen on your forearm or back, and if your body is sensitive to whatever you are being tested for, there will be a skin reaction at that site. It’s a fast, minimally-invasive test that allows us to look at the immune system’s response to certain allergens.
Intradermal Testing
Intradermal testing is performed if an initial test needs confirmation. Diluted allergens are injected under the skin to gain a clearer understanding of the allergens you are at risk of reacting to.
IgE Blood Testing
IgE blood testing is recommended for patients with skin conditions or medical concerns. We analyze a blood sample to measure allergen-specific IgE antibodies, which can be helpful for patients who cannot undergo skin testing.
Respiratory and Clinical Assessment
Patients who come in with coughing, wheezing, or breathing difficulties receive a thorough clinical evaluation to understand what is driving those symptoms. Part of that process involves determining whether allergies are triggering airway inflammation or contributing to asthma symptoms.
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Insurance & Payment Options
For over 40 years, we have been providing quality care at our practice to patients of all ages. We accept major insurance from Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare for affordable treatment plans. Patients without insurance are welcome to ask about the SWAAA Round-Up, our flexible payment option designed to make care accessible regardless of coverage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, environmental allergens are common triggers for asthma exacerbations. Treating allergies reduces asthma symptoms and improves lung function.
Colds and environmental allergies do share some common symptoms, particularly congestion and a runny nose, which are hard to differentiate. Usually, a cold is caused by a virus and resolves within a week. It often brings a fever or body aches along with it. Environmental allergies do not cause fevers; the mucus stays clear, and symptoms will continue for as long as you remain exposed to the allergen.
Yes, untreated environmental allergies can lead to more serious health complications over time. Chronic inflammation can inflame and obstruct the nasal passages and airways. Ongoing irritation increases the risk of sinusitis, ear infections, sleep apnea, and worsened asthma symptoms.
Book Your Appointment Today!
If you have ongoing sneezing, congestion, or difficulty breathing, contact Southwest Asthma & Allergy Associates to schedule your diagnostic appointment.
