North Texas Allergy

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Outstanding Allergy and Asthma Doctors

For over 35 years, North Texas Allergy and Asthma Center (NTAAC) has provided outstanding allergy and asthma care for our patients and their families in the Denton and the North Texas community. Our doctors, Dr. Samuel Foster, Dr. Roshni Foster, Dr. B. A. Badie, Dr. Shikha Mane, Dr. Hana Tartibi, and Dr. Gaytri Patel are committed to helping you improve your quality of life and get back to the joy of living a healthy and productive life.

We take care of both pediatric and adult patients with allergies, whether outdoor or indoor environmental, food, drug or insect allergy, eczema, hives, skin conditions, asthma, sinus infections and immune disorders. We provide compassionate, individualized and high-quality care for all our patients and treat them like family.

NTAAC is the only Allergy & Immunology practice in Denton or Gainesville where all providers are board-certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. You can rest assured that you will always see a board-certified Allergy-trained physician at North Texas Allergy & Asthma Center.

We are honored to serve the Denton, Gainesville and surrounding communitie­s including Decatur, Lewisville, Sanger, Corinth, Lake Dallas, Krum, Pilot Point, Justin, Argyle, Hickory Creek, Highland Village, Little Elm, The Colony, Roanoke, Bridgeport, Flower Mound, Carrollton, McKinney, Frisco, Plano, Muenster, Nocona, St. Jo, Wichita Falls, Whitesboro, Thackerville, Ardmore, Valley View, Aubrey, Savannah, Providence Village, Ponder and Prosper.

View our list of services including Allergy Shots, Allergy Skin Testing, and Other Asthma and Immunology Services that we offer.

This article was originally published on North Texas Allergy.

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What are the Pros/Cons of Allergy Shots

Allergy Shots Treatment: 

Initial evaluation: Before starting allergy shots, a comprehensive allergy evaluation will be conducted by one of North Texas Allergy and Asthma Center’s board-certified allergists to identify specific allergens and determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Allergy testing in Denton can include skin prick testing, deeper intradermal testing, and/or blood allergy testing.

Read more about allergy testing offered at North Texas Allergy and Asthma Center.

Phases of Allergy shots: The treatment process consists of two main phases: the build-up phase and the maintenance phase.

Build-up Phase: During the build-up phase, patients receive gradually increasing doses of allergens to which they are allergic to build tolerance. This typically involves receiving injections 1-2 times per week under the supervision of our board-certified allergists in Denton. The goal of the buildup phase, which typically lasts between 5-9 months, is to reach a maintenance dose. This is the maximum amount of allergen that can be safely administered to the patient to reduce symptoms without causing a severe allergic reaction.

There are 3 equally effective methods we offer patients looking to start allergen immunotherapy:

Standard immunotherapy: Weekly allergy immunizations are given for up to 9 months until reaching the highest tolerated effective dose (the maintenance phase).

Cluster immunotherapy: “Cluster” is an accelerated form of immunotherapy in which sets of injections are given for the first 4 weekly visits then followed by weekly injections to reach the maintenance phase in about 5 months.

Rush Immunotherapy: “Rush” is the most rapid desensitization available. Multiple injections are given over several hours in one day followed by weekly injections to reach the maintenance phase in about 5 months.

Maintenance Phase: Once the target dose of allergen extract is reached during the build-up phase, patients enter the maintenance phase. During this phase, patients continue to receive regular allergy immunization at a consistent dose, typically every 4 weeks for at least 3-5 years. The goal of the maintenance phase is to maintain the desensitization achieved during the build-up phase.

Common Immunotherapy Questions: 

Are there risks with immunotherapy treatment? 

The most common type of reaction to allergy shots is a local reaction with redness and swelling at the injection site. The risk of a serious allergic reaction is rare but may include life-threatening anaphylaxis. Serious allergic reactions normally occur within the first 20 minutes after receiving the injection. As a result, patients are required to be observed in our office for 20 minutes after each injection. We also require patients to carry an auto-injectable epinephrine pen to and from their allergy shot appointments.

How can I be sure I am being treated for the right allergy? 

At North Texas Allergy and Asthma Center, allergy shots are completely individualized based on clinical history, allergen exposure, and allergy test results. A unique, custom-made treatment mixture is then created for each patient by one of our board-certified allergists with the assistance of our trained staff. Allergy immunization should be prescribed by a board-certified allergist with specific training in formulating these specialized shots.

How long does it take for allergy shots to work? 

The benefits of immunotherapy can begin as soon as 3-4 months and can take as long as 12 months on the maintenance dose. Improvement with immunotherapy may be progressive throughout the immunotherapy treatment period. The effectiveness of immunotherapy is related to the strength of allergy shots and the length of treatment.

Can I take my allergy immunizations at home? 

Many at-home allergy shot treatments are dosed to be weaker and tend to be less effective for patients. Board-certified allergists, following national guidelines for allergy shots, do not allow patients to receive shots at home because of the risk of possible severe allergic reaction after receiving an allergy shot. Our staff is specially trained to recognize any potential risks and adverse reactions to shots, and we always recommend treating symptoms early so that the problems can be avoided.

What are alternatives to allergy shots? 

Allergy drops: Sublingual Immunotherapy is often referred to as allergy drops.  Allergy drops work in a similar way to allergy shots by decreasing sensitivity to allergens through exposure to increasing amounts of the agents a person is allergic to. Allergy drops can be done at home and are given sublingually (under the tongue) instead of subcutaneously (under the skin). Currently, allergy drops are NOT approved by the FDA, therefore, insurance will not cover allergy drops and patients will be responsible for the full cost.

Allergy tablets: The FDA has now approved three oral immunotherapy tablets to treat allergies to different grasses, ragweed, and dust mites. Just as with allergy shots or drops, over time, the tablets will increase your tolerance to the pollen and reduce your symptoms. Treatment with allergy tablets depends on the allergic sensitivities and age of the patient.

Get Started with Allergen Immunotherapy: 

A board-certified allergist at North Texas Allergy and Asthma center can help determine if allergy shots are a good treatment option for you. For an appointment with one of our board-certified pediatric and adult allergy specialists please call us at 940-382-4142 or make your appointment online.

This article was originally published on North Texas Allergy.

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5 Common Seasonal Allergy symptoms and How to manage them?

Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, are caused by the body’s immune system reacting to allergens in the environment. Common triggers include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, as well as mold spores. When these allergens are inhaled, the immune system perceives them as harmful invaders and releases histamines and other chemicals to combat them. While some people may only experience symptoms during specific seasons when certain allergens are prevalent, others may have perennial allergies that persist year-round due to indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, or cockroach droppings. Here are some of the common symptoms of seasonal allergies and how to handle them well:

Sneezing

Sneezing is a reflex that helps clear the nasal passages of irritants like pollen and dust. When allergens enter your nasal passages, they can trigger this reflex, causing frequent and sometimes intense bouts of sneezing. Here are 3 methods that can help you manage sneezing;

Saline Nasal Sprays: Use these to rinse out allergens from your nasal passages.

Close Windows: Keep windows shut during high pollen counts to prevent allergens from entering your home.

Avoid Outdoor Activities: Stay indoors when pollen counts are high, especially during the early morning when pollen levels are typically highest.

Runny or Stuffy Nose

A runny or stuffy nose, also known as rhinitis, occurs when allergens irritate the lining of your nasal passages, leading to increased mucus production and nasal congestion. One way to handle a runny or stuffy nose is through the use of nasal sprays. There are various nasal sprays that are available to use over the counter including intranasal corticosteroids or intranasal antihistamines. Our allergists in Denton can help you come up with a regimen that works best for you!

Itchy or Watery Eyes

Allergens like pollen can irritate the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the white part of the eyes, causing itching, redness, and excessive tearing in your eyes. Watery eyes is a common seasonal allergy symptom. You can minimize this irritation by using antihistamine eye drops which can relieve allergy symptoms like itching and reduce redness. Wearing sunglasses outdoors will also protect your eyes from allergens. Finally, avoid touching eyes and refrain from rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen irritation.

Coughing

Coughing can result from post nasal drip, where excess mucus from the nasal passages drips down the back of the throat, causing irritation and a persistent cough. This is a very common seasonal allergy symptom in Denton, TX that a lot of folks deal with. 3 ways you can manage cough symptoms are:

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help thin mucus and ease coughing.

Throat Lozenges: Use lozenges to soothe throat irritation.

Air Purifiers: Use air purifiers to reduce indoor allergens and improve air quality.

Wheezing or Shortness of Breath

For some individuals, allergens can trigger asthma-like symptoms, causing wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Methods to alleviate shortness of breath include the following:

Prescribed Inhalers: Use inhalers as directed by your doctor to relieve symptoms.

Avoid Strenuous Activities: Limit outdoor exercise during high pollen counts.

Consult a Doctor: See a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.

By recognizing these common seasonal allergy symptoms and using the appropriate management strategies, you can significantly reduce discomfort and improve your quality of life during your allergy season. Please contact an allergist near you if allergy symptoms persist. Always consult with a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen, to ensure you receive the best possible care.

Seasonal Allergy Symptoms – Additional Resources:

AAAAI Hay Fever

ACAAI Allergy Symptoms

This article was originally published on North Texas Allergy.