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Allergy Department Hours :

Tuesday – Thursday
9am – 12pm
12pm – 1pm CLOSED
1pm – 4:30pm
***Allergy Shots cannot be given any later than 4:30pm.

Allergy and sinus issues are two of the most common problems impacting individuals across the globe. From sneezing, watery eyes and scratchy throats, to aching or swollen sinus cavities, your allergy and sinus health can have a detrimental impact on your quality of life if not treated. At Tejas Ear, Nose and Throat we work in a coordinated Holistic manner to improve Your Family’s quality of life and health. Allergy Immunotherapy is part of that process and we make it easy and convenient. Dr. Tamez and his skilled team of Professionals and Staff hold your hand through the entire process.

How Do I Know My Symptoms Are Allergy Related?

People often think of allergy as only “cedar fever” with sneezing, a runny nose, nasal stuffiness and itchy, watery eyes. However, allergies include a multitude of symptoms. At Tejas Ear, Nose and Throat our objective is to improve whole-body health . Allergy immunotherapy is just one aspect of that . Families spend years in Allergy clinics with limited results because a whole- body approach is not taken .

Some Allergy Symptoms Consist of…

Nasal Obstruction

Sinus Headaches

• Chronic Sinus Problems
• Excess Nasal and Throat Drainage (Post Nasal Drip)
• Head Congestion
• Frequent Colds
• Hoarse Voice
• Eczema (Skin Allergies)
• Recurring Ear Infections
• Hearing Loss
• Dizziness/Vertigo/ Unsteadiness/Meniere’s Disease 
• Chronic Cough /Wheezing and Asthma
• Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EE) / Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)/ Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)/ Ulcerative Colitis(UC) / Diverticulitis
• .Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERDS)
• Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder (PANDAS)

Symptoms of Ear, Nose, and Throat Allergies May Include…

• Repeated Sneezing
• Nasal Itching and Rubbing
• Nasal Congestion
• Runny Nose
• Dark Circles Under the Eyes
• Crease Across Bridge of Nose
• Frequent Throat Clearing
• Mouth Breathing
• Diminished/Lost Sense of Smell/Taste
• Recurrent and Unexplained Nose Bleeds
• Recurrent Ear Infections
• Recurrent Sinus Infections
• Fluctuating Hearing Loss
• Chronic Fatigue/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Symptoms can range from minor to severe. The greater the frequency and/or amount of exposure to allergens, the more likely the susceptible person will develop an allergic problem that will require treatment.

TESTING WE OFFER AT TEJAS

Skin Prick Multi Testing – A Multi-Test is a sterile, disposable, plastic multiple test head applicator used to administer allergen to the skin. It provides a quick, convenient, and standardized procedure for initial screening. This deposits a small 4mm size drop of allergen onto the skin. There are 9 sets of different aeroallergens on each multi-test that will be placed on the forearms or on the back for smaller or pediatric patients. The sensation is a mild prick and does not break the skin. This will only last for a few seconds and the allergen will stay in place for 30 minutes.

For those patients that cannot remain off of antihistamines, sleep aides or cough suppressants 3-5 days prior to the allergy test, we can offer blood testing for best results.

**We steer more to environmental testing rather than food testing since we can actively treat environmental allergies with medications or immunotherapy. Allergy staff are trained in food allergy and can refer and educate at visit.**

How We Treat Allergies at Tejas :

• Medication – Various medications can improve or relieve allergy symptoms. This includes over the counter medications, prescription pills, or nasal sprays. Side effects are possible and can be discussed with your physician. Medications may be needed life long, or as long as symptoms persist, but many patients report decreased medication use after immunotherapy begins.
• Immunotherapy – The only way to change underlying allergic disease is immunotherapy or desensitization, which builds your immune system’s tolerance to allergens over time.  Your treatments are custom formulated based on the results of your allergy tests. This treatment can be administered in 2 forms: allergy injections and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).

Immunotherapy We Offer at Tejas:

Allergy Injections: For patients age 6 and over, a series of injections are given weekly for typically a multiple year period. Consistency is critical. Patients are asked to wait a minimum of 20 minutes after receiving injections before leaving the office. Most insurance companies cover injections and the medication vial(s), though co-pays may apply depending on your plan.

Oral Mucosal Immunotherapy (OMIT): Oral Mucosal Immunotherapy is effective and is the preferred method of treating Environmental Allergies. There are two types of Effective Oral Mucosal Immunotherapy and both are kid friendly treatments:

Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): Allergy drops work much like allergy shots, slowly desensitizing you to what causes your allergic reaction/symptoms. They are delivered under your tongue in a liquid form that you can safely take at home. As with allergy shots, most patients taking allergy drops find their treatment takes a few years to complete. Most patients will only need a few office visits each year to assess progress. Because of their safety profile, allergy drops can be an option for all patients including young children. Most insurance companies will not pay for allergy drops.

Allergy Toothpaste – Allerdent® is a custom-made toothpaste and contains extracts of what each patient is allergic to.

Product Information for Patients and Care Providers

• • • One container of Oral Mucosal Immunotherapy (OMIT) toothpaste should last for 3 months.
    • The recommended daily dose of Allerdent® is two pumps daily for both children and adults. Or as prescribed by physician.
    • It is important that each brushing should last for 2 minutes without spitting in between. If brushing for 2 minutes is difficult, the foam should be retained in the mouth for as long as possible after brushing, up to a total of 2 minutes. It’s OK to rinse out the mouth after brushing.
    • this is a 3-5 year treatment process.  Patient can start taking as early as age of 4 years old.
    • If you forget to brush for a day, resume the next day by taking your regular dose.
    • Allerdent® toothpaste may be stored at room temperature, but avoid excessive heat or exposure to the sun.
    • If you are very sick (enough that you are staying home from work or school), use your regular toothpaste instead.
    • It is normal in the first 2 weeks of using the toothpaste to experience some tingling, itching or mild swelling in the lining of the mouth. One of the safest forms of immunotherapy.
    • Avoid using Allerdent® for a week after oral surgery.

**MUST BE AN ESTABLISHED PATIENT IN ORDER TO RECEIVE ALLERGY TESTING AND TREATMENT**

MEET OUR ALLERGY DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR