Innovative Allergy Treatments in McKinney/Prosper and Southlake
There are many different types of allergies with a range of symptoms and causes. This complexity means that identifying the best allergy treatment is often challenging. At TexasAllergyMD, we have been diagnosing and treating allergies for over a decade. Under the guidance of board-certified allergist Dr. Mireku, patients receive comprehensive, individualized treatment plans for a better quality of life.
Effective and preventive allergy care covers everything from lifestyle changes and allergy testing to medication and desensitization through immunotherapy. During consultations at our North Texas allergy treatment centers and in telehealth sessions, it’s our goal to understand your allergies and create a treatment plan that works for you.
The Allergy Treatment Process
After completing the allergy testing process, patients should have a greater understanding of the causes and triggers of an allergy. The next stage is to develop a patient-centered treatment that is both manageable and effective.
- Lifestyle Adaptations – Lifestyle changes in the home, diet and environment help to reduce exposure to dangerous allergens.
- Educational Guidance – Education is essential for recognizing symptoms of an allergic reaction and understanding how to maintain allergy-free spaces.
- Emergency Responses – For those most at risk, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector and learning about emergency protocols is crucial.
- Medication and Immunotherapy – Tailored treatments may include antihistamines, corticosteroids and some of the immunotherapy options listed below.
Our Preventive Allergy Treatments
At TexasAllergyMD, we use many pioneering solutions for allergic reactions. These treatments are integrated into a comprehensive plan that delivers long-term relief for adults and children impacted by severe allergies.
Environmental Allergy Drops (SLIT)
Allergy drops are a type of immunotherapy treatment typically used for environmental allergens like dust mites, pollen and pet dander. Also known as sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), the treatment process involves placing drops of allergen extract under the tongue.
Following a consultation at one of our allergy treatment centers, patients can administer the drops at home, making it a very convenient treatment option. The process works by building the immune system’s tolerance to an allergen, offering gradual desensitization at safe levels over time.
For some patients SLIT may be preferable to allergy shots simply due to how it’s given. It works towards the same long-term goal as shots, but without a single injection. For children and adults with a fear of needles that difference can be significant, as needle anxiety often leads people to delay or stop treatment. Because building tolerance depends on sticking with treatment through the buildup and maintenance stages, a less invasive option can make it easier to see the process through.
SLIT also requires far fewer office visits than allergy shots do, as every dose of an allergy shot must be administered in the office. With SLIT, the patient or a parent administers the drops each day, and returns to one of our allergy treatment centers only occasionally for follow-up visits to monitor progress. This makes it a good fit for busy families that want to reduce travel and time away from work or school.
Before starting allergy drops, a patient will be tested for a range of potential allergens to confirm exactly what’s triggering the symptoms. The most common allergy tests we use are skin prick testing and blood testing. Results from these tests are evaluated alongside a patient’s symptoms and medical history to reach an accurate diagnosis.
The allergen extract that a patient takes each day is customized based on their test results. This means a patient with multiple allergies can potentially have more than one allergen included in a single formula, such as a combination of seasonal pollen and an indoor allergen like mold. When a patient’s symptoms or sensitivities change, the formula can be changed.
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots, or subcutaneous immunotherapy, involve injecting small amounts of allergens under the skin. Similar to SLIT, allergy shots desensitize the immune system with gradual exposure to the allergen. This treatment is used to treat allergies to pollen, mold, dust, pet dander and insect stings.
During the initial build-up phase, patients visit an allergy treatment center fairly regularly (usually weekly or bi-weekly) and receive gradually increasing doses of the allergen. After reaching the maintenance level, visits are less frequent (often monthly).
Food Allergy Drops (SLIT)
Food allergy drops are an innovative treatment for severe allergies. If you experience severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis after eating peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs or other common foods, food sublingual immunotherapy can desensitize the immune system to the proteins in these foods.
As with SLIT for environmental allergens, the drops are taken at home after a consultation with Dr. Mireku. Follow-up appointments then monitor progress and adjust doses, ensuring you are safe and building tolerance to the allergen.
Oral Immunotherapy
Similar to food allergy drops, oral immunotherapy treatment (OIT) is a food allergy solution that desensitizes the immune system. Patients consume small amounts of the allergenic food, with doses increasing over time as the body builds tolerance. Common foods treated with OIT include milk, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts.
OIT starts with a build-up phase, monitored closely by your allergist. To ensure safety, patients must be able to tolerate appropriate levels of the allergen without risking a severe allergic reaction. Once the maintenance level is reached, patients should continue consuming the food to maintain tolerance.
Common Questions About Allergy Treatments
Can allergies be cured with treatment?
While there is no single cure for an allergy, the right treatment can dramatically reduce the threat of an allergic reaction. Completing an immunotherapy treatment until a maintenance level is reached typically allows people to tolerate exposure to an allergen without experiencing symptoms.
How do I know which allergy treatment is right for me?
The best allergy treatment will depend on the type and severity of the allergy and other medical issues. Your allergist will advise on the advantages of each treatment after a comprehensive evaluation.
Can children receive the same allergy treatment as adults?
Most allergy treatments are usually safe for children, particularly if their quality of life is suffering. A doctor with pediatric allergy experience can assess the benefits of various treatment options and make recommendations.
Access Proven Allergy Treatments in McKinney, Prosper and Southlake
For the best in compassionate, patient-driven care, visit our allergy treatment centers in McKinney/Prosper and Southlake. We provide safe spaces for adults and children to get long-lasting allergy treatments and asthma care. Call (469) 375-1525 or request an appointment today.
A New Standard in Allergy Treatment & Care
Experience patient-centered allergy care, where comfort and innovation go hand-in-hand.
Ask Us a Question
Achieve Lasting Relief From Allergies
We believe in a preventive approach to allergy management, empowering every patient to live the best allergy-free life possible.
Allergies
We identify the root cause of your allergy and provide practical solutions for a more comfortable life.
Food Allergies
Food allergy specialist Dr. Mireku helps you live life to the fullest with caring, patient-focused care.
Allergy Testing
Understand your actual allergy triggers with precision allergy testing at our allergy treatment centers.
Allergy Treatment Options
Allergy relief starts with our holistic allergy care and innovative desensitization treatments.
“My son didn’t miss much schooling this year. Was able to participate in basketball. Thanks”
“Excellent staff. Competent physician with great bedside manner. I would recommend all of my family and friends.”
“Dr. Mireku and her staff have really helped me with my allergies. I have started allergy injections and have seen improvements.”
“She was the most helpful Dr. Diagnosed and treated a problem I had, which no one else could. I HIGHLY recommend using her and her wonderful staff. Michael Young.”
“Dr. Mireku and her staff are caring, concerned, knowledgeable, thorough and thoughtful; I couldn’t recommend her any stronger.”
"Dr. Mireku and her staff are very professional and considerate. They never rush through the visit and take the time to put you at ease."
"Staff is efficient and courteous and my appointment with Dr. Mireku went smoothly. I love how she explains all of the different treatments and options available. Highly recommend!
"Dr. Mireku is one of the best in her field. She is very proficient, professional and kind. In one visit she was able to see my pain and misery and put me on the right track to a happier and healthier life."
"Professional and caring! I appreciate all of you. Thank you for taking care of me."
"Dr. Mireku has improved my health significantly. I’ve had asthma and allergy issues all of my life, generally getting sick 3 to 5 times a year. Thanks to Dr. Mireku, I’ve not been sick in 9 months. Highly recommend."
"Dr. Mireku and her staff have really helped me with my allergies. I have started allergy injections and have seen improvements."
