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Horse Allergy Treatment
in San Mateo, CA

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The Allergy and Asthma Clinic in San Mateo and Daly City offers comprehensive horse allergy treatment to help you enjoy time with horses without suffering from allergic reactions. Our experienced team provides personalized care using advanced testing and treatment methods to reduce your sensitivity to horse allergens.
Table Of Contents
What Are Horse Allergies?
Common Allergy Triggers
Recognizing Allergy
Symptoms
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Diagnosing Horse Allergies
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Allergy Testing Methods
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Understanding Immunotherapy
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How Immunotherapy
Works
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Other Treatment Approaches
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Long-Term Care
Who Is a Candidate for Horse Allergy Treatment?
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Benefits of Immunotherapy for Horse Allergies
12
Cost of Horse Allergy Treatment in San Mateo, CA
13
Get Long-Term Relief From Horse Allergies
14
Frequently Asked Questions
15
Schedule a Consultation
Person's hand feeding treats to a black horse in a pasture

What Are
Horse Allergies?

Horse allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to proteins found in horse dander, saliva, sweat, and urine. These proteins, particularly Equ c 1 and Equ c 4, trigger an immune response that leads to various uncomfortable symptoms. Unlike seasonal allergies, horse allergies can affect you year-round whenever you’re exposed to these allergens.

Common Allergy Triggers

The primary triggers for horse allergies include specific proteins found in:
  • Dander: Microscopic flakes of skin that horses shed
  • Saliva: Transferred to hair when horses groom themselves
  • Urine: Dried particles that become airborne
  • Sweat: Proteins in sweat can also be allergenic
  • Hair: Carries dander and dried bodily fluids
Indirect Exposure Sources
  • Riding equipment and tack
  • Clothing worn around horses
  • Hay and bedding materials
  • Stable dust containing allergens
Woman in yellow jacket sneezing into a tissue while outdoors

Recognizing Allergy Symptoms

Horse allergy symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe reactions affecting multiple body systems.
  • Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose
  • Coughing, wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Hives, welts, or rashes
  • Itchy, red skin upon contact
  • Eczema flare-ups
  • Itchy, watery, or red eyes
  • Swelling and light sensitivity

Fatigue, headaches, or sinus discomfort

Diagnosing Horse Allergies

Accurate diagnosis begins with a comprehensive evaluation by our specialists. We review your medical history, exposure patterns, symptom timeline, and family history of allergies to understand your specific situation.

Allergy Testing Methods

For accurate diagnosis, we utilize advanced testing methods to identify specific allergens.
This common and highly effective method provides results within 20 minutes. We place small amounts of horse allergen extract on your skin and gently prick the surface. A localized reaction, such as a red, itchy bump, indicates an allergy.
For cases where skin testing is not suitable, blood tests measure specific IgE antibodies in your bloodstream that react to horse allergens. Higher levels suggest an allergy.

Understanding Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a specialized treatment designed to modify your immune system’s response to allergens, offering long-term relief from horse allergy symptoms. Unlike medications that only manage symptoms, immunotherapy aims to desensitize your body to the allergen, addressing the underlying cause.
Woman petting a black horse's nose in a mountain valley setting

How Immunotherapy Works

Immunotherapy works by gradually exposing your immune system to increasing amounts of the allergen.
Regular, controlled exposure to small amounts of the allergen helps your immune system become less sensitive to it. This process trains your immune system to tolerate horse proteins without triggering reactions.
Your body produces blocking antibodies and reduces IgE antibody production, leading to fewer and less severe allergic reactions over time.
  • Allergy shots: Traditional subcutaneous immunotherapy administered in our office
  • Sublingual drops: Convenient under-the-tongue treatment you can take at home

Other Treatment Approaches

Beyond immunotherapy, various strategies can help manage horse allergy symptoms and reduce exposure.
  • Avoiding barns, stables, or places where horses are present
  • Using HEPA filters in homes and vehicles
  • Changing clothes and washing after horse contact
  • Creating allergen-free zones
  • Antihistamines: To reduce itching, sneezing, and a runny nose
  • Nasal corticosteroid sprays: To relieve nasal congestion and inflammation
  • Bronchodilators/Inhalers: For asthma symptoms
  • Leukotriene inhibitors: For additional symptom control
  • Emergency epinephrine: For severe reactions

Long-Term Care

Long-term care focuses on maintaining benefits achieved through treatment and preventing future flare-ups. This includes periodic follow-up appointments, continued maintenance immunotherapy, and ongoing environmental control strategies.
Older man blowing his nose with a tissue outdoors surrounded by yellow fall foliage

Who Is a Candidate
for Horse Allergy Treatment?

Ideal candidates include:
  • People with confirmed horse allergies through testing
  • Those experiencing moderate to severe symptoms despite avoidance efforts
  • Individuals who work with horses professionally
  • Riders who don’t want to give up their passion
  • Patients seeking long-term relief beyond medications
Woman smiling while saddling a gray horse in an autumn field

Benefits of
Immunotherapy for
Horse Allergies

Immunotherapy offers significant advantages for individuals seeking lasting relief from horse allergies. These benefits include:
  • Long-Term Relief: Addresses the root cause with sustained symptom reduction.
  • Reduced Medication Needs: Lessens reliance on daily antihistamines.
  • Prevention Benefits: May prevent new allergies and reduce the risk of asthma.
  • Improved Quality of Life: Enables greater comfort and participation in horse-related activities.

Cost of Horse Allergy Treatment in San Mateo, CA

Horse allergy treatment costs in San Mateo and Daly City vary based on testing requirements, chosen therapy method, and insurance coverage. Our clinic accepts most insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, UMR, Guardian, Health Net, Medicare, Great-West Healthcare, MultiPlan, PHCS, SEQUOIA, and TRICARE. We also offer flexible financing options.
Contact our office for a personalized quote.
check your benefits

Get Long-Term Relief From Horse Allergies

With over 30 years of service in the Bay Area, the Allergy and Asthma Clinic brings unmatched expertise to horse allergy treatment. We offer:
  • Same-day testing
  • Both traditional and innovative treatment approaches
  • Convenient sublingual immunotherapy options
  • Virtual and in-person appointments
  • San Mateo and Daly City locations
  • Acceptance of most insurance plans
  • Flexible payment options

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about horse allergy treatment.
Immunotherapy typically requires 3-5 years for optimal results, though many patients notice improvement within 6-12 months. Symptomatic relief from medications can be faster.
Yes, allergies can develop at any age, even without previous sensitivities. Changes in the environment or the immune system can trigger new allergies.
Immunotherapy is safe and effective when administered under qualified supervision. Our team carefully monitors patients throughout the process.
Yes, most patients can continue horse activities with proper precautions and symptom management during treatment.
We can create customized immunotherapy treatments addressing multiple animal allergies simultaneously.

Schedule a Consultation

Ready to overcome your horse allergies? Contact us today to schedule your consultation in San Mateo or Daly City.

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Types of Asthma
Testing for Asthma
Asthma Treatments
Allergies

Food Allergies

Insect Allergies

Environmental Allergies

Skin allergies

Other CommonAllergies

Nose & Sinus Allergies

Allergies Testing
Allergic Treatments

Allergy Shots

Allergy Drops

Allergy Medications

Lifestyle Changes

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First and foremost let me start by saying that these people did one hell of a job figuring out my sinus problems. When I first arrived there, I explained what was going on with me having excessive inflammation in the sinus…after they tested me, I found out that I was being exposed to dust mites which gave me a strong reaction. I followed the doctors guides lines in terms of cleaning my room and ever since, my sinus inflammation went away for good and now I have a healthy sinus. Thank you for everything.

- Johnathon T
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Dr. Engler is great and his staff, both medical and administrative, are wonderful. Dr. Engler is competent, caring, and listens better than any doctor I’ve ever had, constantly and patiently asking if I have any more questions. The staff is great. The nurses are very friendly and helpful. The desk staff is the same. I have been going here over a year and have always received caring and competent treatment. I highly recommend them.
- Tom B
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Hands down the best place to go for Allergies and Asthma. The staff is incredibly kind and caring and so professional and helpful. I’ve been going here for over 30 years and they have gone out of their way countless times to make sure that I was well-cared-for. The nurses are excellent and always make sure to ask how my family is doing not to mention that they give the most painless allergy shots around. They remember little details about me and always make sure to give me a lollipop for my son, even when he’s not with me. Brooke is a great diagnostician and listener and each time I have an appointment with her, I always leave feeling better. The same is true for Dr. Engler.

My 10 year old son also has allergies and asthma and the staff makes sure that he feels well taken care of and comfortable, despite his having Autism and ADHD. He actually looks forward to going there with me, whether it be for my allergy shots or even when he needed allergy skin testing. When you’re a patient at the Allergy and Asthma clinic, you are treated as if you are the only patient they have, even when the waiting room is full. Dr. Engler has hired truly excellent staff, from the front desk people to the nurses and medical assistants. If you have allergies and/or asthma and you live on the Peninsula or even in the city, I highly recommend that you visit the Allergy and Asthma Clinic. They are truly amazing and will make you feel so much better.

-Sandi S.
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I had an amazing experience at this clinic. Dr. Engler and the staff were all extremely welcoming, warm, and thorough in their various lanes of work from the front desk to billing to the assistants to Dr. Engler himself.
One thing I wish I knew before coming in was that the food test covers 80 allergens, and the environmental test covers 80 allergens meaning if you want to do both you need to come two separate days. This is kind of a hassle but definitely worth it since you’ll be tested for 160 allergens whereas most clinics only test 80 total.
Through the tests I figured out what I was allergic to and was advised to use an over the counter medication which has drastically helped and eliminated the symptoms I was experiencing. Dr. Engler also covered all the things I needed to do to reduce my symptoms via my lifestyle which was super helpful with my symptom reduction as well. I’d highly recommend this clinic! Insurance covered the tests and visits. (I have anthem blue cross)
-Christina L
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I’ve been a patient at The Allergy and Asthma Clinic for over 12 years, and I can’t speak highly enough of the care I’ve received. Growing up with severe pollen allergies, I’ve been on and off allergy shots for years, and this clinic has truly been a lifesaver for me.
From the moment you walk in, you’re treated like family. The staff is incredibly kind, caring, and genuinely invested in your well-being. I have never had a negative experience with anyone here; everyone is consistently friendly and supportive.
Dr. Engler is exceptional! He has a remarkable ability to quickly and effectively address any situation. His expertise and compassionate approach have made a significant difference in managing my allergies.
If you’re struggling with allergies or asthma, this is the place to go. I wholeheartedly recommend The Allergy and Asthma Clinic to anyone seeking top-notch care.
-Trevor C