Comprehensive Allergy Evaluation and Treatment in Houston

At our Houston clinic, our board-certified allergist-immunologists begin the evaluation with a comprehensive history and physical examination. We may conduct skin testing for environmental and food allergens, spirometry to assess lung function, and, if necessary, endoscope examination of the nose and postnasal areas. To ensure efficiency, all relevant and safe tests are performed on the same day. In certain cases, specialized procedures may require scheduling for a later date. After completing the evaluations, we discuss the findings and may order blood tests to examine your immune system, CT scans of sinuses or lungs, and other tests. Together, we develop a personalized management plan to improve your health, which may include allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) for environmental allergies.

1. Environmental Allergies: We offer testing for 52 different allergens commonly found in the Houston area, including molds, grass, weed, tree pollens, dust mites, cockroach, and animal dander. Our precise prick skin tests provide rapid, accurate, and safe results, enabling us to create highly specific allergen immunotherapy mixes for each patient.
2. Food Allergies: We also conduct tests for 22 food allergens. While the results guide avoidance, we use them alongside detailed patient history to develop avoidance plans and promptly address reactions from accidental exposures.
3. Other Tests: When necessary, we perform additional procedures, such as spirometry to assess lung function, endoscope examination of the nose and postnasal areas, patch testing for contact-induced skin rash, and drug allergy evaluations.

Allergy testing doesn't always necessitate treatment. Our team analyzes the results, along with the patient's history and symptoms, to identify the allergy triggers and develop a personalized treatment plan.

1. Avoidance: Avoidance is the initial step in managing allergen sensitivity. We help identify triggers and recommend effective avoidance methods to alleviate seasonal allergy symptoms. Reducing exposure to household dust, dander, and mold can significantly reduce symptoms such as runny nose, congestion, and itchy/watery eyes.
2. Medications: When avoidance alone is insufficient, we may prescribe medications to address allergy symptoms. Over-the-counter intranasal steroids like fluticasone and antihistamines such as cetirizine and fexofenadine can be effective in managing allergic reactions. We also prescribe inhalers for asthma management, medications for allergy-induced skin rash, and biologics when standard treatments prove ineffective.
3. Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT): In some cases, we recommend injections of highly specific allergy serums. These individualized patient serums modify the immune response to allergens, leading to reduced symptoms and decreased reliance on medications. SCIT is typically administered and monitored by our trained staff and can provide long-lasting effects even after the treatment is completed.