Allergy Testing & Treatment

Respiratory and skin allergies are assessed in the visit based on symptoms, the time of year they appear and what sets them off. Walk-in and in Spanish.

Which symptoms are treated?

• Respiratory: bursts of sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy nose and eyes, watery eyes, dry cough that is worse at night
• Skin: hives that come and go, itching, eczema, redness after contact
• Seasonal: symptoms that return at the same time each year

Allergy or a cold?

They are often confused, but some signs point one way:

What happens at the visit?

The pattern of symptoms is reviewed, along with exposure at home and at work, family history and what you have already tried. From there a plan is set: antihistamines, nasal steroid, environmental control measures. If symptoms are persistent or severe, or if food or sting allergy is suspected, an allergy specialist assessment is recommended and you are given the report to take along.

Houston and pollen

The allergy calendar here is long: cedar in winter, trees in spring, grasses in late spring and ragweed in late summer. On top of that, dust mites and mold have no season at all. Noting when symptoms worsen helps the diagnosis more than any isolated test.

When not to wait

Difficulty breathing, a closing feeling in the throat, swelling of the lips or tongue, or hives appearing suddenly all over the body: that is a severe reaction, call 911.

Walk-in and no insurance

Monday through Sunday, 9 AM to 9 PM. If cough and congestion come with fever, it is worth ruling out an infection first under respiratory illness.