How can I tell an allergy from a cold?

A cold usually lasts one or two weeks and may cause fever or body aches. An allergy doesn't cause fever, lasts as long as you're exposed and often comes back at the same time each year, with itchy eyes and nose.

Do you do allergy skin testing?

At the clinic we handle the evaluation and treatment. Skin testing and allergy shots are done by an allergist; if you need them, we guide you through the referral.

Do allergy medications make you drowsy?

Some older antihistamines do. There are options that cause little or no drowsiness; we recommend the right one based on your job, whether you drive and the other medications you take.

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General medicine

Allergy Testing & Treatment

Evaluation and treatment of seasonal, respiratory and skin allergies, with care in Spanish.

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Evaluation of symptoms and triggers
Treatment of respiratory and skin allergies
Management of rhinitis and congestion
Care in Spanish

Sneezing fits every time you step outside, itchy eyes, a stuffy nose that never clears or hives that show up for no clear reason. Allergies are not "just a long cold": left untreated, they cost you sleep, focus and time outdoors. At the clinic we help you understand what triggers them and get them under control.

Which allergies do we treat?

Allergic rhinitis: sneezing, congestion, runny nose and an itchy throat.
Allergic conjunctivitis: red, watery, itchy eyes.
Hives: itchy welts that move around.
Dermatitis: dry, red or irritated skin from contact with something.
Coughing or wheezing that gets worse with dust or pollen.

Why are allergies so common in Houston?

The warm, humid climate means pollen almost year-round: trees in spring, grasses in summer and ragweed in fall, plus mold in any season. The Houston Health Department posts a daily pollen and mold count; checking it tells you when to keep windows closed or head out later.

What is the visit like?

We ask when your symptoms started, what time of year they get worse, where you live and work, whether you have pets and which medications you have tried. With that and a physical exam we build a plan: antihistamines, nasal sprays, skin creams and specific changes at home. If symptoms don't let up or we suspect a more complex allergy, we guide you to an allergist, who does skin testing and allergy shots.

When is it an emergency?

If a food, a medication or an insect sting is followed by swelling of the lips or throat, trouble breathing, dizziness or fainting, call 911: it may be anaphylaxis and needs immediate care.

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