Understanding Allergies and Asthma

Allergies. Asthma. These closely related illnesses affect millions of individuals throughout the United States.

		One in five Americans suffer from some type of allergy.
		More than 20 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with asthma, and children account for nearly half of this number.

Combating Allergies and Asthma

Your care at Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic begins with a thorough examination. Before recommendations for treatment are made, a test is conducted to determine if you have allergic reactions to specific allergens. The most accurate allergy test is a skin test. In this test an extract of a suspected allergen is placed on the skin with a device that slightly penetrates the surface. If a bump surrounded by redness occurs at the site, the patient may be allergic to that allergen. Blood tests are another form of allergy testing that may be necessary under special circumstances.

While testing is invaluable, one of Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic’s most effective diagnostic tools is listening, letting patients tell us about their lifestyle, habits, activities and symptoms. The professionals at Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic are skilled at evaluating allergies and asthma, and work to develop the optimum strategy for treatment and relief of symptoms. They prescribe the proper balance of prevention, medications and immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops) to achieve maximum clinical benefit.

Allergists, such as the physicians at Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic, are medical specialists in the treatment of allergic diseases and related conditions. Any physician may treat allergic diseases; however, our board-certified allergists-immunologists have the advanced training and experience in the techniques of determining what causes an allergic reaction and how best to solve the problem.

Every board-certified allergist has credentials in at least two specialties, and has completed specialty training in either internal medicine or pediatrics, with Board Certification in that specialty, followed by additional training for two or more years studying the science, cause, diagnosis, and treatment of allergic and related diseases. Certification by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology requires not only approved training, but also successful completion of a challenging written examination.

Individuals who chose Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic are assured of a complete allergy evaluation by nationally recognized experts in the fields of allergy and asthma. As specialists, the allergists and professional staff are armed with information about the latest advances in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies and asthma, balanced with the common sense that comes from more than 70 years of experience.

Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic prides itself on putting patients’ needs first, delivering the best care in a comfortable, nurturing environment. To assure patients receive the most effective treatments, the team at Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic emphasizes those factors they consider to be the cornerstone of quality medical care, including:

		The best in preventative medicine. Education and prevention are key in helping patients overcome allergy and asthma. Doctors and staff at Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic take great care to ensure that patients understand proactive measures.
		Ongoing education. The health-care providers at Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic are top specialists who stay abreast of the latest developments in the field. The physicians have impressive credentials, including holding leadership positions at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; American Medical Association; Texas Medical Association; Harris County Medical Society; and Greater Houston Allergy Society.
		Professionalism. All of the physicians actively practicing at Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic are board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. They share in the patient-centered approach of the practice.
		Comprehensive approach. Providing excellent medical care today requires a complex integration of medical knowledge, insurance and pharmacy benefits, personal and family situation, and other aspects of the individual patient. At Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic, the high caliber office staff focuses on serving patients’ needs efficiently.