Frequently Asked Questions

What is an allergist?

An allergist is a specialized physician who is Board Certified in Allergy and Immunology. Allergists take care of patients with nasal, eye, food, medication, and skin allergies, as well as those with asthma, recurrent infections or other immune disorders.

Why should I see an allergist?

If you or a family member have one of the above concerns, an allergist can help diagnose and manage these symptoms to improve your quality of life!

What is allergy testing?

Allergy testing is used to detect your body's reaction to IgE, a protein which is a marker for potential allergens. Typically, allergy testing is done via skin testing or by blood (RAST) testing. Skin testing is the preferred method as it usually catches more allergens one is reactive to.  

What are common allergies in the Dallas area?

Outdoor or seasonal allergens:

• Spring trees
• Summer grasses
• Fall weeds and molds
• Winter trees

Indoor allergens:

• Cat
• Dog
• Dust mites

For more information please check out the calendar of seasonal allergens in Texas chart.

How do I prepare for my first visit to your office?

Please fill out the new patient forms that should have been sent to your email address provided. The email should direct you to our patient portal where you can fill out the forms online to save some time. For any reason if you did not receive the email to the new patient forms, please fill out the new patient forms and bring them with you to your office visit. Please also bring any currently prescribed allergy or asthma-related medications.

Stop these oral antihistamines for 7 days before your appointment.

Atarax, Vistaril (hydroxyzine)

Claritin (loratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine), Clarinex (desloratadine)

ChlorTrimeton (chlorpheniramine)

Dimetapp (bropheniramine)

Phenergan (promethazine)

Tavist, Antihist, Dayhist (clemastine)

Xyzal (levocetirizine)

Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

For more medication to avoid prior to your visit please click here.

If you have any questions, please call our office.

What ages do you treat?

Our providers and staff are trained to see patients of all ages, from infants to adults.

What can I expect on my first visit?

You will be greeted at the front desk by one of the administrative staff who will review your new patient paperwork and obtain copies of your insurance card and driver's license. Once checked in, a medical staff member will obtain your vitals and collect other necessary information about your medical history.

You will then be seen by a provider who will discuss your medical history, perform a physical exam, and make recommendations for testing (allergy, respiratory, or other). If testing is recommended, will always provide an estimate of cost prior to proceeding. If testing is done, the provider will then review the results with you and provide a customized plan to best treat your condition. You may be provided with additional teaching by the medical staff afterwards to help emphasize your education.

A typical new patient visit can vary from 1 to 3 hours (rarely more). We can provide school/work absence letters at the front desk when you check out.

Will I need allergy shots?

Not everyone who is allergic will need allergy shots. Some can improve with avoiding the cause of the reaction and others can improve with only medications. However, if symptoms remain refractory to medications or a patient doesn't want to consistently take medications, then allergen immunotherapy or "allergy shots" may be recommended for long-term control of allergy and asthma.

How do allergy shots work?

Allergy shots slowly change the immune system- making you significantly less reactive to future allergy exposure.

If I need shots, how long will I have to take them?

Regardless of the type of build-up schedule for your allergy shots, literature shows that allergen immunotherapy for 3 to 5 years provides the best results for long-term improvement. In other words, just 3 to 5 years of allergy shots may prevent allergy symptoms for years afterwards!

How do I start shots?

Standard Allergen Immunotherapy- Injections are given weekly for the first 6 months, moved up to every 2 weeks (3 times), every 3 weeks (3 times), finally to everyone 4 weeks (or about once a month) and continued.

"RUSH" Immunotherapy- Advance your allergy shots rapidly, moving you approximately 3 months ahead (or half way) vs. standard allergy shots. This requires pretreatment with additional medication and is done over the course of 6-8 hours in our office.

"Cluster" Immunotherapy- A series of 2-3 injections are given in the office over one and a half to two hours. You can come in once a week for a total of 6 weeks to reach your maintenance dose.

What is your office procedure for giving shots?

You may come during normal shot hours but an appointment is preferable to make your visit more efficient. To monitor your safety, we ask you to wait 30 minutes in our office after your injections(s).

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by swelling and mucus production. It can present at any age but typically occurs in childhood. Symptoms can include recurrent wheeze, breathlessness, cough, and chest tightness.

Is there a connection between allergies and asthma?

Yes, up to 80% of children with asthma may be allergic, and up to 40% of children with allergies may have asthma. Adults with asthma also are more likely to be allergic and vice versa.

Will allergy shots help my asthma?

If you are allergic (based on testing), then allergy shots can help reduce symptoms of asthma. In children specifically, allergy shots can also reduce the chance of developing asthma in the future.

What if I have no medical insurance?

We offer a "cash pay" discount- please discuss with one of our staff

Will your office file on my insurance?

We generally call to verify your insurance coverage about one week prior to your new patient appointment and, as a courtesy, we will file with your insurance. Please remember that responsibility for payments ultimately falls on the patient or responsible party. We also always encourage our patients to call their insurance and ask how allergy benefits are covered.