Frequently Asked Questions

Allergies happen when the immune system reacts to everyday substances like pollen, dust, animal dander, mold, or certain foods as if they are harmful. Symptoms can include sneezing, congestion, itchy or watery eyes, hives, swelling, coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing. At Allergy & Asthma Care of Waco, our allergists diagnose the cause of these reactions and build a plan to keep you more comfortable in Waco and across Central Texas.

We care for a wide range of allergy and breathing conditions, including seasonal and year-round allergies, asthma, sinus problems, eczema and other allergic skin conditions, food allergies, stinging insect allergies, and medication allergies. Our goal is to manage both day-to-day symptoms and long-term control so you can get back to normal life.

Allergies and asthma are long-term conditions, but they can usually be controlled very well. Medications and lifestyle changes help manage symptoms. Allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops) can change how the immune system responds to allergens over time, which may lead to fewer symptoms and less need for medicine. Our team will help you decide which options are right for you.

Yes. We have been caring for multigenerational families for over 40 years, and we see children, teens, and adults. Many allergy and asthma symptoms begin in childhood and others appear later in life, so our team is trained to support the full age range of patients in Waco and the surrounding communities.

Consider seeing an allergist if your symptoms keep coming back, last most of the year, interfere with sleep or work, or do not improve with over-the-counter medicines. You should also see a specialist if you have asthma, frequent sinus infections, severe reactions to foods or insect stings, or if you want to explore allergy testing or allergy shots. We often work as a partner with your primary care doctor to give you the best long-term plan.

We start with a detailed history of your symptoms, your environment, and your medical background. Testing may include skin prick testing, intradermal testing, or blood tests that measure how your immune system reacts to specific allergens. The results help us pinpoint your triggers and design a personalized treatment plan.

Our board-certified physicians, nurses, and staff are trained in personalized allergy and asthma testing and care. We need to see you first and better understand what your symptoms are and test why you are having them. Following our proven testing methods, we can then work with you on a personalized treatment plan to help you care for your allergies and asthma.

Allergy immunotherapy exposes your immune system to very small amounts of the allergens that bother you, either through allergy shots or under-the-tongue drops. Over time, your body becomes less reactive, which can lead to fewer symptoms and better control. Immunotherapy is often recommended for people with moderate to severe allergies who want a long-term solution, especially for pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and certain molds.

Yes. We offer advanced medications and targeted infusions to provide lasting relief for severe allergy and asthma symptoms. Our experienced healthcare providers will work with you to determine the most effective treatment options for your specific needs.

Managing food allergies requires specialized guidance to ensure safe diets and effective symptom management. Our team provides personalized support and resources to help you navigate potentially life-threatening food allergies with confidence.

Refilling your prescriptions is simple. You can request a refill by calling our office during business hours or by using our online patient portal. We will promptly process your request and notify you when your prescription is ready for pickup.

Yes, we offer virtual allergy care services. Telehealth consultations, online tracking, and customized treatment plans are available to provide accessible top-tier allergy and asthma care from the comfort of your own home.

You can request an appointment by calling our office at (254) 753-3646 or by using the online request form on our website. Our staff will help you choose a time that works with your schedule and will let you know if any special preparation is needed for your visit.

Please arrive a little early to complete any remaining forms, bring your insurance card and photo ID, and bring a list of your current medications, inhalers, and supplements. If you have past test results or hospital records related to your allergies or asthma, those are helpful as well. Some medications can affect allergy test results, so our office will tell you in advance if anything needs to be adjusted before testing.

In Central Texas, common outdoor allergens include oak, cedar, ragweed, and other tree, grass, and weed pollens, along with mold spores. Indoor triggers like dust mites, pet dander, and cockroach allergen are also frequent sources of problems. Our local pollen counting station and clinic experience give us a clear picture of which allergens are most active in each season.

The beginning and ending times of tree, grass and weed pollen seasons are very similar from year to year in the same location. Intensity differs every year based on the weather the previous year, current weather and other environmental factors.

During allergy season in Waco, it is essential to take proactive measures to manage your symptoms. Our team can provide personalized recommendations, including medication management, environmental control strategies, and immunotherapy options, to help you stay comfortable and symptom-free.