Clinician places a small vial on an exam table beside four color-coded vials while a seated patient looks on in an examination room.

Allergy shots: A long-term solution for lasting relief

Instead of simply managing symptoms season after season, immunotherapy works to retrain the immune system and reduce the overall allergic response. For many patients, that means fewer sick days, better sleep, less medication, and more freedom to enjoy daily life.
A woman wearing a white lab coat and glasses is standing indoors, with a blurred background that includes a plant and soft lighting.

Think you’re allergic to penicillin? You might not be.

Many penicillin allergy labels begin in childhood and stay in the chart for years. UTMB Health specialists offer safe, simple testing that can confirm whether the allergy is real — and help you get the most effective treatment when you need it.
Clinician uses a handheld otoscope to examine a seated patient’s ear in a clinical exam room.

If you're always 'fighting something off,' it might be time for an immune checkup

Some infections are expected — especially in kids — but patterns of severe, persistent, or unusual illness deserve attention. UTMB Health experts provide gentle, thorough assessments to understand how your immune system is working and what steps can improve your family’s health.
A woman wearing glasses and a white UTMB Health lab coat is standing indoors against a softly blurred background. A plant and large windows are visible behind the person.

Bee stings: An annoyance? Or a life-threatening emergency?

Most bee stings are harmless, but some can trigger dangerous reactions that require immediate care. Knowing the difference between normal swelling and signs of anaphylaxis can help you act fast and stay safe.
Assorted common food allergens arranged on a wooden surface, including eggs, milk, nuts, peanuts, flour, oil, and crackers displayed in bowls and containers

Food allergy vs. food intolerance: What’s the difference?

Food allergies and intolerances aren’t the same. Learn the key differences, symptoms, and when it’s time to see a specialist so you can eat with confidence.
Person standing outdoors among pink flowering trees holds a tissue to their nose, illustrating seasonal allergy symptoms during springtime

Allergy shots (immunotherapy): What patients should know

Discover how allergy shots retrain your immune system and deliver lasting relief from stubborn allergies.
A clinician in scrubs prepares a patient’s arm for a medical procedure in an exam room. Another clinician in a white coat stands nearby observing.

What to expect at your first allergy visit

Allergy visit coming up? Learn what to expect at your first appointment and how to get the most out of your care.
Person sitting indoors holds a tissue to their nose while sneezing, with eyes closed, wearing a short‑sleeve shirt and seated on a couch, illustrating allergy or respiratory symptoms in a home setting

From Patient to Provider: Bringing Empathy and Expertise to Allergy Care

Dr. Nicole Christians, an allergist and immunologist at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), combines personal experience with professional expertise to deliver compassionate allergy care. Inspired by her own childhood struggle with allergic diseases, Dr. Christians pursued a career in Allergy and Immunology, specializing in allergic rhinitis, asthma, eczema, food and environmental allergies, and allergy shots.
Person wearing glasses and a long-sleeve shirt holding a tissue over their nose outdoors, with green foliage in the background, suggesting sneezing or nasal irritation during allergy season

Houston is an ‘allergy capital,’ UTMB allergist offers survival tips

The blooming season in Houston is long, so those with multiple allergies can suffer all year with drainage, congestion, sinus infections, and sore throats. UTMB allergist Dr. Jennifer McCracken offers tips and guidance on how to cope.
Two large trees along a grassy path beside a body of water, with a bench and people walking in the distance on a misty day

How to fight tree pollen this spring

If you suffer from seasonal allergy symptoms, avoid exposure as much as you can. There are some steps you can take to help you deal with the yearly pollen scourge.
A person stands outdoors among blooming flowers while holding a tissue to their nose, with greenery and pink blossoms visible in the background

Seasonal Allergies 101

Board-certified allergy expert Dr. Jennifer McCracken joined Meagan Clanahan of the Houston Moms Blog to discuss helpful tips and tricks about seasonal allergies.
Child with chin in both hands standing in front of a dark background with white chalk drawings of insects

Creepy Crawlies to Beware While Enjoying the Great Outdoors

UTMB's own Dr. Cleavon Covington, an assistant professor who specializes in pediatric allergy and immunology, urges everyone to be vigilant of their surroundings when venturing outdoors. It's especially important to be mindful of insects that can cause harmful allergic reactions and infections including wasps, yellow jackets, bees and ticks.
A person holds a tissue to the nose while standing against a light-colored background, illustrating symptoms commonly associated with seasonal allergies such as congestion or sneezing

5 Tips to Combat Allergy Season

Here are five tips for enjoying the season and avoiding those dreaded warm-weather allergies.
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