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A group of foods arranged on a white wooden surface, including eggs, milk, nuts, seeds, cheese, cooking oil, and flour.

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

March 16, 2026 • 1:56 p.m. by Margaret Battistelli Gardner

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 holding a tissue near their nose while standing outdoors in front of pink flowering trees.

Allergy shots (immunotherapy): What patients should know

March 9, 2026 • 1:18 p.m. by Margaret Battistelli Gardner

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

March 4, 2026 • 8:13 a.m. by Margaret Battistelli Gardner

Allergy visit coming up? Learn what to expect at your first appointment and how to get the most out of your care.

Women with tissue sneezing

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

September 17, 2025 • 10:05 a.m.

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.

image of black man sneezing and blowing nose into tissue - in the background is blurred out greenery. The man is wearing glasses and a collared shirt

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

April 1, 2025 • 8:11 a.m. by Katherine Adams

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.

People walk in a park under oak trees

How to fight tree pollen this spring

March 21, 2023 • 7:00 a.m. by Dr. Jennifer McCracken

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.

image of Black female sneezing into a tissue in front of plant with pink flowers and green leaves

Seasonal Allergies 101

May 9, 2022 • 4:07 p.m. by Houstons Moms Blog

Board-certified allergy expert Dr. Jennifer McCracken joined Meagan Clanahan of the Houston Moms Blog to discuss helpful tips and tricks about seasonal allergies.

Pediatric Allergy services at UTMB Health

Creepy Crawlies to Beware While Enjoying the Great Outdoors

May 4, 2021 • 9:00 a.m. by Dr. Cleavon Covington

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.

woman blowing nose

5 Tips to Combat Allergy Season

April 8, 2021 • 9:00 a.m. by Dr. Jennifer McCracken

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

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