Texas Allergy Center

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  • Texas Allergy Center Helps You Navigate Fall Allergies in North Texas: Ragweed Allergy

    Texas Allergy Center Helps You Navigate Fall Allergies in North Texas: Ragweed Allergy

    north texas dallas dr jane lee ragweed pollen allergy

    Ragweed pollen may be a seasonal nuisance in Texas, but understanding its characteristics and effects can help prevent allergic reactions. By staying informed, practicing allergen-reducing strategies, and partnering with an allergist, Texans can better navigate the ragweed season and enjoy life without the constant threat of ragweed allergy.

    Ragweed affects millions of Texans annually, triggering allergic reactions and making life challenging. Scientifically known as Ambrosia artemisiifolia, it is a flowering plant native to North America. It thrives in various environments, from roadside ditches to open fields, and is particularly prolific in Texas due to the state’s diverse landscapes and favorable climate.

    Texas Allergy Center Dallas Dr. Jane Lee

    A single ragweed plant can produce up to a billion pollen grains in a single season. The grains are light and easily airborne, allowing them to travel great distances on the wind. This dissemination is why ragweed pollen levels can be high even in urban areas far from its natural habitat. 

    Ragweed season in Texas typically spans from late summer to early fall, peaking in August and September. The warm climate and extended growing season allow ragweed plants to thrive and release copious amounts of pollen. This period coincides with the start of the school year, making it particularly challenging for students and educators alike.

    Common ragweed allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny or congested nose, itchy or watery eyes, and even exacerbation of asthma symptoms.

    While it’s impossible to completely eliminate ragweed pollen, we offer these tips for Texans to manage its impact:

    Our board-certified allergist and highly trained staff are here to help you enjoy being outdoors in Texas. We will address questions and concerns, and then find treatment and care that is right for you! Get started today.

  • NEW LOCATION NOW OPEN

    NEW LOCATION NOW OPEN

    allergy allergies allergist dallas dr lee

    TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT EITHER LOCATION, CALL OUR OFFICE DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 214-370-5700.

    Our new location is now open!

    Call to schedule your appointment for either location.

    214-370-5700
    CLINIC & INJECTION HOURS OF OPERATION
    New Location!
    TOLL HILL PLAZA (WEST) 5310 Harvest Hill
    Suite 120
    Dallas TX 75230
    Monday – closed
    Tuesday – closed
    Wednesday – 8am to 5pm *INJECTIONS ONLY
    Thursday – closed
    Friday – closed
    Saturday – 9am to 1pm *INJECTIONS ONLY
    TOM LANDRY CENTER
    411 North Washington Ave.
    Suite 2400 (In Tom Landry Center)
    Dallas, TX 75246
    Monday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Tuesday & Thursday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    Friday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    MORE INFO
  • NEW LOCATION OPENING JUNE 12TH

    NEW LOCATION OPENING JUNE 12TH

    allergy asthma dr lee dallas texas

    We are excited to announce the GRAND OPENING for our new location will be June 12TH.  You are invited to join us in celebration! 

    Call to schedule your appointment for either location.

    214-370-5700
    CLINIC & INJECTION HOURS OF OPERATION
    New Location!
    TOLL HILL PLAZA (WEST)
    5310 Harvest Hill
    Suite 120
    Dallas TX 75230
    Monday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Friday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    TOM LANDRY CENTER
    411 North Washington Ave.
    Suite 2400 (In Tom Landry Center)
    Dallas, TX 75246
    Monday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Tuesday & Thursday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    Friday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    MORE INFO

  • Protocol for Sinus Irrigation

    1. Prepare irrigation solution as follows: Mix: 1/3 teaspoon of baking soda 1/3 teaspoon of salt 1 pint of water

    2. Boil solution for fifteen minutes

    3. Cool until warm for the first treatment

    4. Store the rest of the solution in the refrigerator in a clean jar with a lid Warm one cup of solution to body temperature

    5. Fill a Pediatric Bulb syringe with solution, lean over sink and instill solution with steady firm pressure. Continue irrigation until the entire cup of solution is used up. A sinus irrigation attachment to a water pick may also be used.

    6. Solution should run out freely from the nose and back of throat.

    7. Repeat treatment twice daily.

  • Nasal Polyps

    Nasal polyps are outgrowths of the nasal/sinus mucosa. Nasal polyps usually develop as a result of continuous chronic allergy that causes mucous membrane edema in the nose and sinuses. They are also commonly seen in people with aspirin sensitivity and chronic sinusitis.

    Symptoms: Nasal obstruction. Loss in the sense of smell. Nasal discharge. Sinus pressure

    Treatment:
    Corticosteroids (oral or nasal spray) can reduce the polyps temporarily. Immunotherapy (allergy shots) has also shown to reduce the recurrence and size of the polyps. People with aspirin sensitivity should avoid taking aspirin containing products. At times, medical management alone is not effective and polypectomy (removal of the polyps) is necessary. Surgery should be followed by the removal of the inciting agents, immunotherapy and the use of intranasal steroid sprays.

    *Disclaimer: Results May Vary

  • What Is Immunotherapy?

    How does Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots) work?

    Immunotherapy is a process in which an allergic patient can become desensitized to allergens that trigger rhinitis (congestion, sneezing and itching), asthma and insect allergy. It is to decrease sensitivity to allergy-causing substances, so that exposure to the offending allergen (pollen, mold, dust mites, animal dander, stinging insect, etc) will result in fewer and less severe symptoms.Allergy injections have been shown to lead to the formation of “blocking” or protective antibodies and a gradual decrease in allergic antibody levels.

    People, in effect, become “immune” to the allergen.Improvement in symptoms is gradual. It usually requires 1-3 months before significant relief of allergy symptoms in noted, and it may take more than 12 months for full benefits to be evident. More than 95% of allergic patients on immunotherapy obtain significant improvements of their symptoms.Allergy injections are begun at a very low dose. This dosage is gradually increased on a regular basis (usually 1-2 times per week) until a therapeutic dose (often called the “maintenance dose”) is reached. After the maintenance dose is reached, the injections can usually be given every one to three weeks.

    Most immunotherapy patients continue the treatment for 3 years, after which the need for continuation is reassessed. Many of the patients, after being on immunotherapy for 3 years, can maintain their allergy-free state even after the therapy is stopped.


    What is RUSH Immunotherapy?

    RUSH Immunotherapy is an alternative form of allergy immunotherapy. RUSH allows a patient to achieve his/her maintenance dose more rapidly. This allows the patient to begin experiencing the benefits of allergy immunotherapy sooner. Time commitment is also decreased, as RUSH requires fewer visits to our office. This makes immunotherapy more convenient and more affordable.Both forms of immunotherapy are highly successful in treating the symptoms of allergies.Instructions Prior to Rush Immunotherapy (20K)

    *Disclaimer: Results May Vary

     

  • Get Allergy Relief

    The three principle methods for treating allergies are:

    Avoidance
    Elimination is the best form of treatment and may be the only one required. Unfortunately, many allergens such as house dust, pollens and mold spores are difficult to completely eliminate. Learn more

    Medications
    Using various forms of medications such as antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays will block the symptoms of an allergy. Although medications do not eliminate a specific allergy, they are a necessary part of treatment in some patients.

    Immunotherapy (Allergic Injections)
    Immunotherapy is a procedure in which a patient is injected with allergens they are currently allergic to over time. Ultimately desensitizing and raising the patient’s tolerance to the allergens.

    For more information please contact us. 

  • Sinusitis

    Sinusitis is an inflammatory process involving the nasal sinuses- hollow cavities within the cheek bones, behind the nose and eyes. The inflammation may be infectious in nature, from viral, bacterial or fungal growth or due to ongoing allergic process.

    Sinusitis affects 31-35 million Americans and it may last for months or years if inadequately treated. Sinusitis can affect the nose, eyes or middle ear. Symptoms may include colored nasal drainage, excessive postnasal drip, cough, facial pain and an accompanying headache.

    Types of sinusitis

    Acute sinusitis, which is often caused by a bacterial infection and usually develops as a complication five to ten days after the first symptoms of common cold.

    Chronic sinusitis, which also may be cause by bacterial infection, but is more often caused by chronic allergic inflammation similarly seen in bronchial asthma.

    People with allergies may be predisposed to develop sinusitis. Allergies can trigger inflammation of the sinuses and nasal mucous linings. This inflammation prevents the sinus cavities from clearing out bacteria, and increase chances of developing secondary bacterial sinusitis.

    People with recurring or chronic sinusitis may benefit from having an allergy evaluation. Structural problems in the nose, such as narrow drainage passages, deviated septum or nasal polyps may be another cause of sinusitis. Surgery is sometimes needed to correct these problems.

    Diagnosis
    To make a correct diagnosis, a physician must take a detailed history and perform a physical examination. A physician may also order tests such as sinus X-ray, CT scan, allergy testing or a sampling of the nasal secretions.The physician also may perform an endoscopic examination. This involves inserting a narrow, flexible fiber-optic scope into the nasal cavity through the nostrils, which allows the physician to view the area where the sinuses drain into the nose.

    Treatment
    Sinus infections generally require a combination of medications. In addition to prescribing an antibiotic when the sinusitis is caused by bacterial infection, your physician may prescribe a medication to reduce the blockage or control allergies. This will keep the sinus passages open.For people with allergies, long-term treatment to control and reduce allergic inflammation can be effective in preventing the development of sinusitis. This treatment may include immunotherapy (allergy shots), anti-inflammatory medications, decongestants and environmental control measures. Regular irrigation of the nasal passages may also be beneficial. Nasal Irrigation

    *Disclaimer: Results May Vary

  • Asthma Medications

    Asthma Medications

    Since inflammation of the airways is the key feature of asthma,anti-inflammatory medications are the mainstay of asthma therapy. Mild-intermittent asthmatics do not have a significant degree of inflammation so do not need a daily anti-inflammatory medication. However, mild, moderate and severe-persistent asthmatics do have airway inflammation that needs to be treated with a daily anti-inflammatory medication.

    Medication Categories

    Anti-inflammatory Agents: Inhaled Steroids:(Flovent, Advair, Pulmicort, Azmacort, QVAR, Beclovent and Aerobid) The most important anti-inflammatory medications for asthma. Decreases the swelling within the airways and can prevent scarring. Have been shown to significantly improve symptoms, decrease hospitalizations and mortality from asthma. If taken at standard doses, they have not shown to suppress long-term growth in children or many of the other side effects of oral steroids.

    Leukotriene Modifiers:(Singulair, Accolate and Zyflo) Leukotrienes are substances in the body contributing to airway inflammation and constriction. This medication class inhibits the action of the leukotrienes and can improve asthma symptoms.

    Oral Steroids: Very effective in decreasing air inflammation, but have many side effects if taken over long periods of time. Only the most severe asthmatics need chronic oral steroids. Many asthmatics need short bursts of oral steroids during asthma exacerbations.

    Other less commonly used anti-inflammatory medications for asthma are mast-cell stabilizers (Intal, Tilade) and theophylline.

    Bronchodilators: Long-acting bronchodialators:(Serevent and Foradil)Relax the muscles around the airways, opening them up for a 12-hour period. Since they do not have significant anti-inflammatory properties, they should not be used alone in the treatment of asthma. However, they work well in conjunction with inhaled steroids. They should be taken twice daily, every day.

    Short-acting bronchodialators or rescue inhalers: (*Albuterol, Proventil, *Xopenex, Ventolin, Maxair, Combivent and Atrovent) *Can be used via the nebulizer. Relax the muscles around the airways, opening them up for a 4-6 hour period. They take effect very quickly (within 5 minutes), which makes them important rescue medications. Every asthmatic should have one of these medications in case of coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath. If you require this medication more than twice per week on average (with the exception of using prior to exercise) you need to add or increase your anti-inflammatory medication.

    *Disclaimer: Results May Vary

  • Asthma Treatment

    Allergen Avoidance
    (Dust mites and animal dander avoidance
    are especially important)

    Medications

    Immunotherapy (allergy shots)