What Are Hives?
What are hives? Urticaria, also known as hives, is an outbreak of red bumps or welts on the skin that various triggers can cause. If you have experienced an outbreak before or for the first time, it is important to know your treatment options with your allergist. Understanding a Hives Outbreak What are hives, and what are their causes? Various internal and external triggers can cause hives (urticaria). Hives typically will fade after 24 hours, but some outbreaks can last longer depending on the type of urticaria:...
Is It a Virus or Allergies? What You Should Know
Is it a virus or allergies? If you are feeling under the weather during this time, you may wonder whether you have contracted a virus or are experiencing allergy symptoms. While there are some overlapping symptoms for viruses and allergies, it’s important to know the key differences when determining a course of action for your symptoms. Allergies vs. Viruses Allergies are an immune system response to specific allergens, while a virus is a biological entity that relies on a host to thrive and reproduce....
Staying Healthy with Asthma
Staying Healthy with Asthma: Caring for and treating asthma is important for those that live with the condition to live each day comfortably without flare-ups. It’s important to recognize the signs of an asthma flare-up, know about asthma triggers, and work with an asthma specialist to develop a treatment plan you can rely on. Read more to learn about caring for your asthma and the steps you can take to stay healthy this year. Asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory system that causes the airways to...
Christmas Tree Allergies: What You Should Know
Christmas tree allergies can pose a problem for those who enjoy having a real Christmas tree in their home. These allergies can be avoided by substituting a real tree for an artificial one or taking steps to reduce the potential for an allergy flare-up. Learn more about some actions you can take this Christmas to enjoy your tree. Christmas Tree Allergy Causes In addition to pollen left on the tree, an allergy flare-up from your tree is often caused by mold spores left after its been cut. Once you bring the tree...
Cedar Pollen Allergies
Cedar pollen allergies and cedar fever may be a term you have heard before when talking about cedar allergies, but why exactly is it referred to that way? Intense cedar allergies can often present with cold or flu-like symptoms. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for in our blog. What are cedar pollen allergies? Cedar pollen allergies are caused by the pollen from mountain cedar trees. In Texas, pollen from the Ashe juniper tree also contributes to fall allergies due to its similarity to the cedar tree...
Halloween & Food Allergies in Children: What You Should Know
Halloween and food allergies in children can be a big concern for parents whose kids experience reactions to allergens in common candies. For these parents, there are some steps that can be taken to make sure their children enjoy a fun-filled and safe Halloween. Learn about some of our tips to help avoid a food allergy reaction. Common Food Allergies in Children Food allergies are an abnormal response in the body’s immune system caused by a particular allergen present in the consumed food. Food allergies...
Hurricane Season and Allergies
Hurricane season can be difficult for us and our environment, but did you know the stormy weather can trigger allergy symptoms? The turbulent weather patterns caused by hurricane season can spread allergens quickly throughout the air. Learn more about allergies during hurricane season and how to combat them. Hurricane Season & Allergies in Texas Hurricane season begins around early June and ends around the last week of November, with peak season in August and September. With wind speeds up to 100 to 150 miles...
Houston Allergists: Dr. Zachary Marshall
Houston allergists at McGovern Allergy & Asthma Clinic have provided high-quality allergy and asthma care since 1956. We are excited to welcome Dr. Zachary Marshall to our practice! Learn more about Dr. Marshall and his experience as an allergist. Q: What made you decide to choose a career in the medical field, and more specifically as an allergist? Dr. Marshall: My childhood dream was to be a physician, and the practice of medicine has always been my goal and passion. Likewise, allergy and immunology...