Allergy Testing & Treatment in Austin

Austin's top allergens include mountain cedar (December through February), oak and elm pollen (spring), ragweed and grass pollen (fall), mold spores (year-round, especially after rain), and indoor allergens like dust mites and pet dander. Cedar pollen is particularly aggressive and affects many people who never noticed allergies before.

Allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) are injections given in the office on a regular schedule, typically weekly during buildup and monthly during maintenance. Allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy) are taken daily under the tongue at home. Both work by gradually desensitizing your immune system to specific allergens. Your provider will recommend the best option based on your allergens, lifestyle, and preferences.

In-office allergy testing at Capital ENT typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Skin prick testing checks your reaction to dozens of common environmental allergens in a single visit, and results are available immediately. You'll leave with a clear picture of exactly what you're allergic to and a personalized treatment plan.

Many patients notice improvement during the first year of immunotherapy, and full benefit builds over 1 to 3 years. Immunotherapy is the only allergy treatment that addresses the root cause rather than just masking symptoms, and its effects often last years after treatment is completed, a lasting benefit shown in a long-term trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Most insurance plans cover allergy testing and immunotherapy when medically indicated. Coverage details vary by plan, so our office will verify your benefits before starting treatment. Allergy testing and shots are typically well-covered. Sublingual drops are typically not covered by insurance; our drop pricing is designed to keep this convenient at-home option affordable.

Yes. Allergies are one of the most common contributing factors to recurrent sinus infections. Allergic inflammation swells the nasal and sinus lining, blocking normal mucus drainage and creating an environment where bacteria can multiply. Treating the underlying allergy (through avoidance, medication, or immunotherapy) can significantly reduce the frequency of sinus infections.

Same-day and next-day appointments are often available at our four Central Texas locations in Austin, Lakeway, Marble Falls, and Dripping Springs. Most patients do not need a referral. Call 512-339-4040 to schedule.

Allergies and the common cold can feel similar but have key differences. Allergies cause clear watery nasal discharge, itchy eyes, nose, or throat, and frequent sneezing, often triggered by specific exposures like pollen and lasting weeks to months. Colds cause thicker yellow-green mucus, sore throat, cough, and sometimes mild fever; they're caused by a virus and resolve in 7–10 days. If symptoms last more than 2 weeks, occur seasonally each year, or include significant itching, allergies are the more likely cause.

Yes: allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) are very safe when administered correctly. Local reactions like mild redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site are common and not dangerous. Serious whole-body reactions are rare. To minimize risk, Capital ENT administers all shots in our clinic and requires patients to wait 30 minutes after each injection; most rare serious reactions occur within that window. Patients on immunotherapy are also prescribed an EpiPen to carry as a precaution.

Yes. Capital ENT treats both adults and children for environmental allergies. Allergy testing is generally appropriate from around age 3–5 onward, and immunotherapy can be effective and well-tolerated in children. Treatment is tailored to age, allergen profile, and the child's ability to participate; sublingual drops taken at home are often well-suited to younger patients. Talk to one of our providers about whether testing is right for your child.