ALLERGY, ASTHMA AND OTHER CHRONIC CONDITIONS

* We see and follow a lot of chronic conditions such as asthma, allergies, cerebral palsies, autism, speech delay, intellectual disabilities, and other conditions.

* These conditions usually require regular follow up, coordination of care, and many times, depending on the case, referrals to other specialists.

Allergy:

* Allergies are a big issue in Central Texas. Sneezing, stuffy/itchy nose, and cough are all common reasons to see us in the clinic.

* We have the ability to test, diagnose, and treat allergies in our clinic.

* We can do allergy testing if needed. We can even do “immunotherapy” (allergy shots) if appropriate. Whether we do it in our office or by referral will depend on your insurance.

* It is sometimes hard to tell if the problem is allergies or otherwise. A visit to your provider is sometimes helpful.

Asthma:

* Asthma is also common in the Central Texas area. We see a lot of wheezing and asthma cases.

* There are two kinds of asthma visits: acute (when the child is sick and wheezing/coughing) and routine/scheduled (for overall management).

* We encourage routine/scheduled visits in order to be able to control symptoms of asthma, especially for those patients who have what we call persistent asthma: patients who come to us with recurring or ongoing symptoms. These patients require more medications than the milder cases, and might also need further testing.

* We have an asthma program that includes lung function testing (called spirometry), routine follow up, and a goal of good control.

* Asthma is often related to allergies, and allergy control might be needed for control of asthma symptoms.

* Asthma is a disease that requires cooperation between the family and the providers for the best control.

* We serve the Killeen, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove, and surrounding areas.

Autism:

* We have several patients with autism.

* Some come to us already diagnosed, some we diagnose ourselves.

* We screen for autism at an early age during well child visits.

* If a case is suspected, we make a referral to an appropriate specialist for a proper diagnosis.

* If the diagnosis is confirmed, we refer for the appropriate services.

* We continue to see our patients with autism in our clinic after the diagnosis.

* Sometimes we have to treat other symptoms that come with autism such as hyperactivity or aggression.

* Like other chronic conditions, appropriate referrals are made when needed.