Living in East Texas means beautiful pine trees, spring wildflowers, and unfortunately, some of the highest pollen counts in the country. For thousands of people in Tyler and surrounding areas, that beauty comes with a hidden challenge: asthma from allergies. At Smart Choice Medical Clinic, we see patients every week whose asthma is triggered or worsened by seasonal allergies, dust mites, pet dander, and mold — and we’re here to help you take control.
Allergies and Asthma: Why They’re So Closely Connected
Did you know that up to 80% of people with asthma also have allergic rhinitis (hay fever)? This condition is often called allergies and asthma because the same triggers that make your eyes water and nose run can inflame your airways and cause wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
Common allergy triggers in Tyler and East Texas include:
- Pine pollen (especially February–April)
- Ragweed (late summer–fall)
- Oak and cedar pollen
- Dust mites and mold (year-round indoors)
When these allergens enter your lungs, your immune system overreacts, causing airway inflammation — the root of allergic asthma.
How to Know If Your Asthma Is Under Control: Take the Asthma Control Test
One of the first steps we take with every patient at Smart Choice Medical Clinic is the Asthma Control Test (ACT). This quick 5-question test helps you and your provider understand how well your asthma is managed.
Scores range from 5–25:
- 20–25: Your asthma is likely well-controlled
- 15–19: It may NOT be well-controlled
- Below 15: Poor control — we need to adjust your plan immediately
You can take the official Asthma Control Test online or ask for a paper copy during your next visit. We use your score to guide treatment decisions and prevent flare-ups before they happen.
Asthma Treatment Guidelines: What Actually Works in 2024–2025
At Smart Choice, we follow the latest asthma treatment guidelines from GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma) and the National Institutes of Health. The biggest change in recent years? We now treat allergic asthma as both an allergy AND an asthma problem from day one.
Current best-practice steps for asthma and treatment include:
- Confirm the diagnosis with spirometry lung function testing (available in-clinic)
- Identify and reduce triggers — allergy testing helps pinpoint exactly what sets off your symptoms
- Start with low-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) — even for mild asthma
- Add allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots or under-the-tongue tablets) when appropriate
- SMART therapy (single inhaler for both daily control and quick relief) for ages 12+
- Biologics (monthly injections) for severe allergic asthma not controlled by other methods
Why See Asthma and Allergy Specialists at Smart Choice Medical Clinic?
You don’t have to bounce between multiple doctors. At Smart Choice, our providers are experienced asthma and allergy specialists who manage both conditions under one roof. That means:
- Same-day allergy skin testing when needed
- Personalized asthma action plans updated at every visit
- Direct access to prescription refills and urgent same-week appointments
- Coordination with local ENT and pulmonology specialists when required
We’ve helped hundreds of East Texas families finally get seasonal asthma under control — many patients tell us they can enjoy Lake Tyler or Caldwell Zoo again without carrying their rescue inhaler everywhere.
Take the First Step Toward Breathing Easier
If allergies are making your asthma worse, don’t wait for the next pollen explosion. Call Smart Choice Medical Clinic today at (430) 413-4716 or book online for a comprehensive asthma and allergy evaluation.
Let us help you score 25/25 on your next Asthma Control Test.
Smart Choice Medical Clinic
3347 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Suite 100
Tyler, TX 75701
(903) 231-5552
We accept most major insurance plans and offer affordable self-pay options for the uninsured.
Breathe better. Live better. Choose Smart Choice.
