What causes allergies? An allergy occurs when an external substance comes in contact with your body and triggers an overreaction by the immune system. There are many types of common allergies. Some are caused by the change in seasons, whereas others are year-round. GoHealth can help diagnose and treat:
Allergy treatment and care
Each year, millions of Americans are impacted by seasonal allergies. When you visit GoHealth Urgent Care, we can help diagnose, treat and manage various seasonal and environmental allergies.
Urgent Care for allergy symptoms
Diagnose your symptoms
Determine if you are experiencing seasonal allergies or your symptoms are a sign of something else.
Provide treatment
Immediate relief from frustrating symptoms like wheezing, red eyes, itchy rashes and runny noses.
Create a treatment plan
Create a treatment plan that offers both immediate and long-term relief from seasonal allergies.
Common allergies and types of allergies
Food allergies
Certain foods can trigger an allergic reaction or other symptoms.
Environmental allergies
While dust mites and cockroaches don’t sting, they can still cause allergic reactions.
Drug allergies
Some people are allergic to certain medications or allergic reactions can be a side effect of the medication.
Insect bites
Bites and stings from insects like bed bugs, bees, wasps, ants and hornets can cause allergic reactions and may require immediate treatment.
Seasonal allergies
While many believe that spring is the prime season for allergies, seasonal allergy symptoms can pop up any time.
Winter allergies
Allergies in winter are commonly triggered by animals, dust mites or mold and can be exacerbated by dryness in the air.
Fall & Spring allergies
Pollen in the spring and fall can cause a wide variety of allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, wheezing or itchy eyes.
Summer allergies
Spending time outdoors in warmer weather can put you in contact with certain plants like poison ivy that cause allergic reactions.
Allergy symptoms and triggers
Most of us are familiar with the common symptoms of allergies. Symptoms include:
- Wheezing or chest tightness
- Red, itchy, watery eyes
- Rashy, red or raised skin
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Headache
- Swollen lips, tongue, face or eyes
- Stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea
The trigger of the allergic reaction is exposure to an allergen or something you are allergic to. An allergen is usually a benign substance, like pollen or dust, that causes a reaction in certain people. Symptoms can develop within a few minutes of being exposed to an allergen or over a period of a few hours. Most allergic reactions are mild, but can occasionally result in a severe reaction called anaphylaxis.
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you might be having an allergic reaction. Rarely, an allergic reaction can become life-threatening. If you begin to experience throat tightness or difficulty breathing you should seek immediate medical attention at an emergency room or by calling 911.
Allergy treatment options
The first step to treating allergies is to determine the underlying cause. We can begin the evaluation via a virtual or in-person visit. If we determine you need to be tested for allergies, there are two main types of tests that help diagnose allergies. We can refer you to a local allergist who can help with these types of tests.
Depending on the results of your evaluation and diagnostic tests, you may need treatment for your allergies. There are several types of allergic reaction treatments available:
Medicine
Antihistamines, decongestants and corticosteroids are the most commonly used medications for allergies.
Nebulizer or Inhaler
If you are having difficulty breathing or cannot take certain medications orally, a breathing treatment can help.
Shots
Allergy shots use gradual exposure to allergens that can help your immune system desensitize to the trigger. Although we don’t offer shots at GoHealth Urgent Care, we can refer you to a specialist who does.
Emergency epinephrine
If you are having an anaphylactic reaction, you may require an injection of epinephrine (Epi Pen) which we can provide at GoHealth UC either for immediate use or to carry with you when you need it.
Other conditions GoHealth Urgent Care treats
Other conditions that we can treat at GoHealth Urgent Care in addition to seasonal or acute allergies include related conditions such as:
- Minor animal or insect bites/stings
- Mild asthma attacks & asthma symptoms
- Rashes or skin infections
- Wheezing
- Eczema
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
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