Allergies are one of the most common health issues in the United States. In fact, more than 50 million Americans experience some type of allergy every year, and allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S. But what are allergies, and how can we manage symptoms when dealing with allergic reactions? We’ve created a comprehensive overview of allergies to help you manage your symptoms and decide when to visit urgent care.

What Are Allergies?

Normally, our immune systems protect us from illness and harmful substances by creating antibodies that attack foreign substances, viruses, and bacteria in our bodies. However, allergies result from your body marking a non-harmful substance (such as food, pollen, or medicine) as a threat, producing allergic reactions when you come into contact with that substance.

What Causes Allergies?

Why do some people have allergies while others don’t? Unfortunately, it’s not clear what causes allergies, but allergists believe there is a strong genetic component. Some allergists also theorize that they may be caused by exposure to allergens when your immune system is weakened, such as during early childhood, after an illness, or during pregnancy.

Types of Allergies

Because your immune system can have an allergic reaction to virtually any substance, there are many types of allergies.

Food allergies occur when you react to a particular food or foods. The most common food allergens include dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, sesame, fish, and shellfish. These are different from food intolerances because an allergic reaction involves the immune system, while food intolerances generally affect your gastrointestinal system (for example, Celiac disease).

Drug allergies happen when your immune system reacts to a certain drug or type of drug (for example, penicillin). Drug allergies are rare, but they can be severe, so if you think you may be allergic to a certain medication, it’s important to disclose this to your healthcare provider.

Insect allergies involve allergic reactions to insects, most commonly through stings or bites (such as bees, wasps, mosquitoes, and ants). However, some non-stinging insects can also cause allergies, including dust mites and cockroaches.

Seasonal or pollen allergies emerge as an adverse reaction to various kinds of plant pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds. These allergies tend to be seasonal because most plants release their pollen into the air during the spring and summer months. This is when those with pollen allergies tend to notice an immune system response.

Pet allergies are an allergic reaction to pet dander, which consists of the dead skin cells shed by our pets. The most common culprits include cats and dogs, but other animals, such as rodents or birds, can also cause allergic reactions. Despite marketing claims to the contrary, there is no truly “hypoallergenic” cat or dog breed, as all pets produce dander (including hairless breeds).

Latex allergies are reactions to the plant protein latex, which is present in a wide variety of everyday items, including clothing, mattresses, rubber or medical gloves, and condoms. If you have a latex allergy, it’s important to notify your doctor, as many medical practices use latex gloves for examinations and procedures.

Mold allergies occur in response to certain types of mold or mildew, which are species of fungi that introduce spores into the air around them. Those with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, should also be cautious around mold or mildew, as they can exacerbate symptoms. Though it’s rare, certain kinds of black mold can be detrimental to your health regardless of whether you have a mold allergy.

Common Allergy Symptoms

Most allergies are more of a nuisance than a serious health concern. However, some people do experience severe, life-threatening allergic reactions that require emergency care, which is why you should always notify your healthcare provider about allergy concerns.

Common symptoms of allergies include:

• Runny, stuffy nose, and sneezing
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Cough
• Itchy welts called hives
• Rashes or itchy skin
• Swollen tongue, lips, or face
• Watery, red, or swollen eyes
• Sore throat
• Stomach pain, nausea, or diarrhea

A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency. If you believe someone might be experiencing anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Severe shortness of breath and throat tightness/swelling
• Skin rashes, including hives
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• A sense of doom

Treatment for Allergies

Treatment for allergies varies. For minor allergies, limit exposure to your allergens as much as possible by avoiding allergenic foods, keeping the air in your home clean, or staying indoors when the pollen count is high. Over-the-counter allergy medications, such as fexofenadine (Allegra) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl), may also provide relief when experiencing a reaction. If you find that over-the-counter drugs aren’t sufficient, you may need a stronger prescription medication to manage your symptoms effectively.

Those with severe allergic reactions should carry a shot of epinephrine (such as an EpiPen) with them at all times. Immediate treatment saves lives!

When to Visit Urgent Care for Allergies

If you’re suffering from a moderate allergic reaction and over-the-counter medications aren’t working, urgent care can help! We can provide rapid relief for seasonal and acute allergic reactions by providing allergy shots and prescribing prescription-strength allergy medications and inhalers.

Nip Allergies in the Bud at Lincoln & Granite Bay Urgent Care

Don’t allow allergies to derail your day! If you’re struggling to get your allergies under control, visit Lincoln or Granite Bay Urgent Care for prompt, high-quality, compassionate care. Contact our friendly staff to schedule an appointment, or walk into one of our urgent care clinics for immediate assessment and care. Your health matters!

Lincoln Urgent Care (916) 258-2751
Granite Bay Urgent Care (916) 570-7265