Understanding Springtime Illnesses

As the winter chill gives way to blooming flowers and warmer temperatures in Arlington, TX, our bodies often need time to adjust. This transition period can lead to a variety of springtime illnesses. Understanding these seasonal health issues is the first step toward prevention and effective treatment.

One of the most common springtime illnesses is seasonal allergies, often triggered by the increased pollen count in the air. Trees, grass, and weeds release these tiny particles into the atmosphere to fertilize other plants. When they enter our noses and throats, they can trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.

Common Allergens in Spring

In Arlington, TX, common spring allergens include tree pollen from oak, pine, and cedar. These allergens can cause sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion. While over-the-counter antihistamines can help manage these symptoms, severe cases may require a visit to an urgent care center like Urgentology Care.

How Weather Shifts Affect the Immune System

Our bodies have to adjust to the changing weather conditions during the transition from winter to spring. This can put stress on our immune systems, making us more susceptible to infections and diseases.

Also, fluctuating temperatures can affect our cardiovascular and respiratory systems, leading to an increased risk of illnesses.

Respiratory Illnesses in Spring

Springtime can be particularly challenging for individuals with respiratory conditions. The increased pollen count and changing weather conditions can trigger symptoms like asthma and pneumonia. Understanding and managing these triggers can help individuals breathe easier during this season.

Asthma Triggers in Spring

For those with asthma, spring can bring an increase in symptoms due to the higher pollen count and changing weather conditions. Common triggers include tree and grass pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. It’s important to manage these triggers to prevent asthma attacks and maintain good respiratory health.

Managing asthma during spring involves avoiding triggers, taking prescribed medications, and having regular check-ups. If symptoms worsen, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

Scorpion Legacy in Arlington, TX, offers comprehensive care for asthma patients, including diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures.

Contact Our Professionals at Scorpion Legacy

If you’re in Arlington, TX, and you’re dealing with any of these springtime illnesses, don’t hesitate to reach out to Scorpion Legacy. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals is ready to provide you with the care you need. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. (555) 555-5555

Pediatric Food Allergy Tips

As your child heads back to school and is surrounded by other students and meals that aren’t prepared at home, it’s essential to keep an eye out for any food sensitivities they may have so you can get ahead of them and avoid an allergic reaction.

Here’s what you need to know:

Pediatric Food Allergy Statistics

Food allergies may be more common than you think, making it important to monitor your child’s symptoms and reactions to food triggers.

Learn the important statistics on pediatric food allergies below:

• According to Food Allergy Research & Education, 5.6 million children under age 18 have food allergies — that’s one in 13 children or roughly two in every classroom.
• Children with a food allergy are two to four times as likely to have other allergic conditions, such as asthma or eczema.
• Every three minutes, a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency room.
• According to the CDC, the prevalence of food allergy in children increased by 50 percent between 1997 and 2011.
• Ninety percent of food allergies occur to the same eight foods: peanuts, eggs, cow’s milk, tree nuts, soy, shellfish, fish, and wheat. Fish, shellfish, tree nuts, and peanuts are typically the most severe.
• About 40 percent of children with food allergies are allergic to more than one food item.
• Allergies to milk, egg, wheat, and soy often resolve in childhood.
• Allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are generally lifelong.

Managing Your Child’s Food Allergies

Many patients experience allergic reactions that progress over time, which makes tracking your child’s symptoms while they eat essential. Trouble breathing, widespread hives, and stomach pain are signs your little one should see their doctor for allergy testing.

If your child does have a food allergy, your allergist will prescribe an EpiPen for them to bring to school in the event of an emergency.

Sharing Meals at School

Even if your child has had a very minor reaction in the past, this is something to note to your child’s doctor and teachers. This way, if a student is bringing a dish to your child’s classroom, their parents will know to avoid ingredients that could trigger an allergy attack. Most teachers will ask parents to note exactly what’s in the dishes they’ve prepared, so you know what’s safe and what to avoid eating.

Allergy Treatment in Arlington

If your child is suffering from allergies, please come in and see us at Urgentology Care. Our compassionate and knowledgeable medical team will evaluate and treat your allergy symptoms right away. Please note, if they are experiencing any symptoms of anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately and administer their EpiPen straight away.

For more information about our allergy care services in Arlington, call us today at (817) 799-7273.

4 Ways to Blossom into Better Health

Say goodbye to winter and hello to warm, bright weather here in Texas! While you enjoy all this season has to offer, remember to support your health with the following tips:

1. Move More

The CDC recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (around 20 minutes a day, or 30 minutes on 5 days) every week, and muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week.

As many of us have been bunkered down at home, spring offers an excellent opportunity to get outdoors and get some fresh air in one of the following ways:

• Yoga
• Running
• Walking
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Outdoor sports (baseball, tennis, soccer)

2. Adjust Your Diet

Spring and summer bring a plentiful amount of fresh fruits and vegetables into season, making it the perfect time to add them to your diet. As more Texans begin grilling in the warmer months, it’s also a perfect time to grill up some fresh protein like chicken and salmon.

While you’re thinking about adjusting your diet, it’s important to drink enough water, too. Substitute water for sugary or alcoholic drinks to reduce calories and improve your health — a good diet and a healthy water intake can help support your immune system and provide physical and mental benefits.

3. Stay Safe in the Sun

Spring can be a scorcher here in Texas! If you’ll be outdoors for a long period, be prepared with:

• Long-sleeved shirts
• Long pants
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Sunglasses
• A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15.

4. Treat Your Spring Allergies

Allergy season is upon us once again, which means fresh flowers, blooming trees, and allergy symptoms. Now more than ever, it’s important to reduce the chance of an allergy flare-up as much as you’re able to, so you can eliminate the possibility of other respiratory illnesses.

One major concern we’re seeing is that patients are experiencing allergy-related symptoms, but are unsure if it’s allergies or the coronavirus. While both share similar nasal and respiratory symptoms, they’re very different conditions.

Do I Have Allergies?

Allergies are one of the most common illnesses that plague people when the seasons change — especially in the spring. Patients with allergies often experience symptoms after direct exposure to an allergen (such as food, pollen, or dust). Allergies are an immune response to an allergen, which our body views as a threat.

Over time, allergy symptoms can become worse and present themselves very similarly to coronavirus. Patients with allergies typically don’t experience fever as patients with COVID-19 do.

However, patients with allergies typically experience:

• Runny nose.
• Sneezing, or stuffiness.
• Itchy, watery, or red eyes.
• Coughing and wheezing.

Allergy Shots

Allergies are an immune response, and this means the best treatment for them is immunotherapy. Allergy shots are one of the most widely-used treatments for allergies, as they don’t just reduce your symptoms — they train your immune system to have less of a reaction to an allergen over time.

You can think of allergy shots like a vaccine that triggers your body’s immune response to fight allergies naturally. By lowering your sensitivity to allergens, shots often lead to lasting relief from spring allergy symptoms even after you stop treatment.

At Urgentology Care, we offer allergy shots during in-person visits to the clinic. Shots are given to patients according to individual needs, meaning some patients may need shots once a week, others once a month. Our team will help find the treatment plan that works best for you.

Allergy Drops

Allergy drops are a form of sublingual immunotherapy, or immunotherapy that is given orally. Allergy drops can be given in the form of a prescribed tablet or drop taken at home. They do not require administration in the clinic, but you will need to visit our team to receive a script for this treatment so we can diagnose your allergies and form the right treatment plan.

As soon as we identify the source of your allergies, we’ll prepare an allergy extract in a drop form. Some patients take allergy drops only throughout the spring when their symptoms are at an all-time high, while others may feel they need them for relief year-round.

Read More: Common Allergy Symptoms: Ways to Prevent or Treat Them

Do I Have COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 strain of coronavirus or its variants. Patients who test positive for COVID-19 may either be asymptomatic (show no symptoms) or may experience a range of mild to severe symptoms within 14 days of exposure to novel coronavirus.

Patients with COVID-19 typically experience symptoms more closely related to the seasonal flu, including:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Getting Vaccinated

The Texas Department of State Health Services continues to expand the vaccine allocation for residents across the state. Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines (two-dose vaccines) are available across Texas, and it’s essential to stay up to date to learn when you’re able to be vaccinated. Click here for the latest from Texas Health and Human Services.

When to Seek Treatment

Allergies, similarly to COVID-19, can be diagnosed with testing. After treatment, symptoms often reduce or go away completely. You can visit an urgent care for treatment to alleviate your symptoms and rule out any other serious conditions, such as the flu or COVID-19.

The following are emergency warning signs of COVID-19 that warrant immediate medical attention:

• Trouble breathing.
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.
• New confusion.
• Inability to stay awake.
• Bluish lips or face.

Seek Relief for Your Symptoms at Urgentology Care

If you feel that you may be experiencing symptoms and are unsure if you have allergies or COVID-19, stop by our clinic for an assessment. We can test you for COVID-19 or allergies and provide a proper treatment plan.

Keep up to date with the latest news in COVID-19 testing and vaccination to be the first to know when vaccines are available at Urgentology Care.

To speak to one of our team members, contact us today at: (817) 799-7273

Treating Your Spring Allergies at Urgentology Care

Spring is just around the corner here in Texas, which means new flowers, blooming trees, and allergy symptoms. Now more than ever, it’s important to reduce the chance of an allergy flare-up as much as you’re able to so you can eliminate the possibility of other respiratory illnesses.

Here’s how our team at Urgentology Care can help.

Allergy Shots

Allergies are an immune response, and this means the best treatment for them is immunotherapy. Allergy shots are one of the most widely-used treatments for allergies, as they don’t just reduce your symptoms — they train your immune system to have less of a reaction to an allergen over time.

You can think of allergy shots like a vaccine that triggers your body’s immune response to fight allergies naturally. By lowering your sensitivity to allergens, shots often lead to lasting relief from spring allergy symptoms even after you stop treatment.

At Urgentology Care, we offer allergy shots during in-person visits to the clinic. Shots are given to patients according to individual need, meaning some patients may need shots once a week, others once a month. Our team will help find the treatment plan that works best for you.

Allergy Drops

Allergy drops are a form of sublingual immunotherapy, or immunotherapy that is given orally. Allergy drops can be given in the form of a prescribed tablet or drop taken at home. They do not require administration in the clinic, but you will need to visit our team to receive a script for this treatment so we can diagnose your allergies and form the right treatment plan.

As soon as we identify the source of your allergies, we’ll prepare an allergy extract in a drop form. Some patients take allergy drops only throughout the spring when their symptoms are at an all-time high, while others may feel they need them for relief year-round.

Seek Relief For Your Allergies at Our Arlington Clinic Today

If you’re frequently sneezing, itching, or coughing, you may be suffering from allergies or possible seasonal allergies. However, it’s best to not delay treatment and seek a diagnosis as soon as possible. At Urgentology Care, we can provide comprehensive testing and treatment options in Arlington.

Stop by our clinic today, or book an appointment online.

Allergies or COVID-19: Diagnosing Your Symptoms

Allergy season is upon us once again, and we’re still confronting the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic here in Texas. One major concern we’re seeing is that patients are experiencing symptoms but are unsure if it’s allergies or the coronavirus.

While both share similar nasal and respiratory symptoms, they’re very different conditions. Keep reading to learn how to tell the difference, and how our team at Urgentology Care can help with both.

Do I Have Allergies?

Allergies are one of the most common illnesses that plague people when the seasons change — especially in the spring. Patients with allergies often experience symptoms after direct exposure to an allergen (such as food, pollen, or dust). Allergies are an immune response to an allergen, which our immune system views as a threat.

Over time, allergy symptoms can become worse and present themselves very similarly to coronavirus. Patients with allergies typically experience no fever as patients with COVID-19 do.

However, patients with allergies typically experience:

• Runny nose.
• Sneezing, or stuffiness.
• Itchy, watery, or red eyes.
• Coughing and wheezing.

Read More: Common Allergy Symptoms: Ways to Prevent or Treat Them

Do I Have COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 strain of coronavirus or its variants. Patients who test positive for COVID-19 may either be asymptomatic (show no symptoms) or may experience a range of mild to severe symptoms within 14 days of exposure to novel coronavirus.

Patients with COVID-19 typically experience symptoms more closely related to the seasonal flu, including:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

When to Seek Treatment

Allergies, similarly to COVID-19, can be diagnosed with testing. After treatment, symptoms often reduce or go away completely. Patients may be prescribed a daily allergy pill or may be recommended for further treatment such as allergy shots and drops.

You can visit an urgent care for treatment to alleviate your symptoms and rule out any other serious conditions, such as the flu or COVID-19.

The following are emergency warning signs of COVID-19 that warrant immediate medical attention:

• Trouble breathing.
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.
• New confusion.
• Inability to stay awake.
• Bluish lips or face.

Seek Relief for Your Symptoms at Urgentology Care

If you feel that you may be experiencing symptoms and are unsure if you have allergies or COVID-19, stop by our clinic for an assessment. We can test you for COVID-19 or allergies and provide a proper treatment plan.

To speak to one of our team members, contact us today at: (817) 799-7273

Ways to Have a Healthy Winter

Though we have a milder winter than most other states, winter in Texas can have plenty of effects on our health. From colder weather and less sunlight to flu season (and this year, COVID-19 still lingering), taking care of yourself is more important now than ever.

Use these tips to help your family have a healthier winter:

Beat the Winter Blues

It’s no secret that once we trade the warm summer sun for gloomier colder days, many people tend to feel down. Additionally, many people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a form of seasonal depression during the winter.

With stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines in place, many more people may feel these harsh effects during the winter months. Those who experience SAD may find themselves restless, lethargic, and unmotivated. Finding ways to improve your spirits is not only essential for your mental health, but for your physical health as well.

Here are a few ways to help elevate your mood and practice self-care:

• Winterize your exercise by walking or doing yoga indoors.
• Find a hobby, such as reading or painting.

Include Extra Vitamins in Your Diet

Our production of vitamin D tends to drop during winter, as we don’t spend as much time outdoors. Try adding more vitamin D, vitamin C, and vitamin A to your diet to support a healthy immune system and give your body the nutrients it needs.

Some foods to add to your shopping list may include:

• Clementines
• Sweet potatoes
• Bananas
• Winter squash
• Fatty fish such as tuna
• Egg yolks

Drinking Plenty of Water

While you’re on the page of eating a healthy diet, make sure that you’re also drinking enough water. Drinking enough water helps support proper digestion, brain function, weight loss, and can also keep migraines at bay. The general rule of thumb is that each person should drink 8 eight-ounce glasses of water daily.

Take Care of Your Skin

Colder air and low humidity levels can lead to dry, itchy, and irritated skin. Especially for those with allergies or eczema, time spent indoors this winter can wreak havoc on your skin. If you’re suffering from an eczema flare-up, stop into our clinic for help.

To keep your skin healthy, be sure to drink plenty of water, limit how long you spend in the shower, and use a moisturizer daily. You may want to also consider purchasing a humidifier to add more moisture to the air inside your home. This can not only help your skin but can help alleviate your indoor allergies as well!

Keep the Germs Away

While flu season typically takes a toll on our community between October and March, this year we run the risk of also contracting COVID-19 during the same period. That’s why protecting your family is even more important this season.

Reducing Your Risks

Your risk of catching the flu increases in crowded cities or communities, and this increases the risk of spreading the disease to the people closest to you.

When possible, it’s best to keep at least 6 feet of distance between you and others when out in public. Also, follow your county’s guidelines on mask-wearing procedures and travel alerts. There are a number of other ways you can keep your family safe and stop the spread of the flu or any other virus, including COVID-19:

• Washing your hands.
• Covering your sneezes and coughs.
• Cleaning common surfaces frequently.
• Avoiding touching your face.

Getting Your Flu Vaccine

Getting a flu vaccine during the 2020-2021 flu season is more important than ever. The CDC recommends that your first defense against the influenza virus is receiving your annual vaccine as early as possible.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older should receive a flu shot once a year. Flu shots are especially important for young children, pregnant women, and adults age 65 and older.

The earlier you get your vaccination before flu season starts, the better. Even if you’ve already put it off for several weeks or months, you can benefit from getting the flu shot as late as February. Stop by Urgentology Care for fast and convenient flu shot appointments.

Caring For Your Family this Flu Season

At Urgentology Care, we dedicate ourselves to offering the best medical care for you and your entire family. Stop in today for your flu shot to reduce your risks of becoming sick this winter. Additionally, contact us for more information about our COVID-19 testing and treatment options.

Why Do My Allergies Get Worse in the Fall?

As the weather changes, blooming plants begin to prepare for winter, but this doesn’t mean that there aren’t opportunities for environmental and indoor allergens to cause an uncomfortable allergic reaction. If you suffer from autumn allergies, keep reading to learn how to manage your symptoms.

Common Fall Allergy Triggers

While it may seem that your allergies should cease when spring and summer end, this isn’t always the case. The most common fall allergens we encounter here in Texas include:

• Ragweed (especially from August to September)
• Mold (especially from decaying leaves and plants)
• Mildew
• Pollen

Additionally, you will still come in contact with the same indoor allergens that spread throughout your home year-round — including dust and pet dander. However, you may experience worse symptoms during autumn due to the fact that cooler air still harbors pollen outdoors, and more time spent inside results in more indoor particles that become airborne within your home.

Understanding Your Allergy Symptoms

The first step in improving your autumn allergies is being able to recognize your symptoms and seek treatment. Common symptoms of allergies include:

• Sinus issues
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Asthma flares
• Rashes/hives

Breathing Easier This Fall With Urgentology Care

In order to breathe easier this season, you’ll want to consider the following options for managing your fall allergies:

• Monitoring your indoor air humidity levels
• Changing out your HVAC’s air filters
• Avoid going outdoors during high pollen times
• Change your clothes and wash up after being outdoors
• Clean your home frequently
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from irritants
• Speak to your doctor about daily allergy medications and other treatments

If you’re ready to say goodbye to symptoms, our allergy specialists at Urgentology Care can provide comprehensive treatment options, including allergy testing through shots and sublingual drops.

Contact our team today for a consultation. (817) 799-7273

How to Improve Your Allergy Symptoms

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the flowers are blooming — which means that there is also an abundance of pollen. If you experience seasonal allergies, use these tips to keep your symptoms at bay this summer.

1. Keep Your Indoor Air Clean

Studies have shown that our indoor air can actually become more polluted than the air outdoors. From dust to pet hair and dander, small allergens can be tracked into your home and spread through your HVAC system, which pushes them to other areas of the home.

As we spend more time in our home, it’s more important than ever to improve your indoor air quality. The best way to do this is to keep your air filters clean.

2. Avoid Going Outside During High Pollen Count

The pollen count typically reaches its peak during the day — between 10 AM and 5 PM. So, limit your time spent outside between these hours. You may also want to avoid going outside during periods of high wind, as your allergy symptoms will likely increase.

3. Wash Your Hands and Clothes After Being Outside

Think of pollen and other contaminants like glitter — you may not remember touching it, but if you’ve been near it, it can quickly spread to your clothes, furniture, and on your hands.

Though many of us are taking extra precautions this summer to avoid the spread of COVID-19, washing your hands, taking a shower, and putting your clothes in the wash after being outdoors can also help to eliminate the spread of allergens inside your home.

4. Seek Treatment for Your Symptoms

While many allergy sufferers may assume that a sore throat, itchy eyes and a runny nose come with the season, these symptoms can make your day-to-day routine more of a struggle. If you’re unable to keep your symptoms at bay on your own, you may benefit from treatments such as allergy drops and over-the-counter antihistamine medications.

Urgentology Care is proud to announce its latest partnership with Cure Allergy Clinic (CAC), another trusted resource for integrated care for patients suffering from short-term or chronic allergy and asthma conditions. Through this service, you can receive a diagnosis for your allergies and asthma, and receive the appropriate treatment.

Allergy Treatment in Arlington TX

If your allergy symptoms are getting the best of you this season, contact our doctors at Urgentology Care for treatment. We offer telemedicine services so that you can receive treatment from the comfort of your home.

How to Recognize the Signs of an Allergy Attack

If you hear someone has a runny nose, sore throat, and itchy eyes, what condition would you assume they have? Viruses such as influenza and COVID-19, as well as an allergic reaction, often have similar symptoms — however, their treatment is very different. Keep reading to learn how to spot the signs of each condition, so your child receives the care they need.

Telling Allergies Apart from Illness

If your child presents themself with a runny nose, a sore throat, itchy eyes, or a cough, use these tips to differentiate between sickness and an allergy attack:

Do they have a fever?

Though symptoms are often called ‘hay fever,’ a child with allergies would most often not have a fever. However, if your child has a fever and displays signs of trouble breathing, these are common signs of the novel coronavirus, and you should consider having them tested.

How long have the symptoms lasted?

Most viruses or the common cold will typically last between 1-2 weeks, while allergy symptoms will most often last through the spring or come and go through the year.

What time of the year is it?

If your child develops a cough during the spring and presents symptoms (especially after being outdoors), they may have allergies. In the summer, fruits and vegetables can carry allergens that may set off an allergic reaction.

How old is your child?

Typically by the age of 6, most children begin to develop asthma. Outdoor allergies tend to present themselves between the ages of 4 and 6. If you believe your child has allergies, you can bring them to be tested and treated.

Does your child have nasal discharge?

If your child has clear discharge, they most likely have a runny nose as a result of coming in contact with an allergen. If the discharge is yellow or green, this is a sign of an infection, and your child should visit their doctor for treatment.

Pediatric Urgent Care Services in Arlington

Whether your child is feeling the effects of spring or has come down with a cold, our doctors at Urgentology Care specialize in pediatric care and will treat your child appropriately.

Contact our team at (817) 799-7273 today, or visit us online to learn more about our telemedicine services!