*If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room.
Allergies are one of the most common illnesses that plague people when the seasons change. Combined with other factors like pollution and the cold and flu season, certain times of the year can be quite difficult for allergy sufferers. In many cases, allergies are just mildly annoying and come with some bothersome symptoms, but others may be more life-threatening. It is very important you know the difference and seek urgent care when necessary.
Contact the experts at Urgentology Care today to schedule an appointment for Arlington allergy care.
What are Allergies?
Allergies happen when your immune system reacts negatively, sometimes even violently, to an everyday substance. When this happens, the immune system mistakes a normal substance for a potentially dangerous intruder, at which point the system becomes defensive and attacks the allergen. The body then produces histamines, which are what create symptoms associated with allergies. As mentioned, allergies can range from mild to severe and can result in the life-threatening condition called anaphylactic shock.
People can be allergic to pretty much anything, but some of the most common triggers include:
- Airborne substances such as animal dander, dust mites, and mold
- Insects, such as bee stings
- Medicine, often penicillin and penicillin-based antibiotics
- Foods, such as eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, wheat, tree nuts, and fruit
- Animals
Allergy Symptoms
If someone is allergic to a certain food or other substance, their symptoms will likely vary. Most people will experience mild allergic symptoms at one point or another. In many cases, these symptoms are mistaken for a cold or other illness. Some of the most common mild symptoms associated with allergies include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Itchy skin or a rash
- Itchy throat
More severe allergic reactions may come with the following symptoms:
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat
- Tightness of chest
- Coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sneezing
- Runny, stuffy nose
If you are 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 you are experiencing any symptoms of anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately and administer your EpiPen if you have one.
For more information about our Arlington allergy care services, call us today at (817) 799-7273.