Allergies
OVERVIEW ALLERGY TREATMENT
Sneezing, wheezing, and being stuffy are all symptoms of allergy and sinus problems that probably affect you or someone in your family. Our skillful team of medical providers will be prepared to treat you in Frisco or Fort Worth, TX at iCare ER & Urgent Care.
Allergies come in many different forms and can cause a variety of reactions, from mild seasonal allergies to severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis.
What are Types of Allergies?
Most immune systems can destroy foreign substances and differentiate between harmful and harmless. Those with allergies, however, have immune systems that overreact to foreign substances, sometimes in extreme ways. Such allergies are listed below:
SEASONAL ALLERGIES
Seasonal allergies are often caused by pollen, dust, oak, or grass and occur at any time of year.
FOOD ALLERGIES
People can experience a range of reactions to food when they have an allergy. Reactions can be an uncomfortable sensation in the stomach to an immune response that shuts down an airway. The most common food allergies are allergies to shellfish and fish, eggs, milk, wheat, soy, nuts, and sulfites.
ANIMAL ALLERGIES
Many patients are allergic to the dander of animals (dogs or cats), which can cause a significant reaction on the skin, in the lungs, and in the eyes.
INSECT BITES & STINGS
We see patients with critical reactions to bites or stings by bees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants. Allergies to insect stings or bites can cause a local reaction (like extreme swelling) to causing the airway to close and constrict breathing.
CHEMICAL ALLERGIES
Exposure to certain perfumes, creams, cleaning agents, detergents, shampoos, and more can cause mild to severe allergic reactions to the chemicals in the product.
SINUSITIS
Sinusitis or a sinus infection is a painful inflammation of the air-filled cavities within the face. Sinusitis is caused by either bacteria or fungi, where the infection blocks the flow of mucus to the back of the throat through the sinuses, causing swelling and pain. A sinus infection lasting 3 – 8 weeks is considered acute, while symptoms that last longer than 8 weeks are considered a chronic sinus infection.
If you think that you may have a sinus infection, you should come into iCare ER & Urgent Care so that our physicians can help you with the following symptoms:
- Headaches
- Tenderness of the face
- Coughing
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Redness
- Runny nose
- Nasal stuffiness or congestion
- Discolored nasal discharge
- Pain in the teeth and gums
- Bad breath
Most often, sinusitis caused by bacteria is treated with antibiotics, but our physicians may also prescribe other remedies such as nasal decongestant sprays, antihistamines, topical nasal corticosteroids, anti-fungal agents, or nasal saline washes.
MEDICATION ALLERGIES
If you were given a prescription for a new medication you have never taken before, it is possible for you to have an allergic reaction. The most common medication allergy is penicillin, and a severe reaction can be life-threatening.
SEEKING TREATMENT FOR ALLERGIES
People can experience a vast range of allergic reactions, from mild to severe. While some forms of sinusitis and allergies are mild enough to handle at home, some require that you be seen by a medical provider for treatment. If a sinus infection lasts longer than a few weeks, you should seek medical treatment, as some sinus infections can spread and cause more severe medical issues. Mild symptoms often include sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, a rash, a runny nose, nasal congestion, or slight swelling. More severe symptoms can include the above reactions, combined with a tingling in the mouth, intense swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat, nausea and vomiting, chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, stomach pain, diarrhea, or vasodilation. For severe reactions such as anaphylaxis, this usually involves an epinephrine injection to relax the muscles in order to allow you to breathe. For less severe allergic reactions, treatment can involve allergy shots — usually for allergic asthma, insect stings, hay fever, or other medications.
WHAT TO EXPECT – ALLERGY TREATMENT
When you come into iCare, our team of experienced care providers will determine whether your allergy or reaction should be treated in our urgent care or in the emergency room.
After reviewing your medical history , the physician will perform a physical exam and any additional testing that may be required including laboratory testing and or imaging as needed. Our physicians will create a treatment plan to treat your symptoms and may prescribe medications as needed, to get you feeling better!
We will treat severe allergies compounded with difficulty breathing or major allergic reactions in our 24/7 Emergency Room. For sudden and severe symptoms please seek care immediately, especially if these symptoms include difficulty breathing. For mild reactions, our team can help identify the cause of your allergies and treat the symptoms in urgent care. Walk-ins welcome, appointments available HERE
