Allergies affect more than 50 million children and adults every year. When we come in contact with an allergen, our body tries to defend itself from allergy attacks. Dust, mold, and pollen agitate and evoke reactions within the body. If you have allergies, you know what it’s like–watery eyes, sneezing, headaches, congestion and the list goes on. Luckily, we can help with treating seasonal allergies.
What is an Allergy?
Our body does a great job defending itself against viruses and bacteria. Our bodies also react to harmless substances such as dust, mold or pollen by producing an antibody called immunoglobulin E. If you have an allergy, you may experience an exaggerated reaction to a harmless substance in the environment.
When we are exposed to certain substances, our immune system rallies its defenses. It launches an attack to destroy the supposed enemy. In the process, some unpleasant and, in extreme cases, life-threatening symptoms are experienced. (American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, n.d.) (Dr. Adrian Morris Surgery Allergy Clinic, n.d.)
Common Allergy Triggers
Allergies are triggered by mold, tree, grass, and weed pollen. All of these allergens rear their heads during the springtime and continue through the early summer. An allergic reaction occurs anywhere in the body, but usually appears in the skin, eyes, lining of the stomach, nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs.
Allergy symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, headaches, fatigue, rashes, fevers, shortness of breath, coughing, sneezing, and nausea.
KidsStreet Urgent Care Can Help
Many of these symptoms can be treated after being evaluated by a KidsStreet Urgent Care pediatrician or a MainStreet Family Urgent Care provider who can then decide the best way to treat those symptoms and get you back to enjoying the warm weather! Treatment options include nasal corticosteroids, injected corticosteroids or extra-strength allergy pills, some of which can be purchased on-site with MainStreet’s Pre-Pak pharmacy which eliminates the need for an extra trip to their pharmacy.
Visit KidsStreet Urgent Care or MainStreet Family Urgent Care, open seven days a week with extended hours, to help you Feel Better, FAST!