Is it a sneeze or something else? Allergies?
Understanding Allergies with After hours Urgent Care
At After hours Urgent Care Center, we believe in providing compassionate and comprehensive care, even for conditions as common as allergies. Delving into the depths of allergic reactions, let’s shed some light on what allergies really are.
About one quarter (25.7%) of adults have a seasonal allergy, 7.3% have eczema, and 6.2% have a food allergy.
Decoding Allergies
When the body’s immune system perceives a typically harmless substance as a threat, an allergic reaction ensues. This overreaction culminates in the release of histamines, leading to various allergy symptoms.
While allergies can be mild for some, manifesting as slight irritations, for others they can escalate to life-threatening situations like anaphylactic shock.
While allergic triggers vary, some prevalent ones include:
- Atmospheric Allergens: Pollen, pet fur, dust mites, and molds.
- Insect-Related: Bee and wasp stings.
- Pharmaceutical Allergens: Especially seen with drugs like penicillin and related antibiotics.
- Contact Allergens: Latex being a typical example.
- Dietary Allergens: Eggs, fish, dairy products, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and grains like wheat.
Critical Reminder: If previously diagnosed with severe allergies and you notice anaphylactic symptoms, it’s imperative to dial 911 promptly. Utilize your epinephrine auto-injector, such as an EpiPen®, if you have one. Severe allergic reactions always demand emergency room attention.
Recognizing Allergy Symptoms:
Symptoms can be categorized based on their severity:
Allergies vs. Colds – The Distinctive Line
Seasonal allergies often mirror cold symptoms, making them difficult to differentiate. To assist, we offer an insightful infographic contrasting these two conditions.
| SYMPTOMS | ALLERGY | COLD |
|---|---|---|
| DURATION | Days to months | 3-14 days |
| TIME OF YEAR | Anytime | Generally Winter |
| SYMPTOM ONSET | Immediately | A few days |
| COUGH | Sometimes | Often |
| FEVER | Never | Rarely |
| ITCHY/WATERY EYES | Often | Rarely |
| SORE THROAT | Sometimes | Often |
| RUNNY/STUFFY NOSE | Often, usually clear mucus | Often, usually yellow mucus |
Allergies vs. Colds – The Distinctive Line
Seasonal allergies often mirror cold symptoms, making them difficult to differentiate. To assist, we offer an insightful infographic contrasting these two conditions.
Other services we offer