Allergies

What are allergies?

Allergies occur when your immune system identifies a harmless substance, like pet hair, pollen, or dirt, as a potentially serious threat. This causes your body to produce antibodies –– proteins that identify and attack invaders. 

The production of excess antibodies results in an allergic reaction, triggering uncomfortable symptoms. Most allergies present mild side effects, but they can also result in a life-threatening response called anaphylaxis.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

Symptoms of allergies include:

• Sneezing
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Tingling in the mouth
• Hives
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
• Wheezing
• Flaky or peeling skin

If you’re allergic to certain foods or beverages, you might also experience gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

When should I see a doctor about allergies?

If you experience allergy-related symptoms like sneezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing and they don’t respond to over-the-counter medications, make an appointment at Cali Quick Urgent Care. Without intervention and treatment, allergies may worsen over time, interfering with your quality of life. 

What are some common allergy triggers?

Common allergy triggers include:

• Airborne allergens (pollen, dust mites, mold, and dander)
• Certain foods (peanuts, dairy products, soy, and shellfish)
• Insect stings
• Medications

Certain substances also trigger allergic reactions, including latex and nickel. 

How are allergies diagnosed?

To diagnose allergies, the team at Cali Quick Urgent Care conducts a physical exam and asks about your symptoms, including their severity and whether you’ve noticed any specific triggers. If you’re unsure what’s causing your symptoms, they might ask you to keep a detailed allergy diary.

The team might also recommend a skin prick test or a blood test. 

Skin prick test

A skin prick test exposes you to small amounts of the proteins found in certain allergens. If you’re allergic to a specific substance, your skin becomes inflamed, resulting in a hive.

Blood test

Allergy blood tests measure the level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your bloodstream. The more IgE antibodies circulating throughout your body, the more likely it is you have an allergy.

How are allergies treated?

Treatment of allergies depends on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. For example, if you have mild allergies, avoiding specific triggers may provide significant relief. More serious allergies may require prescription medication, immunotherapy, or in the event of anaphylaxis, emergency epinephrine.

To learn more about the treatment options for allergies, make an appointment at Cali Quick Urgent Care by calling the office today or clicking the online booking tool.