Urgent Care · Everyday illness

Common allergies and allergy treatment

Millions of Americans suffer from seasonal or other allergies. Our knowledgeable providers at NeuMed can help diagnose, treat, and manage common allergies.

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Overview

Urgent care for common allergies

Diagnose your allergies

We’ll determine if you’re suffering from seasonal, environmental or other types of allergies.

Treat your allergies

We can provide immediate relief from your allergy symptoms, like a runny nose and itchy eyes.

Manage long-term

We’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that provides long-term relief from your symptoms.

Allergy symptoms

The typical symptoms of allergies and seasonal allergies are ones that most people are familiar with. These consist of:

Cough
Fever
Headache
Rashy, red or raised skin
Red, itchy, watery eyes
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea
Swollen lips, tongue, face or eyes
Wheezing or chest tightness

Allergy triggers

An allergic reaction is triggered by exposure to an allergen — a typically harmless item, such as pollen or dust, that induces a reaction in certain people. Symptoms can appear immediately after exposure or after a few hours.

Most allergic reactions are moderate, but anaphylaxis, a severe reaction, can occur on rare occasions. If you notice any tightness in your throat or difficulty breathing, get immediate medical assistance.

Common types of allergies

An allergy arises when an external substance comes into contact with your body and causes your immune system to overreact. Some are triggered by seasonal changes, while others occur all year. NeuMed can help in the diagnosis and treatment of:

Food allergies — certain foods can cause a reaction or other side effects
Environmental allergies — pollen, dust, pet dander, mold and even cockroaches
Drug allergies — certain drugs may cause reactions or allergic side effects
Insect bites — bed bugs, bees, wasps, ants and hornets can trigger reactions

Types of seasonal allergies

While many people believe spring is the peak season for allergies, symptoms can appear at any time. In spring and fall, pollen can induce sneezing, wheezing and itchy eyes. Summer brings outdoor plants like poison ivy, while winter allergies are frequently caused by animals, dust mites or mold and worsened by dry air.

Environmental allergies

The body’s reaction to a harmless substance in the environment causes environmental allergies. Common environmental allergens include:

Cigarette smoke
Dust mites
Mold
Pet dander
Pollen

Visit NeuMed for all of your urgent care needs

We can help you find the right treatment and care for all types of allergies — and we can also help treat related issues such as:

Skin rashes and eczema
Minor insect bites & stings
Mild asthma attacks & symptoms
Wheezing

When to seek emergency care

Most allergic reactions are mild — but anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. If you notice tightness in your throat or difficulty breathing, get immediate help in an emergency room or by dialing 911.

FAQ

Common questions.

When is allergy season in the US?

Because of spring pollination, allergy season in the US often peaks from mid-February to early June. Depending on where you live, some people may develop allergies at other times of the year.

What is an allergy?

An allergy is an exaggerated immune response to a substance (an allergen) that is typically harmless to most people. The immune system overreacts, leading to various symptoms and discomfort.

What are the common symptoms of allergies?

Common symptoms include sneezing, itching, runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, hives, rashes, swelling, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

What causes allergies?

Allergies can be caused by pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, certain foods (peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, eggs, milk), insect stings, medications, latex and certain chemicals.

How are allergies diagnosed?

Through a combination of medical history, physical examination and allergy testing — which can include skin-prick tests, blood tests, or in some cases oral food challenges.

How can I prevent allergies?

Avoid known allergens as much as possible: minimize pollen exposure, keep indoor spaces free from dust mites and pet dander, practice good hygiene, and follow a specific diet if you have food allergies.

What are the most common types of allergies?

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic conjunctivitis, asthma, food allergies, insect-sting allergies, drug allergies, and skin allergies such as eczema and contact dermatitis.

What is anaphylaxis, and how is it treated?

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Treatment involves the prompt use of an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) and emergency care.

Are allergies hereditary?

Yes, allergies can have a hereditary component. If one or both parents have allergies, their children have an increased risk — though the specific allergies may differ.

Can allergies be outgrown?

Some allergies that develop in childhood can be outgrown — many children outgrow milk, egg and wheat allergies. Peanut and tree-nut allergies tend to persist into adulthood.

How are allergies treated or managed?

Through allergen avoidance, medication and immunotherapy. Common medications include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays and eye drops; severe allergies may require epinephrine.