Allergies Specialist
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My Urgent Care Clinic
Urgent Care located in Boerne, TX
While seasonal allergies are disruptive and annoying, an unexpected allergic reaction can be downright frightening and possibly life-threatening. If you or your child have an allergic reaction or need relief from seasonal allergies, come into My Urgent Care Clinic in Boerne, Texas, for expert care from the experienced providers and staff. You can walk in, call the office, or schedule an appointment online.
Allergies Q & A
What are allergies?
An allergic reaction occurs when your body identifies a typically benign substance as a threat and triggers an immunologic response; that substance is known as an allergen. Allergy symptoms range from mild to severe and typically affect your skin, respiratory, and digestive systems, although you may have other symptoms. For example, the common condition of hay fever is an allergy to pollen that causes a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes.
Other common allergens include:
- Insects
- Mold
- Dust
- Milk
- Peanuts and other tree nuts
- Soy
- Wheat
- Fish and shellfish
- Certain drugs
- Latex
Your body may be exposed to an allergen by touch, inhalation, or by ingesting it.
What are common allergy symptoms?
There are a variety of symptoms associated with allergic reactions. Some common allergy symptoms include:
- Watery, itchy eyes
- Runny nose and sneezing
- Skin rash
- Hives
- Swelling
- Redness
- Stomach cramps and bloating
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
The most severe allergic reaction is anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by chest tightness, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and other allergic symptoms.
How are allergies treated?
Your provider at My Urgent Care Clinic provides customized care for allergies depending on your medical history and your allergy symptoms. Treatment often combines three approaches: avoidance, medicines, and immunotherapy.
- Avoidance: Do as much as you can to stay away from allergens that affect you. For example, if you know you’re allergic to pollen, you can avoid exposure by keeping your windows closed during pollen season and limiting your time outside.
- Medications: You can also treat your allergy symptoms with medications like antihistamines that limit your body’s immunologic response to the allergen and reduce your symptoms.
- Immunotherapy: Your provider might also suggest and refer you out to immunotherapy or allergy shots. This treatment exposes you to tiny controlled amounts of a known allergen over a period of months or even years to help your body build up a resistance to the substance and learn not to trigger an allergic reaction.
What should I do if I have an allergic reaction?
If you or your child are having an allergic reaction, come into My Urgent Care Clinic for immediate care. If you know what may have triggered the reaction, make sure to let your provider know. If you think your child or someone near you is in anaphylaxis, use their emergency allergy shot, known as an epinephrine injector, and call 911.
If you’re concerned about allergies or if allergic symptoms are disrupting your life, call, walk in, or schedule an appointment online today.
