Urgent Care and Allergies

During certain periods of the year, when plants and flowers are in a blooming cycle, the release of pollens can cause severe symptoms in susceptible people.  The syndrome is called Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis, or Seasonal Rhinitis.  In our local region, the offending allergens come from a variety of sources, such as Juniper, Cedar, Mulberry, Chamisa, and Chenopods (Pig Weed).

Symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, congestion, and itchy, watery eyes.  Millions of people are affected by Hay Fever, and the symptoms are a common cause for visits to urgent care centers, especially when the reaction to pollens is severe.

Some people have similar symptoms all year round.  This is known as Perennial Allergic Rhinitis.  In this syndrome the allergens are caused by pet dander, dust particles, and mold spores.  Allergy specialists may be consulted to help determine the cause of the symptoms, but in most cases, the clinical syndrome may be treated with supportive care.

Avoidance of allergens is helpful, but in the case of seasonal allergies, this is difficult.  It has been shown that staying indoors is helpful but this option has obvious limitations.

A visit to the Urgent Care clinic can help.  We have many medicines available, including antihistamines and decongestants, which are taken orally.  Also available are nasal sprays, and eye drops, which are applied directly, and may include steroid ingredients and decongestants.

While intramuscular steroid injections are known to decrease symptoms, they have many undesirable effects.  The effects are most pronounced with prolonged steroid administration.  The list of side effects is impressive, and includes:  salt and fluid retention, weight gain, high blood pressure, headache, muscle weakness, puffiness and “moon” face, thinning skin, cataracts, glaucoma, bleeding, stomach ulcers, growth retardation, insomnia and mood swings.   Even after reviewing this list, patients may ask for steroids when symptoms are severe.

There are many resources for allergy information, and we suggest the following links:

www.pollen.com
www.weather.com
www.pollenlibrary.com

We are happy discuss treatment options at any time.