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Allergies

Your health and wellness partner for extensive care.

What, Why & Hows

Allergies are your body’s reaction to an unknown substance that invades the normal function of your body. These substances(called allergens) can be pollen, certain foods, insect stings, etc. Your body’s immune system reacts to these substances.
Allergies are generally harmless but if they are not treated or controlled they can be fatal. Allergies can be controlled using preventive measures and medication.

Allergies are mostly inherited and passed on to generations. Around 50 million Americans suffer from some form of allergy every year. Allergies cause sneezing, runny nose, itching, or/and swelling depending on the type.

What causes an Allergic Reaction?

Allergies are triggered due to:

  • Certain foods, for instance, peanuts (common), wheat, soy, eggs, milk, tree nuts, and fish.
  • Insect stings, from a bee or wasp.
  • Latex or other substances cause skin allergies.
  • Airborne allergies can be from pollen, dust, animal dander, dust mites, or molds
  • Certain medications like Penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics can also cause allergies.

What are the different types of Allergies?

Allergic Rhinitis

Rhinitis is caused by indoor or outdoor allergens and can cause swelling and inflammation of nasal passage, congestion, sneezing, and watery eyes.

Food allergies

Some people are allergic to certain foods such as peanuts, milk, soy, etc. Food allergies can cause Anaphylaxis which can be mild to life-threatening.

Insects:

Allergies developed by the sting of certain insects cause Anaphylaxis and is one of the most dangerous types of allergy if not treated immediately.

Pollen or Dust mites

Pollen causes seasonal and mild allergies with a runny nose or nasal stuffiness. Dust mites on pillows, carpets, etc. can cause similar allergies to pollen.

Drug Allergies

This allergy is the immune system's reaction to certain medicines. The most common symptoms include hives, rash, or fever.

What can you do to prevent the symptoms?

Allergies can be controlled with preventive measures. For this, you need to first recognize the allergens that trigger your immune system. People allergic to pollen or dust should try to stay indoors if it is dusty outside or if the pollen count is high. Use humidifiers, air purifiers, or HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air filter) to prevent airborne allergens.
For anyone suffering from food allergies, keep a log with you, and write down what you eat to know what triggers the reaction in case you can’t figure out the allergen.
For skin allergies, avoid direct contact with unknown substances. Wear protective gloves. If you suffer from different allergies, plan ahead for emergency situations. Keep an epi-pen or emergency relief medicine with you all the time.

How are Allergies treated?

Depending on the severity of the reaction, your provider will
  • Suggest nonprescription or prescription medication in the form of pills or syrup, nasal sprays, or eye drops.
  • Recommend allergen immunotherapy, this is usually recommended in severe reactions when other treatments don't work. It involves a series of injections of purified allergen extracts, usually given for a few years.
  • Give emergency epinephrine to reduce the symptoms before getting the treatment. This is also done in severe cases.

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When should you rush to the ER in case of an allergic reaction?

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include sudden raised, red areas (hives) all over the body; swelling of the throat, mouth, lips, or tongue; troubled breathing; passing out (losing consciousness); or feeling very light-headed or weak. In such cases give yourself an epinephrine shot before getting into the ER.
Family Urgent Care clinics provide ER services and have professionals who can provide immediate care for your allergies. We entertain walk-in consultations, checkups, and ER services. Contact us today for your family, and yourself. We have three locations, Schererville Urgent Care Clinic, Lincoln Park Urgent care Clinic, and Morse Urgent Care Clinic. Visit us today!

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Lincoln Park, Chicago

W. Rogers Park, Chicago

Family Urgent Care is one of the fastest-growing providers of urgent medical care and telehealth. We have 3 locations in the heart of Chicago and Schererville. No appointments are required, and most clinics are open seven days a week, to treat non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

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