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Allergies are very common. In the United States alone, around 32% of adults experience allergies, according to statistics published by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. The symptoms can range from mild seasonal discomfort to symptoms that interfere with daily life.
While many people hope for a permanent “cure,” most allergies are best managed through a combination of awareness, prevention, and medical guidance.
Pomona Valley Health Center Urgent Care is proud to offer allergy treatment at each of our three convenient Southern California locations. It’s just one of the many conditions we treat and services we provide to keep you and your family healthy and thriving.
Allergies are simply your immune system overreacting to a substance (allergen) that makes its way inside your body. The substance is typically harmless.
These substances, called allergens, can include pollen, dust, pet dander, mold, foods, medications, and certain chemicals.
When your body encounters an allergen, it releases chemicals such as histamine, which trigger allergy symptoms. Some allergens, like grass or tree pollen, are more common during certain seasons like spring, while others may affect you year-round.
Your body’s reaction to an allergen typically results in a variety of symptoms.
Here are some common allergy symptoms that can be treated in urgent care:
Symptoms may be mild for some people and more disruptive for others.
Understanding common allergen types is essential for managing symptoms and improving your overall health. Allergies are generally categorized in the following ways:
Pollen allergies, better known as hay fever, are triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. These allergies typically follow the seasons, making spring and fall especially challenging for many people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one-quarter of U.S. adults have a seasonal allergy.
Food allergies come in several forms. Some, like IgE-mediated allergies, can spark rapid and even severe reactions to foods such as peanuts or shellfish. Others, known as non-IgE mediated, show up more slowly and often upset your stomach hours after eating.
Food intolerances like lactose intolerance aren’t true allergies, but they can be managed with clinical guidance.
Bee, wasp, and fire ant stings might cause anything from mild swelling to severe, life-threatening reactions. Don’t overlook dust mites, either: these tiny critters often lurk in bedding and carpets, causing sneezing and stuffy noses year-round.
Pet allergies are triggered by proteins in dander and saliva from cats and dogs. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic cat or dog, but there are certain breeds that generate smaller quantities of common allergens. Undergoing allergy testing can help you understand which breeds might be safer to own.
Mold spores are generally the culprits behind fungal allergies. Unlike pollen, which comes and goes with the seasons, mold can trigger symptoms indoors or outdoors at any time of year.
Latex allergies are caused by natural rubber found in everyday products, like balloons at parties, medical gloves, and condoms. Reactions can range from mild irritation to life-threatening.
Antibiotics, pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin, chemotherapy drugs, and some autoimmune medications are among the most common causes of allergic responses.
If you’re experiencing bothersome but non-life-threatening symptoms, such as persistent congestion, sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, or a rash, our dedicated medical team is here to help at our urgent care centers. We provide prompt relief and expert care for seasonal allergy flare-ups and contact dermatitis so you can get back to feeling your best, fast.
However, it’s vital to recognize when allergy symptoms signal a true emergency. If you or someone you know shows any signs of anaphylaxis, do not wait. Call 911 immediately and seek care at the nearest emergency room. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires rapid intervention.
Our urgent care team can diagnose and treat these symptoms, helping you find fast relief and prevent complications.
If you experience any of the following, call 911 immediately:
These are signs of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate ER care. Learn more about what to do in an anaphylactic emergency on our Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan page.
For all other mild-to-moderate allergy concerns, trust the experienced professionals at Pomona Valley Health Centers to provide care.
With PVHC Urgent Care, you can depend on convenient, compassionate care. Our doctors, physician assistants, and clinical staff will see you quickly and provide the help you need.
When you visit PVHC for allergies, a provider will discuss your symptoms and medical history. You’ll likely discuss any prior history of allergies, treatments you have tried, and what triggers your symptoms.
Your provider will perform an exam to evaluate your health and help determine the best treatment for your allergy symptoms.
Your provider will help determine the best allergy treatment for you. Some common options include:
There are several things you can do to help manage your allergies:
Your urgent care provider may discuss having allergy testing done to determine your allergy triggers. Allergy shots, which can gradually desensitize you to allergens, may also be an option.
Yes, you can visit urgent care for allergy symptoms. PVHC Urgent Care treats a wide variety of allergies, providing assessment, diagnosis, and relief for symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and more. However, if you are experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), you should use your EpiPen (if prescribed) and call 911 immediately.
The general answer is that most allergies cannot be completely cured. However, some people, especially children, may outgrow certain food allergies over time.
Identifying what you are allergic to is an important step in managing symptoms. Allergy testing, such as skin or blood tests, combined with a detailed medical history, can help determine which allergens trigger your reactions.
A food allergy is an immune system reaction that can cause sudden and sometimes severe symptoms such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Food sensitivities (or intolerances), like lactose intolerance, do not involve the immune system and typically result in digestive symptoms. Food allergies can be life-threatening, while sensitivities are usually milder but still uncomfortable.
You may need an EpiPen if you have a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to foods, insect stings, medications, or other allergens. Signs that you need to use an EpiPen and seek emergency care include fainting, severe breathing difficulty, throat swelling, dizziness, rapid pulse, dropping blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, or a feeling of impending doom. Always follow your provider’s advice about carrying and using an EpiPen.
Yes, PVHC providers may discuss allergy testing to help determine your specific triggers. While routine allergy testing may not be performed directly at every urgent care visit, your provider can guide you on the next steps, recommend testing if appropriate, and help you understand your options for managing allergies.
PVHC offers convenient care options, but the availability of telemedicine for allergies may depend on your symptoms and the need for an in-person assessment. For mild or routine allergy symptoms, telemedicine can often provide advice and treatment. For more severe or complex cases, an in-person visit may be recommended.
Some people may feel they just need to suffer through allergies and deal with them the best they can. Can you go to urgent care for allergies? The good news is that you can.
If you or a loved one are dealing with bothersome or persistent allergy symptoms, visit us at one of our convenient Pomona Valley Urgent Care locations:
Our experienced providers offer a myriad of services for a wide variety of illnesses and conditions. If you want to ensure immediate care, reserve your urgent care place online.
Contact us today to learn more about top-tier care at PVHC.
To schedule an appointment at a PVHC location near you, call 909-643-8982 or click here to use our online form.
