Urgent Care Allergy Treatment

Allergies can be frustrating, even debilitating. You may be wondering where to turn for help and whether relief is possible.

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 services we provide to keep you and your family healthy and thriving.

What Are Allergies?

Allergies are simply your immune system overreacting to a substance (allergen) that makes its way inside your body. Allergens can include pollen, molds, pet dander, and other substances. Some of these allergens—like grass or tree pollen—are more prevalent during certain seasons, such as spring.

Your body’s reaction to an allergen typically results in a variety of symptoms.

Common Allergy Signs and Symptoms

Here are some common allergy symptoms that can be treated in urgent care:

• Sneezing.
• Nasal congestion.
• Runny nose.
• Itchy eyes, nose, or roof of the mouth.
• Watery, reddened eyes.
• Coughing.
• Postnasal drip (mucus running down the throat).
• Fatigue.

When to Go to Urgent Care for Allergies

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. At our Pomona Valley Urgent Care centers, we’re fully equipped to provide the allergy treatment you need to relieve your uncomfortable symptoms.

Allergy Treatment at Pomona Valley Urgent 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.

Assessment and Examination

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.

Treatment Options for Allergy Relief

Your provider will help determine the best allergy treatment for you. Some common options include:

• Antihistamines. Medications like loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), and cetirizine (Zyrtec) help to block the effects of histamine and reduce troublesome allergy symptoms.

• Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays. This type of medicated spray includes fluticasone (Flonase) and can help relieve and prevent allergy symptoms like nasal congestion.

• Saline Sprays. Non-medicated saline nasal spray can relieve dryness and congestion and may provide relief.

• Nasal Rinses. Devices like a neti pot flush your nasal passages and sinuses with a warm saline solution and may relieve stuffiness and congestion. Bear in mind that using these devices can carry a risk of infection, and you should always use bottled water to fill them.

When to Seek Emergency Care for Allergies

Allergy symptoms are often mild and can be treated conveniently and comprehensively at urgent care. In the case of a life-threatening allergic reaction—known as anaphylaxis—you need immediate care in an emergency room.

If prescribed, use your epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and call 911 if you or a family member experience these symptoms:

• Fainting.
• Severe difficulty breathing.
• Throat tightness or swelling.
• Dizziness.
• A rapid pulse.
• Dropping blood pressure.
• Vomiting or diarrhea.
• A rash with raised bumps (hives).
• A feeling of impending doom.

Even if your EpiPen relieves your symptoms, you still need to get to an emergency room for treatment, as symptoms can return.

Preventing and Managing Allergies

There are several things you can do to help manage your allergies:

• Avoid Triggers. Whether it’s cat dander or ragweed pollen, knowing what triggers your allergy symptoms can help reduce them.

• Know the Count. If you struggle with seasonal pollen allergies, check the local pollen count on a weather app or online and avoid spending time outside when it is elevated.

• Deal With Dust. Dust mites are a common allergy. Wash bedding regularly, avoid excessive pillows or stuffed animals in sleeping areas, and consider an allergy-reducing mattress cover and pillowcase.

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.

Visit PVHC Urgent Care for Allergy Treatment

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.

Contact us today to learn more about top-tier care at PVHC.