If you are struggling with allergies, you are not alone. Every year, millions of people suffer from allergies due to insect bites, pollen, pet dander, dust, mold, and other irritants. Allergy symptoms occur when your body mistakes a normal, everyday substance as a dangerous intruder and fends off a perceived attack. The histamine defense your body produces causes allergy symptoms.

If you suspect you are having a mild allergic reaction or suffering from seasonal allergies, visit Bayside Urgent Care. Our medical staff is expert at treating this and other non-life-threatening emergencies. Note that if you expect a severe allergic reaction, please call 911.

What Are Some Examples of Allergy Symptoms?

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending upon your body’s reaction.

Mild symptoms are similar to those of the common cold and may include:

• Sneezing
• Sore or itchy throat
• Congestion
• Puffy, itchy, or watery eyes
• Rash (i.e., hives) or itchy skin
• Post-nasal drip

Severe allergic reactions (also known as anaphylaxis) are life-threatening medical emergencies and should be treated in the emergency room. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include:

• Shortness of breath and tightness in the chest
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, and throat
• Tingling in the mouth
• Cramps, nausea, and vomiting
• Sneezing
• Runny, stuffy nose
• Puffy, itchy, or watery eyes
• Itchy skin or a rash (i.e., hives)

How Can I Tell the Difference Between Allergies and a Cold?

Mild symptoms of allergies may mimic those of a cold. They can last days to months, occur any time of the year, and usually have an immediate onset.

On the other hand, colds last three to 14 days. They typically occur during the winter months, and symptoms appear over the course of a few days.

What Are The Causes?

Potential allergens can occur anywhere and can trigger a response in the gut, skin, sinuses, airways, eyes, or nose. Some of the most common are:

• Dust and plant pollen
• Food
• Insect bites and stings
• Medication
• Mold and mildew
• Pet dander, fur, or saliva
• Household chemicals
• Latex
• Metals

What Diagnosis is Available?

Allergies are usually diagnosed by a blood test to measure antibody levels, skin prick tests, or a patch test.

What Treatments are there?

If you can’t avoid the allergen, there are many over-the-counter treatments that can help reduce symptoms.

• Antihistamines
• Decongestants
• Corticosteroids

For people with year-round symptoms, there are also allergy shots. They introduce the allergen into the person’s body in gradually increasing doses until they have a tolerance.

What To Bring When You Visit

If you believe you are having a mild allergic reaction, you can help us identify the cause by letting us know:

• Your symptoms
• When and how often they occur
• What seems to cause them
• If you have a family history of allergies

Also, be prepared to tell us about any medications you take (including vitamins and supplements), past illnesses and surgeries, and your primary care doctor’s phone number and address so we can transfer records, if necessary.

Does Bayside Urgent Care Accept Insurance?

Yes. We accept Medicare and most major insurance carriers. If you don’t have insurance or prefer to pay out-of-pocket, our services are reasonably priced and less expensive than an ER visit.

You Can Count on Bayside Urgent Care if You’re Suffering From Allergies

Our center is located in Clearwater, Florida, conveniently situated to Largo, Belleair, Dunedin, Indian Rocks Beach, and Tampa. If you are experiencing mild allergies, visit our office or call. Our number is (727) 441-5044.

*Urgent care is not a substitute for emergency care. Always head to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you are experiencing very serious or life-threatening problems. Read What is Urgent Care for more information.

Bayside Urgent Care is your alternative to the high costs and long waits at hospital emergency rooms. We believe that excellent healthcare should be affordable, and it’s our goal to never rush patients.

We are conveniently located in Clearwater, Florida. The center is only a short drive from nearby Clearwater Beach, Largo, Belleair, Dunedin, Countryside, Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, and Indian Rocks Beach.