Allergy Treatment in MA & RI
Allergies are one of the most common conditions, affecting up to 50 million Americans. If you need help treating your allergies in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island – turn to the experts at Southcoast Health Urgent Care Center. We’re here to help you relieve your allergy symptoms to help you start living a better life.
What are Allergies?
Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a harmless substance and attacks it. However, there are many different types of allergies, including:
- Drug allergies
- Eye allergies
- Food allergies
- Indoor allergies, including dust, mold and cockroach allergies
- Insect sting allergies
- Latex allergies
- Seasonal allergies like outdoor allergies, including pollen and pine allergies
- Pet allergies
- Skin allergies
The consequences of allergies can range from mildly annoying to life threatening. Unfortunately, allergies usually aren’t curable, but you can learn to manage them, relieve your symptoms and avoid triggering them.
What Causes Allergies?
Experts don’t fully understand what causes a person’s immune system to overreact and cause an allergic reaction. However, they do know that histamine and other chemicals in your body are responsible for allergy symptoms. They have also identified the following risk factors:
- Being a child — allergies are much more common in children than adults
- Having a family history of allergies or asthma
- Having a personal history of asthma or other allergies
Common Allergy Symptoms
Allergy symptoms vary depending on the type of allergy and may include:
- Itchy, runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Rashes and itchy or swollen skin
- Sneezing
- Stomach cramps, bloating or diarrhea
- Wheezing or coughing
Severe Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms may also vary in intensity. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention, as it can quickly lead to death. It most commonly occurs with drug, food, insect sting and latex allergies.
Signs of Anaphylaxis
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness or fainting
- Feeling strange or that something bad is about to happen
- Hives
- Loss of consciousness
- Rapid pulse or heartbeat
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- Vomiting or diarrhea
Allergy Treatment Options at Southcoast Health Urgent Care Center
Southcoast Health treats patients with all types of allergies across southeastern Massachusetts and parts of Rhode Island. If you come to our urgent care center with allergies, our doctors will treat the general symptoms and refer you to your primary care physician for long-term treatment. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
Urgent Care Centers in Massachusetts and Rhode Island
Southcoast Health urgent care centers are located in Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Fall River, Lakeville, Seekonk and Wareham, MA as well as Middletown, RI.