Urgent Care for Allergies in Columbia, MD

At Elite Urgent Care we are well-equipped to handle a broad spectrum of non-life-threatening health issues, including allergies. Whether you’re battling seasonal allergies, food allergies, or other types, our team can provide you with the prompt relief you need.

Consider coming to Elite Urgent Care if your allergy symptoms are intense, your regular doctor is not available, or your symptoms have worsened despite taking over-the-counter medication. Symptoms that necessitate an urgent care visit may include:

• Breathing difficulties
• Wheezing
• Tightness in the chest
• Swelling of your face or throat
• Swelling of your tongue or lips
• Hives or rash
• Vomiting or nausea
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

A member of our professional healthcare team will review your symptoms and conduct a physical examination. Depending on your evaluation, a variety of treatments may be administered, ranging from prescriptions for stronger antihistamines or steroids, allergy testing, to even allergy shots in some instances.

While we can provide immediate relief, it’s not a long-term solution for managing allergies. If you’re frequently suffering from allergies, consider scheduling an appointment with an allergist.

Remember, Elite Urgent Care is there for immediate, non-life-threatening situations. For long-term allergy management, work with your primary care doctor or an allergist.

At Elite Urgent Care, we pride ourselves on providing prompt care for non-life-threatening conditions. However, we often receive queries about whether we offer allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy. It’s essential to note that allergy shots are typically part of a long-term treatment plan, requiring an initial allergy test and regular injections over time. These regimes are generally managed in specialized clinics or by providers who have undergone specific training in allergy management, like our resident physician, Dr. Nasser Nasseri, MD.

Dr. Nasseri, with his extensive medical training and experience, understands that allergy shots must be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional who can monitor for potential adverse reactions. Although such reactions are rare, they can sometimes be severe, necessitating immediate medical attention. Therefore, while it may theoretically be possible to get an allergy shot at an urgent care center, it is generally not recommended.

We advise patients to have allergy shots administered by a board-certified allergist or other healthcare providers familiar with their medical history. They can provide continuity of care, ensuring you receive the safest and most effective treatment.

However, in extreme cases, if you require immediate medical attention for an allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, you should seek emergency care at a hospital or emergency room. Urgent care centers, including ours, are not equipped to handle life-threatening allergic reactions.

Allergies can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, can be life-threatening. Typical symptoms include itching, sneezing, a runny nose, rashes, fatigue, and fever. However, if these symptoms continue or get worse over time, it could indicate a more serious allergic condition.

Indicators of Serious Allergies:

• Respiratory symptoms: Difficulty in breathing, wheezing, or a feeling of tightness in your chest.
• Persistent and long-lasting symptoms: Mild allergies often come and go, but if your symptoms are constantly present, this could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction.
• Unresponsiveness to over-the-counter medications: If these don’t seem to alleviate the symptoms, it is a clear indication that your allergies could be severe.

At Elite Urgent Care, our team, led by Dr. Nasseri, has the expertise to help you identify and manage serious allergies.

Signs of Anaphylaxis:

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. If you experience any of these symptoms, come to Elite Urgent Care right away:

• Rapid, weak pulse
• Skin rash
• Nausea and vomiting
• Trouble breathing, wheezing, or a tight feeling in the chest
• Rapid heartbeat or dizziness
• Swelling of your tongue or lips
• Hives or widespread itching
• Confusion or loss of consciousness

Other Serious Allergic Reactions:

• Angioedema: Swelling in the face, extremities, or genitals that can obstruct breathing.
• Hypotension: A sudden decrease in blood pressure, which can cause dizziness and fainting.
• Neurological symptoms: Confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness.

Common Allergen Triggers:

Common triggers include specific foods, certain medications, insect venom, and latex. While any allergen can potentially cause a serious reaction, the following are commonly associated:

• Food (e.g., peanuts, shellfish)
• Insect stings (e.g., bees, wasps)
• Medications (e.g., penicillin)
• Latex

Factors Affecting Allergy Severity:

• Type of allergen
• Amount of allergen exposure
• Individual sensitivity
• Previous history of allergic reactions
• Co-existing health conditions

Be aware that cross-reactivity between allergens is possible. Understand the symptoms of serious allergic reactions and seek medical attention promptly.

Remember, self-diagnosing serious allergies is not advisable. If you suspect you have serious allergies, consult with our experienced healthcare provider, Dr. Nasser Nasseri, for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Dr. Nasseri, an experienced physician at Elite Urgent Care, stresses that while ignoring allergies may not directly worsen them, it can exacerbate symptoms and potentially lead to more serious health issues. Although avoiding discomfort by not addressing allergies might seem like an easy choice initially, it can have harmful consequences in the long run.

Dr. Nasseri explains that when you’re exposed to an allergen, your immune system produces antibodies to fight it. Regular exposure can cause sensitization, increasing your body’s sensitivity and intensifying the allergic reaction. Even small amounts of the allergen can provoke a strong response.

Ignoring allergies can result in increasingly severe symptoms. The heightened reactivity of the immune system over time can lead to more intense reactions which can include more frequent sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, worsening asthma or eczema, and even life-threatening conditions like anaphylaxis.

Untreated allergies can lead to secondary health issues, such as sinus infections or asthma. Chronic nasal inflammation from allergies can block the sinuses leading to bacterial infections. In terms of asthma, allergies can cause inflammation in the airways, making them more susceptible to environmental triggers of asthma.

Allergy symptoms may disrupt your sleep, leading to fatigue and impaired performance at work or school.

Dr. Nasseri assures that while allergies cannot be cured, they can be effectively managed with appropriate treatment. Through his expertise at Elite Urgent Care, he helps patients identify and avoid known allergens, use over-the-counter or prescription medications as prescribed, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Ignoring allergies can have severe consequences, making it crucial to seek professional medical advice. Dr. Nasseri and his team at Elite Urgent Care are equipped to diagnose your allergies and recommend the best treatment for your specific situation. By addressing allergies head-on, you can prevent their progression, minimize symptoms, and protect your overall health and well-being. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 6100 Dobbin Rd, Suite A Columbia, MD 21045. We serve patients from Columbia MD, Ellicott City MD, Laurel MD, Elkridge MD, Clarksville MD, Fulton MD, Jessup MD, and surrounding areas.