For those who suffer from common seasonal allergies, the onset of spring—often seen in the first flowers on a sunny day—can bring a chill to their hearts. Pollen, dust, grass, trees, mold and grain are common culprits that can cause an onset of sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, runny noses, sore throats, coughs and congestion. Seasonal allergies can be a bothersome condition, but in some cases, they can become serious very quickly.
“For many people, a proper course of treatment for allergies can be very
straightforward,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq
Vora. “But for others, an allergy flare-up can unexpectedly get out of hand as the body
overreacts to the allergen and breathing difficulties can be the result. These people
need fast medical intervention.”
The 3 most common courses of treatment can include:
1. Over-the-counter allergy medications
Though they may be hard to find in stock in the spring, antihistamines, decongestants
and nasal sprays are fine once in a while, but can become addictive if used frequently.
Side effects of confusion and anxiety are also possibilities with these medications.
Over-the-counter allergy medications, such as Claritin ® or Zyrtec ® , are designed to be
used frequently, even daily during allergy season. “Check with your doctor if you are
using a lot of antihistamines, nasal sprays, decongestants or allergy pills this spring
since there could be drug interactions or other concerns,” said Dr. Vora.
2. Allergy shots
A regimen of allergy shots, overseen by a general practitioner, can provide long-term
relief from seasonal allergies, but at a much slower pace. These series of shots, that
desensitize the body to specific allergens, are spread out over one to five years and can
take as many as two years to see an improvement in the patient’s condition.
3. Prescription medications
There are several prescription medications that can treat the symptoms of severe
allergies that should be supervised by a physician. Anticholinergic nasal sprays,
corticosteroids, mast cell stabilizers and leukotriene inhibitors are some of the types of
medication available with a prescription.
When should I go to the ER with my allergies?
“Some people may be hesitant to go to the ER for something like allergies, but if they
are experiencing a severe reaction to allergens, they need to come in immediately,” said
Dr. Vora. “It’s one of those things where you should come in right away when breathing
becomes strained rather than waiting too long in the hopes that it will go away.”
The risk of anaphylaxis is present whenever a patient has serious seasonal allergies. It
can be a sudden-onset condition that can be life threatening. If you or someone you
love are experiencing any of these warning signs, go to the nearest emergency room
(ER) immediately.
Warning signs include:
- Tightness in chest
- Difficulty breathing or straining to breathe
- Confusion
- Wheezing
- Sudden weakness
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Dizziness or fainting
Where can I find help for seasonal allergies?
If your seasonal allergies require medical attention, Medco ER & Urgent Care is open
24/7 to help you. Our board-certified physicians and attentive staff are waiting to provide
the fast, quality medical services you need, right when you need it the most.
Our two locations are easy to find:
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.
Call us @ 469-392-4000.
Frisco: 5600 Eldorado Parkway across from McDonald’s and Costco.
Call us @ 469-392-4100.