Allergies and Asthma

From pet dander, pollen, and mold… to bee venom, shellfish, and peanuts– allergens are everywhere!

Allergies affect more than 50 million Americans each year!¹ And while there is no cure for this pesky condition, you can manage your symptoms with prevention and treatment. If you’re suffering from allergies, walk into Liberty Urgent Care today for fast and affordable relief.

What are allergies?

Anyone can have or develop allergies. Allergies occur when our body’s immune system mistakes a harmless, everyday substance for a dangerous one. In response, the body produces proteins called antibodies to fight the perceived intruder, or allergen.

This leads to symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and scratchy throat. In more severe cases, the antibodies can cause hives, low blood pressure, rashes, breathing trouble, asthma attacks and even death.

Allergens can be something you eat, touch, inhale into your lungs, or inject into your body. Common allergy triggers include:

  • Airborne: tree, grass and weed pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander
  • Skin: poison ivy and poison oak, nickel or other metals, latex, and sunscreens
  • Food: milk, soy, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish
  • Insect: bee and wasp stings and poisonous ant bites
  • Medicine: Penicillin

Symptoms

Different types of allergies have different symptoms. Any of the following may be a sign of allergies:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny or Stuffy Nose
  • Itching and redness of the eyes
  • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
  • Swelling of lips, tongue, face, or throat.
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Rashes or hives
  • Dizziness

Anaphylaxis is the most severe allergic reaction. Symptoms include flush; tingling of the palms of the hands, soles of the feet or lips; light-headedness, and chest-tightness. If you are experiencing these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Treatment of Allergies

Specific treatments depend on the specific type of allergy. If you are suffering from one or more of the symptoms listed above, come into Liberty Urgent Care. Our medical team can help you diagnose the cause and prescribe an appropriate treatment.

[1] CDC: Gateway to Health Communication and Social Marketing Practice. Allergies. (2011) https://www.cdc.gov/healthcommunication/ToolsTemplates/EntertainmentEd/Tips/Allergies.html (Retrieved August 9, 2017)

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which results in difficulty breathing. It is typically a long-term condition, although symptoms may vary in intensity over time. Asthma affects people of all ages, from children to adults.

Liberty Urgent Care provides treatment for acute asthma attacks. Our facilities stock nebulizers and bronchodilator medications to help you break the attack. We also have other medications that can help you get your breathing back to normal. Our Liberty Urgent Care centers are able to refill your rescue inhalers if you run out or if they expire. Our providers are also able to offer asthma medication management to make sure you are breathing your best.

    The symptoms of asthma can vary from person to person but often include:

    1. Wheezing: A whistling or squeaky sound when breathing, particularly during exhaling.
    2. Shortness of breath: A feeling of breathlessness or being unable to catch your breath.
    3. Coughing: A persistent cough, which may be worse at night or early morning.
    4. Chest tightness: A sensation of pressure or tightness in the chest.
    5. Difficulty sleeping: Asthma symptoms can worsen at night, leading to sleep disturbances.
    6. Fatigue: Feeling tired or low on energy due to the increased effort required to breathe.

    Asthma symptoms can be triggered by various factors, including exposure to allergens (e.g., pollen, pet dander, dust mites), respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, stress, irritants (e.g., smoke, strong odors), and certain medications. It is important to note that asthma symptoms can range from mild to severe, and severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention.

    If you suspect that you or someone you know may have asthma or are experiencing asthma symptoms, please walk in to any of our Liberty Urgent Cares in Huntingdon Valley , Hatfield, or Horsham,