Many people will experience a reaction of some kind to an allergen. Allergens come in many forms and what may bother one person will not bother another one. While most allergic reactions are mild, some are more severe and will require a quick visit to the doctor.

The Cause of Allergies

An allergy will occur whenever your immune system responds to a foreign material with antibodies. Antibodies are made whenever your body identifies a specific foreign material as being harmful.

Antibodies remain on alert for those substances, and when you are newly exposed to one, the antibodies produce histamines. This results in a reaction in your sinuses, on your skin, your airways, or your digestive system.

Allergy triggers, which are those substances that will cause a reaction to start, include a variety of substances. They include:

  • Certain foods – the most common reactions are caused by peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, shellfish, eggs, and milk.
  • Airborne allergens – these include dander from pets, pollen, molds, and dust mites.
  • Insect stings – bee and wasp stings.
  • Medications – the most common problems with allergies are caused by penicillin-based products.
  • Latex, and chemical-based substances that are touched – industrial, cleaning liquids, and more.

Anaphylaxis

While the reaction time for allergic reactions will vary from one person to another and from one substance to another, some reactions will be very strong and sudden. Some people can have life-threatening reactions when exposed to an allergen called anaphylaxis. It may result in an almost instant loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting. The most common triggers of an anaphylaxis reaction are insect stings, foods, and medications.

Risk Factors

The possibility of having strong reactions to certain substances is enhanced by several things. They include:

  • Heredity
  • Having other allergies
  • Asthma or COPD
  • Sensitive skin

Preventing Reactions to Allergies

The primary factor in avoiding this type of reaction is to be able to avoid the known triggers. As an example, if pollen is a trigger, then that person should stay indoors as much as possible, or wear a mask when outdoors. People who have reactions should keep a diary so that they can discover their triggers and avoid them as much as possible.

If you are prone to have strong reactions to triggers, you should wear a medical alert bracelet. This ensures that others will be able to help you if you have a reaction and cannot communicate.

The Doctors at the Silver Star Urgent Care

When you come to the Silver Star Urgent Care clinic, you can be treated for reactions to various allergens – whether it is an emergency or if you just need a diagnosis. You can also receive allergy testing or treatment for asthma. All of our doctors are Board-certified.

The Silver Star Urgent Care clinic is equipped to handle many emergencies, including allergic reactions. Patients have very little wait time before being seen by medical professionals, unlike hospital emergency rooms. Walk-ins are welcome at any time. We stay open late to help you. Our hours are from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm seven days a week.

Contact info

228 Beach 20th Street Far Rockaway, NY 11691

(516) 750-0252

info@SilverStarUrgentCare.com