now offering virtual consultations! book now

Allergies

Do you have allergies? Are they affecting your daily life? Seasonal allergies and food allergies can be major obstacles to deal with every day. At WellCare Urgent Care center we can provide treatment options so you can manage your symptoms and live your life uninterrupted.


BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Most people experience some form of allergies in their lifetimes. Allergies are common and often come on throughout life. To learn more about Allergies come into WellCare Urgent Care center in Grand Rapids.

What are Allergies?

An allergy is characterized by a negative reaction of the immune system when you encounter a foreign substance such as pet dander, pollen, or certain foods. If you have an allergy the immune system creates antibodies that identify the foreign substance as harmful. This then creates a reaction such as an inflammation of the skin, digestive system, airways, or sinuses. If you have severe allergies then anaphylaxis can occur, which can be life-threatening.

Respiratory Allergies

These types of allergies are usually triggered by seasonal and pet-related allergens.

Symptoms of Respiratory Allergies:

  • Rash
  • Runny or Stuffy Nose
  • Sneezing
  • Itching of the Nose or Eyes
  • Watery, Red, or Swollen Eyes

For these types of allergies, there are many various treatments available. Over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids are helpful in relieving the symptoms.

Food Allergies

Food allergies are very common but the types of food that cause the allergies to vary. These allergies occur when your immune system identifies a food as harmful. Many food allergies are well-managed, but they can progress into a serious, life-threatening condition. If you or someone around you is experiencing a negative reaction or anaphylaxis, then contact 911 immediately.

Symptoms of Food Allergies:

  • Swelling of the Face, Throat, Tongue, or Lips
  • Hives
  • Tingling of the Mouth
  • Anaphylaxis

It is important to be aware of your food allergies and to avoid eating these foods. You should also carry some epinephrine on you that has been prescribed by your doctor in case of a serious reaction.

Frequently Asked Questions about Allergies

What's the difference between allergies and a cold?

Though some of the symptoms look similar, there are a few key factors that separate the common cold from allergies. The most apparent difference is the length of the symptoms-- colds usually last two weeks at the longest, whereas allergies will persist as long as the allergen is present. Additionally, there is not a clear trigger with a cold in the same way as there is with allergies like pets or pollen.

Can you outgrow allergies?

It is common for children to outgrow various food allergies as they get older. In over half the cases reported, children with allergies to milk or eggs outgrow it by their teenage years. However, outgrowing allergies is not a certainty and should be approached carefully. The safest way to test if you have outgrown an allergen is with a doctor’s allergen test. Keep your allergy medication stocked even after outgrowing your allergies as they can come back occasionally.

Why have my allergy medications stopped working?

If you notice your symptoms getting worse even after taking antihistamines, there could be a few reasons why. One of the simpler causes is that you’re taking the medication too late— antihistamines should be taken prior to allergen exposure, or they will not be effective. Other reasons could include your allergies worsening, or your immune system being suppressed with age.

What happens if I don't take care of my allergies?

Untreated allergies are not only a nuisance but can lead to serious complications. If left untreated, you could develop new allergies and severe allergy attacks. When you experience an allergy attack, your immune system is exerting its energy fighting off a perceived threat, and frequent allergy flare-ups weaken the immune system. Over time, this can manifest as infections building in the body.

Are my allergies making me nauseous?

Though it is not commonly labeled an allergy symptom, it is possible to experience nausea with allergy flare-ups. After prolonged exposure to an allergen, your body may have produced excess mucus buildup. As your body attempts to clear away this substance, mucus will begin to drain away as post-nasal drip. As it drains down your throat, mucus will begin to build in the stomach, inducing nausea and sometimes vomiting. Call WellCare Urgent Care if this symptom arises.

Come into WellCare

If you are having trouble breathing or experiencing other respiratory problems, it is important that you seek emergency care and call 911. If you would like to get control of other allergy symptoms and learn to manage them then come into WellCare Urgent Care center in Grand Rapids to get examined by a medical professional. We accept walk-ins at our Cascade and Leonard locations, or you can schedule a same-day appointment through our online portal.

Should I visit Urgent Care or Emergency Room?

Urgent Care

When you have any medical condition that is non-life threatening or have general medical needs, then an Urgent Care center can take care of these. WellCare Urgent Care takes care of a variety of medical concerns such as the flu, vaccinations, physicals, allergy symptoms, and more.

WellCare Urgent care is convenient because it is quick and cost-effective.

Average visit time: 1 hour
Average cost: $150

Common Conditions We Treat

Emergency Room

Emergency care is necessary when you are suffering from a life-threatening condition. This could be a heart attack, stroke, head injury, or other trauma that requires more advanced treatment. If you or someone you love has a life-threatening illness or injury, then you need to call 911 and get to the closest Emergency Room.

Emergency Rooms, while the best option for serious trauma, do take time and are costly.

Average Time Spent: 4.5 hours
Average Cost Per Visit: $1700

Emergency Conditions

Need Care Now?

Grand Rapids

Leonard

Book Appointment Book Appointment