Urgent Care for Allergy Treatment Q&A

At Express Health Urgent Care, we offer a wide variety of allergy services to diagnose, manage, and treat various allergic conditions. These services are designed for non-life-threatening conditions, including allergic reactions. Our offerings include:

1. Diagnosis and Evaluation:

• Allergy Diagnostics: Our facility conducts skin prick tests, where a minute quantity of an allergen is introduced to the skin to observe any reactions, alongside blood tests that assess antibody levels to pinpoint particular allergens. Additionally, we perform elimination diet evaluations to identify food allergies.
• Patient History and Physical Assessment: Our physicians evaluate the patient’s symptoms and medical background, and conduct a physical examination to determine the severity of the reaction.
• Asthma-related Services: Given the close relationship between allergies and asthma, Express Health Urgent Care is equipped to handle asthma diagnosis through methods like spirometry.

2. Treatment:

• Acute Allergic Reactions: We provide antihistamines to counteract histamine, a chemical released during allergic reactions, corticosteroids to decrease inflammation, and epinephrine for severe cases. For significant dehydration or low blood pressure, intravenous fluids may be administered.
• Chronic Allergy Management: At Express Health Urgent Care, our personalized treatment plans may involve the prescription of long-term medication, advice on allergen avoidance, or even immunotherapy in the form of allergy shots.
• Epinephrine Auto-injector Prescription: Our doctors may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen) if the patient is at risk of anaphylaxis.

3. Education and Counseling:

• Allergy Avoidance Education: Our doctors offer advice on avoiding allergens, managing triggers, using epinephrine autoinjectors, interpreting food labels for allergens, and employing strategies to minimize exposure to environmental allergens.
• Referral to an Allergy Specialist: For complex or persistent allergies, our doctors may refer the patient to an allergist for further evaluation and specialized treatment options.

In summary, Express Health Urgent Care provides comprehensive allergy services that include diagnosis, treatment for acute allergic reactions, chronic allergy management, education, counseling, and emergency care.

Express Health Urgent Care is equipped to handle a wide range of medical situations, including severe allergic reactions. These reactions, often referred to as anaphylaxis, are characterized by a rapid and potentially life-threatening response of the immune system.

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis:

The symptoms of anaphylaxis typically develop within minutes of exposure to an allergen. Common symptoms include hives or swelling, difficulty breathing or wheezing, rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, dizziness or fainting, and low blood pressure. Immediate treatment typically involves administering epinephrine, an adrenaline boost that can help to reduce the severity of the allergic reaction. Express Health Urgent Care also stocks epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens), which deliver a life-saving dose of epinephrine to counteract anaphylaxis. Patients are closely monitored for vital signs and other indicators of their condition, and supportive care, such as oxygen therapy or intravenous fluids, is provided as needed.

Follow-Up Care at Express Health Urgent Care

Once the immediate crisis is under control, Express Health Urgent Care doctors and nurses can also offer further treatment options. They can prescribe ongoing epinephrine auto-injectors and other medications, such as antihistamines or corticosteroids, to manage lingering symptoms. They can also provide referrals to allergists or other healthcare providers for follow-up care, to determine the allergen responsible for the reaction and discuss avoidance strategies and risk management.

Express Health Urgent Care plays a crucial role and is capable of providing timely and effective treatment for severe allergic reactions. If you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, do not hesitate to seek emergency medical attention at our center. 

At Express Health Urgent Care, our goal is to deliver prompt and effective medical services to every patient. If you’re preparing for an appointment at our center for allergy care, here are some important things to bring along:

Medical Records:

At Express Health Urgent Care, we recognize the importance of knowing your medical background to offer optimal care. This encompasses any allergies, ongoing health issues, and a detailed inventory of all medications you’re currently on, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and any vitamins or supplements.

Symptoms and Possible Allergens:

Please provide a detailed explanation of your symptoms, such as when they started, whether they’ve been getting worse, and any known triggers. If feasible, bring samples of the suspected allergen. This information can be invaluable in diagnosing and treating your condition.

Identification and Insurance:

Don’t forget to bring your identification and insurance card. At Express Health Urgent Care, we require these to process your visit.

Comfort and Care:

We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your visit. Consider wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, and bring a water bottle or snacks if you anticipate a lengthy wait.

Medication and Additional Items:

Bring any prescribed allergy medications, such as an epinephrine auto-injector. Items such as tissues or nasal spray might also be helpful.

To ensure a smooth visit, arrive on time for your appointment, and have a list of your medications handy. Inform our staff about any allergies to medications or latex. Be prepared to provide a detailed account of your symptoms and potential triggers.

At Express Health Urgent Care, we recognize that allergic reactions can arise suddenly and differ in intensity. An allergic reaction happens when the body’s immune system excessively responds to a foreign substance, termed an allergen, which may be food, insect bites, pollen, medications, or latex.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction that can be treated at Express Health Urgent Care include skin reactions such as hives, itching, redness, swelling, or a rash, and respiratory symptoms like difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, sneezing, or a congested nose.

You may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea, as well as symptoms in the mouth or throat, including swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty swallowing, or a strange taste in the mouth. Eye irritation, such as redness, itching, and tearing, can also occur.

In severe cases, symptoms can escalate to anaphylaxis, a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. If you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Should you encounter breathing troubles, chest discomfort, confusion, dizziness, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, continuous nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea persisting over 24 hours, it is vital to promptly seek medical assistance at Express Health Urgent Care.

Be aware of the symptoms of an allergic reaction and seek medical attention when necessary. If you have a known severe allergy, always carry an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen) and use it as directed at the first sign of a reaction. Our Express Health Urgent Care team is here to provide swift, effective care when you need it most. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations in East Harlem NYC, Metropolitan NYC, and Staten Island NYC. We serve patients from East Harlem NYC, Manhattan NY, Brooklyn NY, Metropolitan NYC, Williamsburg, NY, Greenpoint NY, Staten Island NYC, Rossville, NY, Tottenville, NY, and surrounding areas.