Urgent Care for Allergy Treatment in Rockville, MD

At our practice, led by Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, we provide urgent care for a variety of medical conditions, including allergies. Allergies can cause discomfort and distress, and in severe cases, can even be life-threatening. It’s essential to receive immediate medical attention in such scenarios.

If you’re experiencing severe allergic symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, widespread itchy skin rashes, severe gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming an allergen or anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction), you should visit our urgent care clinic immediately. Allergies can also trigger other severe conditions like sinus infections, asthma, and respiratory issues.

For mild to moderate allergy symptoms, home management methods can often be effective. Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines can help alleviate symptoms, and nasal sprays with corticosteroids are capable of reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. In instances where you have a history of previous severe allergic reactions, you should always have an EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector) close by.

Our team of healthcare professionals can perform tests to identify the cause of your allergic reaction. We can provide treatment in the form of oxygen therapy, epinephrine for anaphylaxis, antihistamines for itching and hives, and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. In severe cases, we can administer epinephrine injections.

We advise that mild allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, or a rash caused by an allergen can usually be treated at home. However, in certain circumstances, immediate medical attention is necessary.

Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis) can be characterized by difficulty breathing, chest tightness or wheezing, and difficulty swallowing. These could signal anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock, potentially life-threatening conditions. Our team is prepared to provide immediate care for such severe reactions.

Respiratory distress symptoms such as severe shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, and a worsening cough despite home remedies also warrant a visit to our urgent care. Cardiac complications, including rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest discomfort, and feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness are cause for significant concern. Persistent symptoms falling under gastrointestinal issues like severe abdominal cramping, persistent nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea that does not improve should be checked by a healthcare professional. Neurological symptoms such as confusion or disorientation, tingling or numbness in the face or extremities, and difficulty speaking or swallowing indicate a need for swift care. Skin reactions such as widespread hives unresponsive to antihistamines, severe swelling or blistering, and open sores or skin infections should be treated urgently in our facility.

Additionally, if your allergy symptoms persist for several days without relief or continually disrupt your daily activities or sleep, it’s time to seek urgent care. This could suggest that your allergies are not being adequately managed, and our healthcare team can provide a more effective treatment plan. Finally, if you’ve been stung by a bee or another insect and are experiencing a severe allergic reaction, immediate urgent care is necessary.

Your visit to Physicians Now Urgent Care for allergies will commence with paperwork where you will be expected to provide your medical history. This includes any known allergies, the severity of your allergic reactions, potential triggers, and previous treatments.

Upon completion of the paperwork, a physical examination will be performed. This can involve a check of your vital signs, an examination of your skin for rashes or hives, and assessing your respiratory function. If need be, a more detailed examination of your eyes, nose, and throat can be carried out.

We may conduct an allergy test to identify the specific allergens triggering your reaction. This could be a skin prick test or a blood test in order to measure your immune system’s response to specific allergens.

Following your examination and testing, Dr. Olisemeka or a member of his team will discuss your treatment options. These could include antihistamines, corticosteroids, or in severe cases, a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector.

When you visit, remember to bring:

• A list of your symptoms.
• Any medications you are currently taking.
• Your insurance information.
• A co-payment, if required by your insurance.

At Physicians Now Urgent Care, we emphasize the importance of following the healthcare provider’s instructions meticulously after your visit. This may involve taking medications as prescribed, avoiding known triggers, and monitoring your symptoms.

If left untreated or ignored, allergies can indeed get worse over time and may lead to more severe health consequences. Over time, continual exposure to allergens can even lead to your immune system becoming hypersensitive, meaning even minimal exposure to the allergen can eventually trigger a more severe allergic reaction.

If ignored, the immune system continues producing IgE antibodies, leading to an increased sensitivity to the allergen and an amplified release of inflammatory mediators. This can result in more severe allergic reactions and can also lead to the onset of various chronic illnesses such as sinusitis, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. Moreover, in some cases, continually ignoring severe allergies can be life-threatening, due to a severe reaction called anaphylaxis.

At the practice, we see patients with allergies that initially present mild symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, or watery eyes. They can also lead to more severe conditions including anaphylaxis, asthma, eczema, and rhinitis. Failing to address allergies can also impact your quality of life, leading to poor sleep, fatigue, and reduced productivity.

Ignoring allergies can have serious consequences, leading to the intensification of symptoms, the development of other health complications, decreased quality of life, and even life-threatening situations. For this reason, we encourage anyone who suspects they have allergies to consult with our practice. We encourage everyone to visit us online for directions to our leading urgent care and walk-in clinic! You can also visit us online to learn more about our services for patients and to meet our team of leading healthcare professionals! We serve patients from Rockville MD, Travilah MD, Lone Oak MD, Colesville Park MD, Redland MD, Darnestown MD, Anscroft MD, and Wheaton-Glenmont MD!