Customized care for allergies
If sudden or seasonal allergies are causing discomfort, we are committed to providing relief.
CareNow® urgent care is here to provide you and your family with common allergy care. With more than 240 locations, we offer high-quality medical treatments for allergic reactions and hives when you need it most.
Types of allergies we treat
Our experienced providers can help with reactions to many allergens, including:
- Contact dermatitis
- Dust
- Insect bites and stings
- Mold
- Pet dander
- Poison oak and poison ivy
- Tree and grass pollen
Our services to treat allergies and hives
If non-life-threatening allergic symptoms occur, visit us for a diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction
Allergic reactions are variable and can cause discomfort and anxiety. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Chest tightness and wheeziness
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- Itchy skin
- Itchy eyes
- Redness or rashes
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Swelling of the tongue or throat
Symptoms of hives
Red welts on the skin are the main symptom of hives. Welts can be small and round, ring-shaped or even as large as a dinner plate. They can change shape and spread. Sometimes, hives disappear and reappear over the course of an outbreak.
Signs of anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock is the most serious kind of allergic reaction. Your body releases a flood of chemicals that causes your blood pressure to drop and your airways to narrow and block your breathing. The reaction begins very quickly and can be life-threatening.
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulty breathing or other symptom of anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately.
Seasonal allergy treatment
When pollen levels increase, seasonal allergies can make everyday life uncomfortable with symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion and fatigue. At our urgent care center, we offer convenient, same-day treatment to help you find relief quickly. Whether you need medication, symptom management or guidance on preventing flare-ups, we’re here to make sure you get the care you need so you can get back to feeling like yourself.
Treatments for non-life-threatening allergies
Since there are so many different kinds of allergies, treatments vary. Mild and seasonal allergies can sometimes be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines. These medicines block the symptom-causing chemical your immune system releases during the reaction. Certain medications are available over the counter, while others need to be prescribed.
Treatments for hives
In mild cases of hives, you may not need prescription treatment. If you break out in hives, consider possible causes, such as, stress, food or any other external cause. If you have chronic hives or hives that do not go away, visit one of our healthcare providers.
Differences between colds, the flu and allergies
Telling the difference between a cold, the flu and seasonal allergies often comes down to your symptoms and how quickly they appear. A cold usually develops gradually with mild symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat and cough. The flu tends to come on suddenly and is more intense, often causing fever, body aches, chills and fatigue. Allergies, on the other hand, don’t cause fever but commonly include sneezing, itchy eyes and clear nasal drainage, especially during certain seasons or after exposure to triggers like pollen.
How long your symptoms last can also help you determine their cause. Colds typically improve in about a week, while the flu can last longer and feel more severe. Allergies may persist for weeks or months, depending on your environment, and often improve with allergy medications. If you’re unsure what you’re experiencing or symptoms worsen, visit one of our urgent care clinics for a diagnosis and proper treatment.