Allergies can be annoying, but sometimes, they can be downright scary. Spring is peak allergy season in Utah County, thanks to high pollen counts from trees, grass, and weeds. During these times, many people experience a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, or endless sneezing fits. Most of the time, these symptoms aren’t a big deal—you just grab some antihistamines or other over-the-counter medications and go about your day.
But what if your symptoms don’t improve? Or worse, what if they escalate to something more serious?
Urgent care can be a great option when allergies go beyond mild irritation and start affecting your breathing, skin, or overall well-being. If you’re not sure whether your allergies are bad enough to warrant a visit, here are some key signs that it’s time to get checked out.
When to Visit Urgent Care for Allergies
1. You’re Having Trouble Breathing
If you’re wheezing, feeling tightness in your chest, or struggling to take deep breaths, it’s time to stop waiting and get medical care. Allergies can sometimes trigger asthma-like symptoms, especially in people who already have respiratory issues. A doctor at urgent care can assess your breathing and, if necessary, provide treatments like nebulizers or steroid medications to help you breathe easier.
2. Your Allergy Symptoms Won’t Go Away
Sometimes, allergies just won’t quit. If you’ve been dealing with congestion, sinus pressure, or persistent coughing for days—even after trying allergy meds—it might be a sign that your body needs a little extra help. Urgent care centers can check for complications like sinus infections and prescribe stronger medications to get you back on track.
3. Your Skin is Breaking Out in Severe Hives or Swelling
Mild itching is one thing, but if your skin starts developing large, painful hives or swelling (especially around your eyes, lips, or throat), you shouldn’t ignore it. This could indicate a more serious allergic reaction that requires medical attention. Urgent care can provide antihistamines or corticosteroids to calm your body’s reaction before it gets worse.
4. Your Eyes Are Swollen, Red, or Painful
Allergic reactions can sometimes cause serious eye issues, including swelling, redness, or even infections. If your eyes are so swollen that you’re having trouble seeing, or if they feel extremely irritated despite using allergy drops, a visit to urgent care is a smart move.
5. You Think You Need Prescription Medication
Over-the-counter allergy meds work well for many people, but if your symptoms are severe or long-lasting, you might need a stronger prescription. Urgent care providers can evaluate your condition and, if necessary, prescribe antihistamines, nasal sprays, or even steroid treatments to help you find relief.
When to Go to the ER Instead of Urgent Care
While urgent care is great for moderate allergy issues, some symptoms require immediate emergency care. If you experience any of the following, go straight to the ER (or call 911):
- Severe swelling of the throat, tongue, or face (this could indicate anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction).
- Difficulty breathing or feeling like your throat is closing up.
- Dizziness, fainting, or a sudden drop in blood pressure.
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea after exposure to an allergen (especially food or insect stings).
- A history of anaphylaxis, and symptoms are returning even after using an EpiPen.
If in doubt, always err on the side of caution. Urgent care facilities can treat many allergy issues, but life-threatening reactions require emergency attention.
How Urgent Care Can Help Treat Allergies
So, you’ve decided to head to urgent care for your allergies—what can you expect when you get there? Urgent care clinics are designed to handle moderate to severe allergic reactions that aren’t life-threatening but still require quick medical attention.
Here’s what they can do to help you feel better:
Medications to Reduce Symptoms
Depending on your symptoms, the urgent care provider may offer:
- Antihistamines (stronger than over-the-counter versions) to stop itching, sneezing, and hives.
- Corticosteroids (oral or injected) to calm severe allergic reactions, swelling, and inflammation.
- Bronchodilators or nebulizers for wheezing or asthma-like symptoms caused by allergies.
These allergy treatment options can help control your reaction quickly so you’re not stuck suffering for days.
Treatment for Severe Skin Reactions
If you’re dealing with serious hives, swelling, or skin irritation, urgent care may provide topical or oral steroids to calm your immune system. They can also treat infections that develop from excessive scratching.
Sinus & Respiratory Relief
For allergy-induced sinus infections, urgent care may prescribe:
- Decongestants to relieve pressure and help you breathe.
- Antibiotics (if there’s a secondary infection).
- Allergy shots (depending on the clinic) for long-term relief.
Monitoring for More Severe Reactions
If there’s any concern that your reaction could escalate, the medical team may keep you for monitoring or refer you to an ER if needed.
Bottom line? If your allergies are making you miserable and home remedies aren’t working, urgent care is a fast, easy way to get relief without waiting for a doctor’s appointment.
Preventing Future Allergy Flares & Long-Term Care
While urgent care can help in the moment, managing your allergies long-term is the key to avoiding future flare-ups. Here’s what you can do:
Identify Your Triggers
Whether it’s pollen, dust, pet dander, food, or insect stings, knowing what sets off your allergies helps you avoid or prepare for exposure.
Consider Seeing a Specialist
If your allergies are severe or persistent, an allergist can offer advanced testing, personalized treatments, and allergy shots to build long-term immunity.
Keep Medications on Hand
If you have moderate to severe allergies, always have:
- Antihistamines for fast relief
- Nasal sprays or eye drops
- An inhaler (if you have allergy-induced asthma)
- An EpiPen (if you have a history of anaphylaxis)
Make Lifestyle Adjustments
- Check pollen counts before going outside.
- Use air purifiers in your home.
- Wash clothes and hair after being outdoors.
- Keep windows closed during allergy season.
The better you manage your allergies daily, the less likely you’ll need urgent care in the future!
Wrapping It Up: Breathe Easy & Stay Prepared
Allergies can range from mild annoyances to serious medical concerns. Knowing when to seek urgent care can make all the difference in getting fast relief without risking severe complications.
However, if you have a life-threatening reaction like anaphylaxis, head straight to the ER or call 911.
For long-term allergy control, consider seeing an allergist or primary care provider for a personalized treatment plan.
If your seasonal allergies are making life miserable, Premier Family Medical Urgent Care in Utah County is here to help! We provide high-quality healthcare with convenient walk-in urgent care services for allergy flare-ups, severe reactions, and other urgent medical needs.
Don’t wait—save your spot now and get the care you need today! Save My Spot at Premier Family Medical Urgent Care
