Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment
Are you dealing with allergies today and aren’t sure if you should recover at home or visit the emergency room? Fortunately, most people can manage the symptoms by taking antihistamines and removing the allergen from their environment. However, your symptoms might appear to be allergies when you actually have another condition. If you have significant breathing problems, visit Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care or call 911.
Allergies vs. Sinus Infection
Allergies and sinus infections have many of the same symptoms. Because of that, you might forgo treatment. Thus, it’s important to know the difference and seek medical treatment if necessary.
Both allergies and sinus infections cause:
- Headaches
- Nasal congestion
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
However, both have unique symptoms as well. If you have allergies, you can also expect to experience:
- Sneezing
- Watery, itchy eyes
On the other hand, if you have a sinus infection, you might notice:
- Facial pain and pressure
- Green or yellow mucus
- Tooth pain
- Fever
- Bad breath
- Inability to blow your nose
If you have a high fever and significant pain, you can get relief by visiting the emergency room. Without proper care, your infection could spread and become more serious.
Call 911 or Go to the ER for an Allergic Reaction
An allergic reaction differs from seasonal allergies. Reactions include dangerous symptoms, such as low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and problems breathing. You also might panic when suffering from a reaction. Use an epinephrine auto-injector if you have one. However, if you do not have one, call 911 or visit the ER immediately.
Go to the ER If You’re Experiencing Fever with Allergies
Seasonal allergies rarely cause fevers. Instead, if you have a fever with allergy symptoms, you might have an infection. If you have a viral infection, your doctor might prescribe antiviral drugs. On the other hand, antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.
While seasonal allergies can be annoying, they usually aren’t a cause for concern. You can use over-the-counter allergy medicine to manage the condition or have your primary care provider or allergy specialist prescribe medication to help you through the season.
However, your allergy symptoms could be a sign of something more serious. Don’t hesitate to call 911 or visit one of the five Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care locations for diagnosis and treatment. Both allergic reactions and infections can be fatal, so don’t delay in seeking treatment.
