Are you feeling the uncomfortable effects of the season? If you’re battling itchy, watery eyes and a runny nose, you aren’t alone. Allergies are a common nuisance for many in the Midwest. Thankfully, you can receive a diagnosis and treatment conveniently on your mobile device or computer when you use Parkview OnDemand. Stacie Housholder RN, MSN, FNP-C, Parkview Virtual Health, Parkview OnDemand, clues us in on the signs your symptoms could be tied to allergies and explains why a virtual visit could be the perfect solution.
Symptoms
Allergies are most frequently tied to itchy eyes and nose, nasal congestion, nasal drainage, post nasal drainage, itchy skin, rashes and hives, though there are a host of other presentations. Sometimes people to make the correlation between these symptoms and allergies, so it can be beneficial to have a medical professional weigh in.
Diagnosis
If you are experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis for more than 1-3 weeks out of the year, you should be evaluated.
Allergies can be diagnosed in many ways. A symptom-based diagnosis can be appropriate if the symptoms are controlled with medications. Patients can also receive a scratch test from an allergist if further symptoms continue or they want to know specific allergens to avoid. A blood test can sometimes reveal allergies, but isn't as sensitive as scratch testing.
Risks
Not diagnosing and treating allergies can lead to bacterial infections such as sinusitis, bronchitis, skin infections from rashes, along with exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. While these are the most common, there can be other complications.
Virtual house call
Virtual health is a good fit to diagnosing and treating allergy needs because it’s at the patient's convenience. They don’t have to miss work or school. You can get 24/7 care and treatment without leaving your home. Allergies are easily treated with medications to offset the symptoms the patient may be having at different seasons of the year. This is a fast and patient-oriented care setting.
Treatment
Treatment can vary. There are many over-the-counter (OTC) medications along with prescription medications. A number of patients will use nasal corticosteroid, oral antihistamine, possibly some antihistamine eye drops and, if rashes occur, can use a variety of prescribed topical steroid creams. There are many different treatment options out there that can be confusing to patients. That is where virtual health can lead you to the appropriate treatment for relief of those allergy symptoms.
Other conditions fit for Parkview OnDemand
In addition to allergies, our team of OnDemand providers can help address any of the following non-emergent conditions including:
- Skin rash
- Cold
- Cough
- Flu
- Pink eye
- Sore throat
- Sinus infection
