When you mention the word hayfever to most people, they cringe, thinking about the uncomfortable symptoms that are associated with such an allergy. In reality, hayfever covers a wide range of allergies, one of which may be an allergic reaction to weed pollen. As you are likely aware, weeds grow quite easily in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, so it is not uncommon for you to be exposed to this type of allergen regularly. The pollen is microscopic and can easily become airborne in mass quantities, traveling for miles before it reaches you.
When you are exposed to weed pollen and if you have a problem with wheat allergies, it will cause some uncomfortable symptoms. Some of the more common symptoms of this type of allergy include itchy, watery eyes, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing and a skin rash. For some individuals, it is little more than a nuisance but for others, the symptoms can be quite severe and can even affect your quality of life. In addition, it can be difficult to know what you are allergic to because the pollen can come from distant locations. That is why it is important for you to have allergy testing, which is conveniently provided through Better Faster Urgent Care.
When you are exposed to an allergen, such as weed pollen, your body reacts with the release of chemicals, including one chemical known as histamine. The release of histamine occurs within the immune system and it is a natural part of our physiology that helps to protect the body from unwanted invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. It causes inflammation, which isolates the foreign body and keeps it from entering the body further. In the case of pollen, it is actually harmless and your immune system is overreacting to the presence of pollen with a massive release of histamine. It is the histamine that causes your discomfort, not the pollen.
When you have a skin test for allergies done at Better Faster Urgent Care, small pinpricks will be given across the back at specific areas that are then monitored for any type of reaction. The pinprick will put a minuscule amount of protein from the allergen under the skin, and if you have an allergic reaction, a small bump will appear. There may be some mild itchiness that is associated with the skin test, but it is not dangerous.
Some of the different types of weed that are tested for include Ragweed, Fire Bush, Pigweed, Lambs Quarters, Wormwood, Cocklebur and Carelessweed. Even if you don’t have those specific types of weeds in your direct area, the pollen can still travel from miles away. Identifying the specific type of allergen that is causing the reaction is the first step in dealing with the symptoms successfully.
At Better Faster Urgent Care, we want you to get the best care possible for your problems. This would include the possibility of skin testing for allergies or for any medical need that you may have. When you come into our Southlake location, you will be treated by a friendly, professional staff that has your best interest in mind.
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