Allergy Testing & Treatment in Branford, CT
Quality, Affordable Care
DOCS URGENT CARE – BRANFORD
ADDRESS
983 New Britain Avenue
Branford, CT 06110
PHONE
203-441-7809
FAX
(860) 272-8661
HOURS
WEEKDAYS : 8AM-8PM
WEEKENDS: 10AM-2PM
What to Know About Allergy Shots & Treatment
WHAT ARE ALLERGY SHOTS?
Allergy shots are a type of immunotherapy, similar to vaccines. These tiny injections help build up the immunity of allergens over the course of three to five years. Essentially, they are used to build up the body’s defenses against what it perceives as harmful. Thus, it gradually builds up your natural antibodies with smaller amounts. The body will strengthen its immunity with each injection. As your body gets more comfortable, your Branford doctor will increase the dosage of each injection.
WHAT TYPE OF ALLERGENS CAN IMMUNOTHERAPY TREAT?
The most common allergens that can be treated through immunotherapy at our Branford clinic includes:
Indoor allergens – Dust mites, cockroaches, mold, and pet dander can be categorized as indoor allergens. Typically affects those who suffer from year-long allergy symptoms.
Insect allergens – Yellowjackets, hornets, bees, and wasps can sting or bite people, often resulting in allergic reactions such as hives.
Seasonal allergies – Allergies that occur at certain times of the year. For example, pollen allergies can heighten in the spring and summertime through trees, weeds, and certain types of grass.
Higher Risk Individuals Include :
- Children 5 years and younger
- Adults 65 years and older
- Pregnant women or women up to 2 weeks postpartum
- Individuals living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
WHO SHOULD GET ALLERGY SHOTS?
If you are experiencing allergy symptoms, a professional allergist will likely suggest you take allergy shots. It’s difficult to treat allergies otherwise – those who may benefit from allergy shots include:
- Individuals with medications that are not effectively controlling their allergic reactions.
- People seeking long-term relief from allergies without the use of allergy medications.
- Those with allergies related to insect stings.
- Patients with medications that are conflicting or counteracting with their current allergy medication.
One of our allergists in Branford can help you with any allergy symptoms you or your loved one may be experiencing and can develop a treatment plan for you.
POISON IVY AND RASHES
Poison ivy contains an oily resin known as urushiol, which is on the poisonous plants’ roots, stems, and leaves. Poison oak, poison sumac, and poison ivy can cause rashes and itchiness when in contact with skin. If a pet touches it, it can also be transferred to its human owners. If you are constantly exposed to the plant, you are more likely to get a rash.
SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIES
Poison ivy affects people based on how much urushiol gets on the skin, plus the immunity of an individual. Typically rashes can last from 1-3 weeks and maybe in conjunction with other symptoms:
- Redness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Blisters
- Difficult breathing from poison ivy being burned and inhaled
ALLERGY TREATMENT
Poison Ivy can be treated at home if it’s mild, but if it becomes worse, you can head over to our office in Branford to see a physician immediately. You may need immediate assistance if you experience the following:
- Difficult breathing from poison ivy being burned and inhaled.
- Blisters from the affected area
- Oozing of Blisters
- If symptoms proceed for three weeks
Allergy Testing & Treatment in Branford When You Need It
DOCS Urgent Care of Branford is part of the larger DOCS Urgent Care network. The allergy doctors at this office work tirelessly to ensure that their patients get the right allergy treatments for their symptoms. If you live in the Connecticut area, call us today for a consultation or book an appointment online.
