Allergies Archives - Page 4 of 11 - Lifelab Testing

How Easy Is Testing For Food Allergies?

If you think you may have a food allergy, you’re not alone. According to research from NARF (the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation), the number of Brits with allergies is increasing by 5% every year. It’s important to find out whether you’re one of them – but how easy is testing for food allergies?

You may have heard about expensive clinics or complex hair tissue mineral analysis (hTMA). However, the good news is that testing for food allergies can be quick, easy and cost-effective. That means when you buy a food allergy test from Lifelab, there’s no need to tear your hair out – quite literally.

Read on to find out how easy it is to use our home allergy test kits.

What allergy tests do we offer?

At Lifelab Testing, we offer two allergy kits that make testing for food allergies easy. Both of these will test a small sample of your blood, checking for antibodies that could indicate you’ve had an allergic reaction.

If you have a strong suspicion about which allergen is causing your symptoms, opt for the basic allergy test. This kits tests for 35 known food and drink allergens. If you’re not sure what’s causing your symptoms or suspect it could be something more obscure, our complete body test will give you the answers you need.

How to use our food allergy tests

Once you’ve received your chosen test in the post, you can start using your kit. Each kit contains everything you need to safely take a small blood sample at home:

In response, your system releases a different type of immunoglobin known as IgG4. This can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, usually gastric issues such as bloating, nausea or diarrhoea.

  • 1 alcohol wipe
  • 1 plaster
  • 1 gauze pad
  • 1 transport tube
  • 1 blood sampling tube
  • 1 prepaid return envelope
  • 1 activation card
  • 2 lancets

Following the instructions in the test box, all you need to do is take a small blood sample and package it safely using the freepost packaging provided. Once we’ve received your sample, our certified technicians will turn your blood into plasma, making it easy to test for any antibodies.

What happens next?

The results of your blood test will be uploaded to your online customer account where you can download them securely. If you ordered a complete body test, you’ll also receive a free 30-minute consultation with a qualified nutritionist. They will be able to answer any of your questions and help you make informed, healthy decisions about your diet.

Order your food allergy test today!

Whether you suspect you’re suffering from an allergy or an intolerance, it’s important to get to the bottom of your problem. Order your simple home test kit from Lifelab Testing today and enjoy 100% accurate answers or your money back.

Allergy vs Intolerance

In the UK, allergies and intolerances are both a common problem – and the number of cases is increasing year on year. But if you’ve noticed uncomfortable symptoms after eating particular foods, it can be difficult to work out which condition you’re experiencing.  

So, allergy vs intolerance – what’s the difference? And how can you discover what’s causing your symptoms? In this blog post, we’ll explain the difference between an allergy and intolerance and how our tests can help you take control of your diet.

What is an allergy?

If you’re suffering from an allergy, it means your body experiences an allergic reaction in response to certain substances (known as allergens). Your immune system perceives the substance as a hazard and responds by releasing proteins called IgE immunoglobins.

These proteins increase your body’s secretion of histamines – a chemical that triggers an allergic reaction. This can result in symptoms such as vomiting, hives, swelling or itching.

An allergic response often starts a few minutes after you’ve eaten an allergen. However, in rare cases, it can take a couple of hours for your symptoms to appear.

What is an intolerance?

The main difference between an allergy vs an intolerance is the fact that an intolerance isn’t an immune response. If you’re intolerant to certain foods, it means that your body finds it difficult to break them down and digest them.

In response, your system releases a different type of immunoglobin known as IgG4. This can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, usually gastric issues such as bloating, nausea or diarrhoea.

There’s also evidence that certain intolerances can induce a range of other symptoms, including headaches and fatigue. Although research is ongoing, there also seems to be the link between gluten intolerance and inflammation.

Unlike allergies, intolerances are almost never life-threatening.

How do I find out which I have?

At Lifelab Testing, we offer a range of home allergy and intolerance tests. Our range of allergy tests will look for raised levels of IgE in your blood, while our intolerance tests will identify IgG4.

If you’re not sure whether you have an allergy or an intolerance, our complete body test can diagnose 40 different allergies and 80 intolerances. This test will search for both IgE and IgG4, arming you with the information you need to make confident decisions about your diet.  

Order your home test kit today!

Whether you suspect you’re suffering from an allergy or an intolerance, it’s important to get to the bottom of your problem. Order your simple home test kit from Lifelab Testing today and enjoy 100% accurate answers or your money back.

What Exactly Is a Pollen Allergy?

By Kristen Stewart

Many people welcome spring with its warmer weather, longer days, and blossoming flowers and trees. For the more than 26 million Americans who suffer from allergic rhinitis including pollen allergies, however, this season can be full of misery.1

WHAT IS POLLEN?

Pollen is a very fine powdery substance that’s usually yellow in colour. It’s generated in a structure on the end of the stamen (the male reproductive part of the flower) known as the anther and its purpose is to fertilize other plants in the same species. In order for pollination to occur, pollen grains must be transferred from the anther to the female stigma of another plant. This process creates seeds with genetic information for new vegetation.2

Pollen falls and spreads mostly in the spring, summer, and fall. You may have noticed this powdery, yellow substance coating your car. The main culprits tend to be grassestrees, and weeds, which have pollen that is small, light, and dry and therefore easily dispersed by the wind. By contrast, plants with brightly coloured flowers (such as roses) have large, waxy pollen that’s transported between plants by bees and other pollinating insects.3 4

SYMPTOMS OF A POLLEN ALLERGY

Allergies occur when harmless water-soluble proteins released by pollen enter the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth. If you’re susceptible to allergies, your immune system mistakes pollen for invading germs. Your body triggers a complex process whereby it generates chemicals such as histamine to irritate the nerves, which leads to itching and sneezing in an attempt to expel the pollen.5 6

Symptoms of a pollen allergy vary from person to person. You may experience bouts of sneezing. This seemingly annoying reaction helps physically expel the pollen from your system, and it also serves as a red flag to tell you there is a high pollen count and you should leave the area if possible.7 In conjunction with sneezing, you may experience additional issues with your nose and eyes. To learn more about these symptoms, visit Zyrtec’s Understanding Allergy Symptoms page.8

SUSCEPTIBILITY TO A POLLEN ALLERGY

Many people wonder if pollen allergies are genetic. Researchers are still studying this question, but studies suggest that yes, a hereditary component is involved. Having a blood relative with allergies or asthma increases your risk of having one or more allergies — though the specific type is not passed down, just the increased odds. To complicate the matter more, prolonged exposure to the allergen also plays a role in whether or not you develop allergies. Even if you have a genetic susceptibility, you may not develop a problem if you mostly avoid the allergen. Having asthma, atopic dermatitis, and/or allergies to other triggers can also increase your risk.9

If you’ve made it into your 20s, 30s, or 40s without allergies, you may wonder if you’re home free. Not necessarily. It is possible for adults to develop allergies to pollen and other triggers even into middle age. In general, the number of individuals suffering from hay fever is increasing in both the United States and around the world.10

Experts aren’t sure why numbers are rising but speculate more airborne pollutants and dust mite populations coupled with less ventilation in our homes and workplaces could play a role. Unhealthy habits including poor diet and not enough exercise may also contribute. The hygiene hypothesis — the idea that we live and eat in a relatively sanitary environment, so our immune systems don’t have enough work to do and instead overreact to allergens — is another possibility. Other theories include finally reaching an exposure threshold for an allergy to develop, living in a new area with different trees, plants, and grasses, or adopting a pet.11

Once you reach middle age, however, your chance of developing allergies to pollen decreases. The immune system weakens as you grow older, so it’s less likely for it to experience a hyper-allergic reaction.12

TREATMENT OF POLLEN ALLERGIES

The good news? There are many ways you can manage and treat pollen allergies

CHECK THE POLLEN FORECAST

While you can try to guess how heavy the pollen is falling from the weather and time of day, you can also turn to the internet to help determine the pollen forecast. Check out Zyrtec’s allergy tracker tool for a local allergy forecast.

PLAN YOUR TIME OUTDOORS

One of the best ways to manage a pollen allergy is to avoid exposure to pollen as much as possible and go outside when pollen counts are lowest.

All allergy sufferers know the amount of pollen falling varies by the season. However, the weather can also affect it. Dry, windy, and hot days can result in pollen being carried over long distances. On the other hand, you may find relief when the weather is humid and rainy because pollen is more likely to stay on the ground when it’s damp. Days without wind can be better too since pollen is not as easily spread when the air is still.13

Even the time of day can affect the amount of pollen in the air; typically pollen counts are lowest before dawn, rise throughout the morning, and peak around the middle of the day. By late afternoon and early evening, the numbers decline again. City dwellers should note that pollen count arcs often go up and down later in urban areas than in the suburbs as it takes time for the wind to transport the airborne particles from more rural places. 14 15

AVOID UNNECESSARY EXPOSURE

In addition to trying to stay inside as much as possible when pollen levels are high, you can take steps to protect yourself in other ways. Wear a dust mask when working outside, or better yet have someone else do the gardening and yard work for you. 16

It’s also wise to keep pollen out of your living area. Close all doors and windows and use air conditioning in your home and car. Wash any clothes that have been worn outside and attracted pollen as soon as possible. Be sure to dry them in the dryer and not outside on a clothesline. 17

Keeping the air and surfaces of your house clean can also help. Look for portable air filters and vacuum cleaners with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters for best results. 18

CHOOSE YOUR OUTDOOR GREENERY WISELY

While you can’t control the world, you can decide what trees and plants populate your garden. Trees produce pollen earliest in the season, and poplar, willow, and cottonwood trees are some common culprits.19 Try to identify which trees trigger symptoms and consider replacing them with a different type. Similarly, populate your garden with trees and plants fertilized by insects, such as pear and cherry trees and roses, in order to reduce pollen-heavy vegetation. 20

Weed pollen can also be problematic for allergy sufferers, especially in the late summer to early fall. Pollen can come from a variety of weeds with ragweed, the worst offender, generating 1 million grains each day from just one plant. Sagebrush, tumbleweed, pigweed, and more can also cause plenty of misery. To reduce the pollen count in your garden, try to keep up with weeding and brush removal and use rocks or plastic gravel to prevent weeds from growing. 21 22

CONSIDER MEDICATIONS AND OTHER ALLERGY REMEDIES

With some effort, most allergy sufferers can reduce their exposure to pollen — but it is very difficult to avoid it completely. That’s where medications and other treatments come in. Antihistamines can help manage many allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes by blocking the effects of the histamine released by an allergy sufferer’s overactive immune system. 23

Taking good care of your sinuses can play a helpful role to reduce pollen allergies as well. Use nasal saline sprays to keep your nose moist and a Neti pot or squeeze bottle to flush pollen out. 24

For people who have tried pollen avoidance, medications, and home remedies yet still suffer, allergy shots may help. With this treatment, an allergist can administer a series of injections with gradually increasing amounts of pollen or another allergen to modify the immune system response and thereby reduce symptoms. 25

CONCLUSION

Life with allergies is miserable but instead of waiting for pollen to stop falling to resume your activities, try some of these suggestions to take charge of your life today. Maybe you’ll find spring isn’t so bad after all.

Check out the original by Zyrtec here.

[1]https://www.aafa.org/allergy-facts/
[2]https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/pollination
[3]https://www.aafa.org/pollen-allergy/
[4]https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-dictionary/pollen
[5]https://www.ecarf.org/en/information-portal/allergies-overview/pollen-allergy/
[6]https://www.zyrtec.com/allergy-guide/understanding-allergies/types/why-pollen-causes-sneezing
[7]https://www.zyrtec.com/allergy-guide/understanding-allergies/types/why-pollen-causes-sneezing
[8]https://www.ecarf.org/en/information-portal/allergies-overview/pollen-allergy/
[9]https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20373039
[10]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4829390/
[11]https://acaai.org/news/rise-spring-allergies-fact-or-fiction
[12]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5362176/
[13]https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-dictionary/pollen
[14]https://www.zyrtec.com/allergy-guide/outdoors/best-times-low-pollen-count
[15]https://www.zyrtec.com/allergy-guide/understanding-allergies/types/weed-pollen
[16]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5423906/
[17]https://www.aafa.org/pollen-allergy/
[18]https://acaai.org/allergies/allergy-treatment/air-filters
[19]https://www.zyrtec.com/allergy-guide/understanding-allergies/types/weed-pollen
[20]https://www.aafa.org/pollen-allergy/
[21]https://www.zyrtec.com/allergy-guide/understanding-allergies/types/weed-pollen
[22]https://www.aafa.org/pollen-allergy/
[23]https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000549.htm
[24]https://blogs.bcm.edu/2014/06/25/ten-tips-to-avoid-sinus-infections/
[25]https://acaai.org/allergies/allergy-treatment/allergy-immunotherapy/allergy-shots

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Symptoms Of Gluten Intolerance Allergy

A sensitivity to gluten is one of the most common food intolerances in the UK, affecting an estimated 13% of people. For some, this sensitivity is so severe that they suffer from a gluten allergy, otherwise known as coeliac disease. For others, their symptoms might be caused by a wheat allergy or milder gluten intolerance.

If you feel uncomfortable a couple of hours after eating gluten products, it’s important to find out which of these conditions you could have – a gluten intolerance, wheat allergy, or coeliac disease.

In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of the most common symptoms for each condition. Telling the difference between these conditions can be difficult without a complete body test, but knowing the key symptoms is the best place to start.

Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance

Gluten intolerance, or non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), occurs when somebody is unable to digest gluten properly but isn’t allergic. Scientists aren’t sure what causes this condition yet, but some of the most common symptoms are as follows:

  • Brain fog
  • Headaches
  • Digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain
  • Fatigue

Symptoms of Wheat Allergy

People suffering from a wheat allergy have an abnormal immune response to the proteins that are present in wheat (including gluten). Some sufferers are able to eat other grains such as barley, while others choose to avoid all grains. Common symptoms of a wheat allergy include:

  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
  • Hives and an itchy rash
  • Congestion of the nose and difficulty breathing
  • Irritation of the mouth, eyes, and throat

Symptoms of Coeliac Disease

Like a wheat allergy, coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where the body starts to attack itself when it detects gluten. According to Coeliac UK, around 1% of the British population has the disease but only 30% are ever diagnosed – meaning that thousands of people are battling symptoms without knowing the cause.

If you’re one of them, these are the symptoms to watch out for:

  • Digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain
  • Diarrhoea and constipation
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Joint pain
  • Anaemia (iron deficiency)
  • Irregular menstruation

Order Your Test From Lifelab Today

Sensitivity to wheat and gluten can cause serious problems, whether you’re suffering from an intolerance or an allergy. If you’re battling any of the symptoms we’ve mentioned above, find out the root cause by ordering a conclusive test from Lifelab today.

You’d Better Watch Out: Christmas Allergies

Christmas might be the most wonderful time of the year, but if you suffer from food allergies, the festive season can be hard to navigate. Whether you’re attending parties, planning your Christmas dinner, or receiving edible presents, there are lots of opportunities to come into contact with potential allergens.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through some of the most common Christmas allergies. Whatever your plans this year, it’s important to watch out for foods which could trigger an allergic reaction and ruin your festive fun.

Nuts

Around 1 in 200 adults in the UK are allergic to nuts – and this number is growing. If you’re among them, it can be much harder to avoid nuts during the Christmas period. It’s not just chestnuts roasting on an open fire that you’ll have to watch out for; everything from Christmas puddings to chocolate selection boxes could contain this common allergen.

Gluten

A gluten allergy, or coeliac disease, is more dangerous than an intolerance and can affect your body’s ability to absorb nutrients. At Christmas, it can be harder than ever to avoid gluten. This is because it’s commonly used to bind meat products, such as stuffing and chipolatas, as well as appearing in more obvious culprits like cake, biscuits, and puddings.

Dairy

Brandy butter, cream liqueurs, chocolate – many of the foods we associate with Christmas are a minefield for those with a dairy allergy. The good news is there are lots of dairy-free alternatives of your favourite foods, enabling you to enjoy classic Christmas fare without the worry.

Eggs

It can sometimes be difficult to detect egg in certain food products, as it’s commonly used ‘behind the scenes’ as a binder or pastry wash. Always check whether stuffing, mince pies, and other pastry items contain egg before you take a bite. Be careful with marzipan, too, as it’s often made with egg whites.

Love marzipan but allergic to eggs? It’s possible to make the traditional treat egg-free by combining powdered sugar with ground almonds and water!

Order Your Allergy Test Today

It might not be the most exciting gift under your tree, but it’s vital to get a reliable allergy test if you suspect you’re suffering from a food allergy. At Lifelab Testing, we offer a variety of allergy and intolerance tests, ranging from our basic tests to our complete body test. Why not let us help you ease your worry? Order a home test kit today and prevent any nasty symptoms ruining your Christmas.

Private Allergy Testing Near Me

Did you know the number of people with food allergies in the UK is increasing? If you think you could be among them, getting an allergy test is the best way to find the allergen responsible.

Although the NHS does offer allergy tests, it can be difficult to get one unless your symptoms are severe. Faced with endless referrals and long waitlists, many people resort to private allergy testing. But the good news is there is another alternative – home allergy testing kits.

In this blog post, we’ll explain the top reasons why a home allergy kit may be a better option for you than private allergy testing.

They’re Non-Location Based

Unlike in-person procedures such as skin prick testing, home allergy kits enable you to take a test without having to travel to a doctor’s surgery or clinic. This makes it much easier to fit around your daily life. Simply take your blood sample, package it securely, and send it back through the post.   

At Lifelab Testing, we accept samples from all over the world. You’re able to take your sample when it suits you, without having to stick to a fixed appointment time. We  also offer priority tracking for both our basic allergy test and complete body test, making it easy to check that your sample has arrived safely at our laboratory.

Receive A Free Consultation

As part of our home allergy testing service, we offer a free 30-minute consultation with a professional nutritional therapist. Your therapist will help you to understand the implications of your results, including any dietary changes you should be making.

This appointment means you’re guaranteed one-to-one support after receiving the outcome of your allergy test.

They Can Be Cheaper

It’s no secret that private healthcare can be incredibly expensive. If you’re struggling to get an allergy test on the NHS but don’t want to pay for one privately, a home allergy kit can be a cost-effective solution.

At Lifelab Testing, we offer free delivery, pre-paid postage, and a free consultation. That means all you’re paying for is the cost of the test itself.  

Order Your Allergy Test Today

Home allergy kits can be a great alternative to private testing – as long as you choose the right one. At Lifelab Testing, we use only scientifically-proven methods of testing. Unlike hair testing, our in-vitro testing system known as ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) provides fast, accurate, and comprehensive results every time. Ready to get some answers? Visit our online shop to order your home test kit today.

How Do I Get A Home Allergy Test Kit?

If you think you may be suffering from an allergy, the only way to know for sure is by taking an allergy test. Although some forms of allergy test are available on the NHS, many people prefer to order a home kit.

Easier and faster than waiting for a referral, a reliable home allergy test kit will give you the answers you need. But how exactly do they work?

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of taking a home allergy test – from ordering your kit to receiving your results. At Lifelab Testing, we offer a range of home test kits, so read on to discover everything you need to know.

How Can I Order A Home Allergy Test Kit?

You can order a home allergy test kit from our website. If you suspect you know what’s causing your allergies, our basic allergy test (which tests for 35 known allergens) is a good choice for you. If you don’t know what’s causing your allergies, you might prefer our complete body test. This tests for 40 allergens and 80 intolerances.

Whichever kit you choose, you’ll receive everything you need to take a blood sample safely at home. Your kit will arrive within 1-3 business days, with free UK delivery available on all orders.

How Do I Take A Home Allergy Test?

Basic Allergy test kit

Once your sample collection kit arrives, it’s time to take your blood sample. The kit includes all the information and equipment you’ll need, including:

  • 1x alcohol wipe, plaster, and gauze
  • 1x transport tube
  • 1x sampling tube
  • 2x lancets
  • 1x activation card and label
  • 1x prepaid envelope

Package your sample using the prepaid envelope and return it to our scientists. For complete peace of mind, we offer fully tracked postage so you can see that your sample has arrived at our lab.

How Do I Get My Results?

Our certified team will analyse your sample and get in touch with you within 7 days. Want answers sooner? With our priority testing service, you’ll receive your results within 48 hours of your sample arriving at the lab.

We also offer a free 30-minute consultation with a professional nutritional therapist. This will help you to understand your results and any dietary changes you may need to make.

Order Your Allergy Test Today

You don’t need to live with uncertainty – we promise comprehensive results or your money back. Order a home allergy test kit from Lifelab Testing today for fast, reliable answers that will help you take control of your health.

Allergy Tests On The NHS

According to the NHS, around 1 in 4 of us suffer from allergies in the UK. From eggs and nuts to gluten and dairy, there are hundreds (if not thousands) of different allergens – so if you think you have a sensitivity, it’s important to find out what’s causing it as soon as possible.

A reliable allergy test is the best way to get to the bottom of your symptoms. If they are quite severe and have no clear cause, you may be able to get an allergy test on the NHS.

In this post, we’ll explain the different allergy tests that are available on the NHS and how our tests at Lifelab Testing compare.  

Skin Prick Testing

One of the most common NHS allergy tests, skin prick testing, involves putting a drop of liquid that contains traces of an allergen onto your skin. Your skin is then pricked to allow your body to absorb the liquid. If a red bump appears, it means you’re allergic to the allergen.

Challenge Testing

This is a riskier form of allergy test, where you’ll be given increasingly large amounts of a potential allergen. You’ll be closely monitored by a healthcare professional throughout the test in case your reaction is severe.

Blood Testing

Blood tests are a convenient alternative to skin prick testing, as you don’t actually have to be present for the test. A sample of your blood is analysed for antibodies that are produced as part of an allergic reaction. If these antibodies are present, it means you’re suffering from an allergy.

Why Choose Lifelab Testing?

At Lifelab Testing, we only use blood tests. We use an in-vitro testing system known as ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) to detect Immunoglobin E antibodies in your blood. These antibodies produce chemicals known as histamines, which in turn cause your allergic reaction.

Unlike NHS testing centres, we carry out all our tests remotely. Simply order your test kit, collect your sample, and send it back to us using our tracked postal option. Our certified scientists will analyse your sample and confirm your results within 7 days. No waiting times or referrals – just answers or your money back.

Order Your Allergy Test Today

If you want fast and reliable answers, order your allergy test from Lifelab Testing today. Our team will test your blood for up to 40 allergens, giving you comprehensive results that will free you from uncertainty.

Covid-19 or Allergies: How can I distinguish the symptoms?

During this challenging time, with every sneeze, cough or tickle in the throat, many people wonder: Do I have COVID-19 or allergies? This could be a tricky question since most of those symptoms are also associated with seasonal flu. If this was not enough, millions of allergy sufferers around the world are finding this question tricky to answer, causing them to unnecessary self-isolate and constant worries: COVID-19 or allergies?

Today, we are here to shine some light on the recent findings to help you distinguish the symptoms between COVID-19 and allergies. If you think that you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please call your local NHS practice and get tested for COVID-19 first.

Allergies can occur seasonally or be present year-long including mild to severe symptoms. Allergies are caused by your immune system overreacting to pollen, dust, mould, pet dander to mention some and are not contagious.

Common allergies symptoms include:

Sneezing, running nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose or ears, mild fatigue, and mild sore throat.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a viral illness spread through droplets via coughing, sneezing, and close personal contact. Symptoms typically start between 2-14 days after exposure and they can be mild, moderate, or severe.

Common COVID-19 symptoms include:

Fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, intense fatigue, body aches, loss of smell.

How to distinguish between the two: Checklist for COVID 19 or Allergies
  • Allergies symptoms tend to be long-lasting than viral symptoms and can be treated with allergy medications

  • Itchiness is normally a clear symptom of allergy while is not a symptom of viral infection

  • Fever is not a symptom of allergy, but is a common symptom of people with COVID-19

  • Constant sneezing is associated with allergy symptoms.

To help you check the symptoms we are summarising the symptoms for COVID-19 and allergies in the table below so you could check your symptoms and help determine what health issue you may be suffering from. On our website, we have allergy and intolerance tests available that can help you to determine the cause of your symptoms. Please stay alert and keep safe, together we will get through that.

Symptoms Allergies COVID-19
Body aches Rare Positive
Chills No Positive
Fever No Positive
Headache Sometimes Sometimes
Nasal Congestion Positive Rare
Running nose Positive Rare
Sneezing Positive Rare
Itchy/watery eyes Positive No
Dry cough Sometimes Positive
Shortness of breath Sometimes Positive
Wheezing Sometimes Rare
Loss of smell Mild Positive
Sore Throat Sometimes Sometimes
Nausea, vomiting No Sometimes

Allergy Testing: Life or Death

More than 1 in 5 people live with allergies in the UK. For many of them, their symptoms are manageable – but for others, their allergies are so severe that everyday life is a serious hazard.

Since 2002, the number of patients admitted to hospital after suffering an allergic reaction to food has more than doubled. At its most extreme, this can cause anaphylaxis – a life-threatening immune response which kills around 20 people in the UK every year.

With the number of allergy sufferers increasing, it’s never been more important to understand your own sensitivities. If you suspect you could be allergic to a certain ingredient – from peanuts to sesame seeds, milk to mustard – it’s vital to get tested.

In this blog post, we’ll be explaining why allergy testing really can be a matter of life or death.

Why is allergy testing so important?

It identifies your allergen accurately

There are more than 40 common food allergens – but the truth is, there’s almost no limit to the types of products you can be allergic to.

Some of the more unusual foods which people have reported allergies to are rapeseed oil, garlic, kiwi fruits, and citric acid. Unlike known allergens such as dairy or nuts, these foods can be much harder to identify as the culprit if you’ve started experiencing allergy symptoms.  

Allergy testing enables you to identify your allergens quickly and accurately, without having to experiment with cutting foods out of your diet. If your allergies are severe, trial and error is never a safe tactic – especially if you’re allergic to a lesser-known allergen which isn’t always flagged on ingredients lists.

You can rule out other conditions

From digestive issues to eczema, the symptoms of an allergy are rarely unique. By taking an allergy test, you can help to rule out a variety of other conditions such as IBS, chronic fatigue, and even more serious diseases such as cancer.

When it comes to our health, knowledge is power, and allergy testing is no exception. Because it’s possible to develop new allergies as you get older, you should never ignore new symptoms when they arise. Instead, get them checked so you can live your life free from fear.

Order your allergy test today

If you suspect that you or your loved one could be suffering from an allergy, don’t delay. By ordering an allergy test from Lifelab Testing, you’ll have the answers you need in under a week – so you can make the necessary changes to stay happy, healthy, and safe.