Spring Allergies: Take Action With Lab Testing!

A sniffle here, a sneeze there. Our first thought is, “Uh-oh, I’m coming down with something.” But did you ever stop to consider what ails you may not be an illness at all, but an allergy?

Spring is the time of year when we all want to get outside and enjoy the mild temperatures and the beauty of the blossoming plants and trees. If you’re a seasonal allergy sufferer, you don’t need a calendar to tell you when winter is over; your nose probably will. If you can’t stop and smell the roses because you’re too busy sneezing and sniffling, then it’s probably time you switch up your wellness routine. Luckily,  Any Lab Test Now® is here to help with information on how to ease your allergy suffering.

Did you know?

  • About one quarter (25.7%) of adults and Nearly 1 in 5 children (18.9%) have a seasonal allergy 1
  • 4.1 million physician office visits with allergic rhinitis as the primary diagnosis 2
  • Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S 3

Allergy Symptoms and Sources

The main source of allergies is pollen, which is a powdery substance produced by flowers and commonly found in trees, weeds, and grasses. If you have seasonal allergies, your body mistakes this harmless substance for something dangerous and tries to attack it.  An allergic reaction to pollen can cause symptoms like coughing, a runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Seasonal allergies can be most serious when they impact your ability to sleep, contributing to a loss of productivity, so attending to the symptoms is important. One of the best ways to mitigate seasonal allergies is to add a quarterly allergy test to your wellness routine. Save yourself time and money using lab tests to pinpoint exactly what’s triggering your symptoms. The simplest way to do that is by taking advantage of the wide range of allergy testing we offer.

Pollen is not the season’s only trigger. With spring rains, there is more mold growth inside and outside your home. And spring cleaning will stir up dust mites throughout the house as well.

Here is a rundown of the top allergy-producing sources and when they cause the most issues:

  • Tree pollen typically appears in spring
  • Grasses shed pollen in late spring and summer
  • Mold spores often cause seasonal allergies during the spring, summer, and fall

The Allergy “Uglies”

Allergies can make you feel miserable. The symptoms may leave you feeling extremely sluggish and fatigued, which can impact other areas of your life, such as work or family time.  You can also experience the allergy “uglies,” which include puffy, saggy eyelids, watery eyes, and a red, runny nose. 

If we took a peek inside your medicine cabinet, what would it look like? If you are like a lot of people, your cabinet would be a jumble of allergy medicines, decongestants, and cough suppressants, with a few stray pain relievers and fever reducers rolling around. At Any Lab Test Now, we want to help you take control of your seasonal allergies by helping you identify your triggers with direct-access lab testing. The “ugly truth” is that without the right information, you are more likely to self-misdiagnose and purchase the wrong types of medications. Buying various remedies and medications isn’t cheap, and the cost can quickly add up. When your symptoms strike, will you be prepared?

How to Reduce Your Exposure to Allergens

Before you settle for plastic flowers, fake grass, or hiding indoors, there are some simple strategies to keep springtime allergies under control.

  • Keep your windows closed
  • Keep the grass cut short and avoid gardening chores that may stir up allergens
  • Quarterly allergy testing
  • Remove clothes you have worn outside and shower to rid pollen from your skin and hair
  • Brush off your pets after they have been outside to prevent allergens from coming inside with them
  • Check your local TV weather forecast for information on current pollen levels

An Ounce of Prevention is a Worth a Pound of Cure

Most doctors would agree that the first step in winning your battle against seasonal allergies is to know your triggers, and that’s where your local Any Lab Test Now can help. We offer a wide range of allergy testing that will help you fight back when it seems like your body is in revolt!

Any Lab Test Now® can help you determine the source of your springtime sniffles. Check out our wide range of allergy testing by clicking here. You can make an appointment or just walk into any one of our locations where a qualified medical assistant will perform a simple blood draw. There is no cure for allergies, but they can be managed. The next step is to discuss the results of your allergy test with your doctor so you can stop and smell the springtime flowers without sneezing!

Click here to find your local Any Lab Test Now®.

  1. CDC/National Center for Health Statistics (2023) ↩︎
  2. National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (2019) ↩︎
  3. American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (2018) ↩︎

Fighting Seasonal Allergies During the COVID Pandemic

Now that we have been contending with the COVID-19 pandemic, the first sign of any sneeze or sniffle sends many people into a panic. Even people who suffer from seasonal allergies may have a difficult time distinguishing their usual allergy symptoms from the signs of COVID-19 since many of the symptoms overlap.

Making things even more complicated, the spring allergy season — which typically falls between March and May — is predicted to be worse in 2021 than in years past.  Despite the rough winter, spring is expected to be warm and dry, which means more pollen and a big spike in allergies.

Unlike COVID-19, seasonal allergies are not caused by a virus. Seasonal allergies are immune system responses triggered by exposure to allergens, such as seasonal tree or grass pollens. COVID-19 and seasonal allergies cause many of the same signs and symptoms. However, there are some differences.

COVID-19 Symptoms

The COVID-19 virus is spread through coughing, sneezing, and close personal contact.  According to the CDC, COVID-19 illnesses range from mild symptoms to severe illness and death.

The following symptoms may appear 2 –14 days after exposure:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

We recommend following the CDC guidelines and those of your local health department to prevent the spread of the virus. If you think you might have signs or symptoms of COVID-19, talk to your doctor.

Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms of seasonal allergies range from mild to severe. The most common include:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Watery and itchy eyes
  • Itchy sinuses, throat, or ear canals
  • Ear congestion
  • Postnasal drainage
  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Coughing

Again, allergies are caused by a response in the immune system and are not contagious. Medications can treat your symptoms, and immunotherapy can help those with allergies find relief.

If you do feel under the weather and you do suffer from seasonal allergies, it is important to take your temperature to make sure you are not running a fever. A fever is one of the telltale signs of COVID-19 and the biggest differentiator from allergies.

Preventing Allergies

If you are prone to allergies, there are some ways to lessen your exposure to the things that might trigger your symptoms.

  • Stay inside with the windows closed when the pollen count is high. Many weather reports, whether on TV, online, or on an app, include pollen counts as part of the coverage.
  • Install a HEPA filter on your air-conditioning system.
  • Avoid cutting the grass, pulling weeds, and other gardening chores that can stir up allergies.
  • After spending time outdoors, take a shower and change your clothes to remove any traces of allergens that may have attached themselves to your hair, skin, and clothing. It is a good idea to leave your shoes at the door.
  • With COVID-19, many of us got used to wearing a mask in public places. It is a good idea for allergy sufferers to wear a mask when outdoors, especially during high pollen times, to reduce the number of allergens that enter your airways.

Know Your Triggers

More than 50 million Americans experience some type of allergy each year. Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

In addition to the seasonal allergies mentioned above, which are the most common, there are other types of allergies that can impact you. These include:

Skin Allergies – Plants like poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are the most common skin allergy triggers. But skin contact with certain foods or latex may cause skin allergy symptoms too. Skin inflammation, eczema, hives, and rashes are outward signs of a skin allergy. Infants and children under 4 years of age are most likely to have skin allergies.

Food Allergies – There are several foods that cause most food allergy reactions. Peanuts are the most common allergen, followed by milk, soy, eggs, wheat, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. The risk of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction, is extremely high with food allergies.

Drug Allergies – Medications can also trigger life-threatening reactions. Penicillin is the most common drug allergy trigger. About 10 percent of people report being allergic to this common antibiotic.

Allergy Testing

Not so long ago, people, including many children, were subjected to hundreds of needle pricks containing different possible allergens to determine which ones caused the strongest reactions.

Now, all it takes is a simple blood draw using only one needle to look for the specific antibodies to hundreds of substances.

Any Lab Test Now® offers a Basic Combination Allergy Panel, which tests for allergies to 45 different environmental triggers and 45 different food allergies.

There is no fasting required. You do not need a doctor’s order or an appointment to get tested. Once the results come back, usually within three days, you will know which substances trigger your allergies. Depending on the type of allergies, you can also work with your doctor on any medications that might reduce your symptoms.

Be at Ease

Any Lab Test Now wants you to be at ease when it comes to seeking out any type of lab work, including determining your allergy triggers.

We provide you a safe and clean alternative location for lab work. Each of our 190+ stores is sanitized several times a day, in accordance with the CDC’s protocols. Any Lab Test Now is a committed partner in helping you manage your family’s healthcare so you can make educated decisions that will directly affect your quality of life. We want to put you at ease during the coronavirus outbreak. We are here to help.

Find your closest Any Lab Test Now store at www.anylabtestnow.com.

The High Cost of Hay Fever

If we took a peek inside your medicine cabinet, what would it look like? If you are like a lot of people, your cabinet would be a jumble of allergy medicines, decongestants, cough suppressants and expectorants with a few stray pain relievers and fever reducers rolling around.

Here at Any Lab Test Now, we want to help you take control of your seasonal allergies by helping you pinpoint your triggers with allergy testing. Without the right information, you are more likely to self-misdiagnose and purchase and use the wrong types of medications, medications that aren’t cheap. When your symptoms strike, will you be prepared?

HIDDEN COST OF YOUR COUGH

Let’s start with an Australian study published last year. They studied nearly 300 people who believed they had hay fever based upon their symptoms. The researchers found that only 17 percent of them selected the correct over-the-counter medications to treat their symptoms.

Those costs add up. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the annual cost of allergies exceeds $18 billion. Allergy sufferers are also more likely to miss work – 1.7 more days lost than non-allergy sufferers. What could save you time, money and suffering? It could be as simple as allergy testing.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND YOUR SYMPTOMS

Most doctors would agree that the first step in winning your battle against seasonal allergies is to know your triggers, and that’s where your local Any Lab Test Now can help. We offer a wide range of allergy testing that will help you fight back when it seems like your body is in revolt!

The experts at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) say seasonal allergies are like other types of allergies. They develop when the body’s immune system overreacts to something in the environment, usually during spring, summer or fall when certain plants pollinate. The ACAAI estimates that as many as 50 million people have allergies of some type. Usually, the symptoms include:

  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Itchy eyes
  • Runny nose

If you leave them untreated, problems can worsen, so it’s a good idea to treat them — and an even better idea to avoid them altogether.

If you find that you are sneezing and coughing during certain times of the year, you may have seasonal allergies, but the best way to find relief (and save yourself some money in the process) is to pinpoint exactly what’s triggering your symptoms. The simplest way to do that is by taking advantage of the wide range of allergy testing we offer at Any Lab Test Now.

PREVENTION BEGINS WITH ALLERGY TESTING

Any Lab Test Now offers numerous types of allergy tests. One of our lab experts can help you decide which one would be best for you.

Our Environmental Allergy Test is a combination panel that measures IgG and IgE antibodies to 90 food allergens and 45 environmental allergens (will test for 45 regional environmental allergen such as grass, weeds, trees and mold.) The Basic (Pediatric) Allergy Panel is the perfect introductory test. It screens for allergies to 32 environmental substances and foods, including eight common grasses and weeds, including ragweed. There are many more to choose from and we can help guide you toward the test that is right for you.

One of the best things about allergy testing at Any Lab Test Now is the blood draw! That may sound crazy, but remember, it wasn’t that long ago that testing like this used to require hundreds of needle pricks to determine an allergy reaction. Now, one simple blood draw can look for the specific antibodies to hundreds of substances — using only one needle.

Before the sneezing and wheezing has you crawling to your local pharmacy buying everything on the shelf to find relief, stop in at Any Lab Test Now and ask about allergy testing. It will save you time, trouble, and probably even some of your hard-earned cash.

Use Your FSA On These 5 Tests

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a tax-advantaged account, to be used for medical expenses only. An FSA is different from a Health Savings Accounts (HSA) in that the money must be used within the calendar year. Unused funds left at the end of the year are returned to your employer, who can use it to offset the inevitable costs of administering benefits or may simply split it amongst the employees in the FSA plan.

This means that, if you have money left in your account, now is the time to put it to good use. Any Lab Test Now offers a variety of tests that can provide insightful information about your health and family history.

Allergy Tests

If you find yourself suffering from itchy eyes, blotchy skin or a stuffy nose, you may have allergies.  Some common allergens are pollen, grass, house dust and pet dander. At Any Lab Test Now, you can get tested and determine what is causing your allergies to act up. With test results in hand, you can get the proper medications and start making lifestyle changes to ease your symptoms.

Food Sensitivity and Intolerance Tests

If you experience a scratchy throat, hives or body swelling after eating, you may have a food sensitivity or intolerance and should be tested. Even if you did not have any food allergies as a child, it is possible to develop them later in life. Intolerance to things like lactose or gluten can have a negative impact on your digestion. By getting tested, you’ll learn how you need to adjust your diet to live more comfortably.

Vitamins, Minerals & Nutrition Lab Tests

Constantly tired, worn down or lethargic? You may suffer from a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Put your FSA to good use and learn more about your body. At Any Lab Test Now, you can talk with a qualified professional to determine which test is most appropriate for your diet and lifestyle. From a B-12 deficiency test to a potassium test to weight management take-home hormone kits, there are a variety from which to choose.

Cholesterol Tests

High cholesterol often runs in families. If you have a family history of less-than-stellar cholesterol counts, it is a good idea to get checked! Oftentimes, high cholesterol doesn’t come with any symptoms. In many cases, it goes completely undetected until an emergency event such as a heart attack or stroke. High cholesterol can lead to plaque building up in your arteries, which will eventually cause damage to your body. Lifestyle changes and proper medication can help reduce the risks, so get tested today!

DNA Tests

Love history? Curious where your family came from or which relatives share a common maternal or paternal ancestor? Ancestry and lineage testing can tell you which family member is on your mother or father’s side, where your family line originated, and how you came to be. It’s a fascinating process that analyzes your mitochondria or, in men, the Y-chromosome, depending on the specific test you choose.

Those are just a few of the tests offered at Any Lab Test Now. There are many more tests, such as blood tests, drug and alcohol tests and thyroid lab tests, that may be beneficial for you. Any Lab Test Now is committed to providing patients with a top-of-the-line experience, so stop in today to talk more about what test is right for you. Available tests may vary between locations, so find your nearest Any Lab Test Now location at AnyLabTestNow.com.

 

Foods to Avoid During the Holiday Season

It’s time to deck the halls, light candles and visit with friends. From fancy cocktail affairs to cozy kitchen gatherings, people from coast to coast are getting together and bringing out their favorite fare during this season. While a little bit of nibbling can be okay for most people when done in moderation, overdoing the treats can cause serious health concerns.

What Foods to Avoid

Consumed mindlessly or in large quantities, any food can wreak havoc on your health. However, during the holiday season, these seem to be more frequently available than at other times of the year:

  • Tempting beverages. Alcoholic beverages, in general, can cause a variety of health concerns, such as cirrhosis of the liver or increased blood pressure, and alcohol consumption increases during the holiday season. Beyond concerns about over-consumption, seasonal favorites like eggnog, buttered rum and mulled cider tend to have significant amounts of fat and sugar that should be avoided.
  • Fatty meats. Prime rib, pot roast and the darker cuts of turkey will weigh you down with their high saturated fat content. (And this doesn’t even take the gravy into account!)
  • Rich, creamy sauces. Drenching mashed potatoes and topping green beans, these sauces certainly add appeal to your veggies, but they also increase the amount of fat, sodium and sugar in the dishes.
  • Extra candies. Candy canes are traditional sweets, but they are simply loaded with high fructose corn syrup that rubs up against your teeth, so be aware! And, there are other sugary culprits too: bowls of peppermints, Grandma’s fudge, and Auntie’s peanut brittle pop to mind.

From avoiding cardiac issues to maintaining hormone balance, food plays a critical role in your overall health and well-being. That’s why it’s important to become more aware of what you’re eating during this festive season.

How to Stay Holly Jolly

Of course, being careful doesn’t mean that you should skip out on all the fun! Instead, try these suggestions for taking part in the festivities without sacrificing your overall health.

  • Pick your favorites. Have a taste of the favorites you crave, but limit it to just a bite or two and be selective about which you choose.
  • Select healthier options. Grab a few nuts instead of heavy hors d’oeuvres. Enjoy a salad instead of the green bean casserole. Try gingerbread or pumpkin pie at dessert time instead of pecan pie or cheesecake.
  • Drink water. Before you leave for the festivities, drink a glass of water. This will help to control your appetite so you don’t over-graze.
  • Investigate alternatives. Instead of butter in baking, consider apple sauce. Instead of heavy cream, use low-fat milk. Try whole-grain rice instead of mashed potatoes. A quick search online will offer plenty of alternatives to help you cut down on fat, sugar and sodium in your cooking.
  • Try tracking. Since this time of year can be so hectic, consider keeping a food log or using a calorie counter app. Using one can help you become more aware of the choices that you’re making at each gathering, and help you remember all the fun items you’ve already nibbled on.

Know Your Body

While most people can sample a sweet treat or delve into a fatty dip once in a while, there are cases where a stricter diet is still advised. For instance, people who are managing their diabetes or have specific food sensitivities may need to bring extra caution to their diet as they join in the fun! If you want to know where you stand as the holiday season approaches, walk into your local Any Lab Test Now for a screening. Doing so will allow you to indulge a little bit while still knowing that your body can handle the impact of the food you’re enjoying.

Which Allergens Are You Fighting off This Spring?

Spring is in the air. Literally. And if you are one of the 50 million Americans that suffer from allergies, you’ve probably already gone through a few tissue boxes, nasal sprays and home remedies these past few weeks. While you may have gotten good at learning how to tend to your allergy symptoms, do you know exactly what is causing your constant runny nose or itchy eyes this season?

What causes spring allergies?

Usually, when you think of allergies, you think of spring. They just seem to go together, right? Well, it’s because just like the flowers are beginning to bloom, so are all the allergies. The biggest spring allergy trigger is pollen; tiny grains released into the air by trees, grasses and weeds for the purpose of fertilizing other plants. When a person who is allergic to pollen breathes in the grains, their immune system sees the pollen as a foreign invader and releases antibodies to attack the allergen. This leads to the release of histamines in the blood which causes the runny, nose, itchy eyes, and congested head symptoms we are all too familiar with.

Some of the most common outdoor spring allergy offenders are:

Trees: including Alder, Ash, Aspen, Beech, Box Elder, Cedar, Cottonwood, Cypress, Elm, Hickory, Juniper, Maple, Mulberry, Oak, Olive, Palm, Pine, Poplar, Sycamore, and Willow.

Grasses and weeds: Bermuda, Fescue, Johnson, June, Orchard, Perennial Rye, Redtop, Saltgrass, Sweet Vernal and Timothy.

How do you find out which spring allergen is causing your symptoms?

Receiving a Regional Environmental Allergy Testing Panel can help you hone in and identify exactly which type of tree, grass or weed is causing you to be stuffy and congested during spring. This panel tests for allergies associated with 39 different grasses, weeds and trees. It also tests for possible indoor triggers including animal dander and house dust mites. Once you know which allergen is causing symptoms, you and your doctor can work together to design a treatment plan customized for your specific allergies. Enjoy the spring this year and contact your local Any Lab Test Now® to get started in Taking Control of Your Health®.

Food Allergies Are Sneaky; Here’s Why

Do you think you have a food allergy? If so, are you sure that’s what it is? Some people mistake having food allergies with a food intolerance or sensitivity. Here’s the difference.

An allergy happens when your body creates antibodies to protect itself from something your body sees as harmful. The next time your body comes in contact with that particular something, histamines, which are produced in response to foreign intruders, are released causing allergic reactions.

Intolerances are different because they can vary depending on the situation, while an allergy reacts the same each time. Intolerances are a result of your body’s incapability to process certain substances.

The right lab test will answer your questions and get you on track to ease your symptoms. Check out our Gut Health Profile test. This measures your gut health on the genetic, antibody and cellular levels and will let you know exactly what’s going on inside your body, including Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance. To make sure you take the correct test, talk to one of our ANY LAB TEST NOW® medical assistants.

Don’t be deceived by the perception of a food allergy. If you’re not sure, make yourself sure and Take Control of Your Health®.