Runny nose & sneezing

Allergy Test
GetTested's Home Allergy Test covers 95% of the country's most common allergies, measuring 38 different items. Allergic reactions can vary from mild symptoms like a runny nose or a rash to severe ones. You can easily perform this test at home with a simple finger-prick blood sample. Professionals in an ISO-certified lab will then analyze your sample.
Distinguishing Between Allergy, Food Intolerance, and Histamine Intolerance
Sometimes reactions are not due to allergies, but rather to food or histamine intolerances. Allergies trigger an immune response, while food intolerances lead to gastrointestinal and other bodily reactions. They involve different antibodies. Histamine intolerance, which can mimic allergy symptoms, is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO), needed to break down histamine in food. If your symptoms are more consistent with food intolerances, consider our combined Allergy & Food Intolerance Test.
Tips for Optimal Results from Your Allergy Test
For accurate results from the Allergy Test, it's important to have been exposed to the allergens being tested within the last three months. Testing after a longer period may not accurately reflect the potential impact on your results.

About Our Histamine Intolerance Test

Histamine intolerance can be elusive and difficult to pin down. Common symptoms such as headaches, stomach problems, and itching often resemble an allergic reaction, making it challenging to discern without specific testing. Our Histamine Intolerance Test, carried out in a UK-based ISO 13485 certified lab, provides answers by analysing your blood for DAO enzyme concentration. DAO, or Diamine oxidase, is vital for breaking down histamine in the body.

DAO and Histamine

Diamine oxidase (DAO) is a digestive enzyme responsible for breaking down excess histamine in the body. DAO deficiency, which can present when DAO enzyme activity is low, leads to alterations in histamine metabolism. [source] A deficiency in the DAO enzyme can lead to histamine intolerance.
 
Histamine plays a key role in regulating the body's sleep-wake cycle and cognitive function, but it is best known for triggering allergy symptoms. When the body encounters an allergen, it responds by trying to eliminate it. As histamines work to remove the allergen from the body or skin, symptoms like sneezing or itching may occur. While the body sends a surge of histamines to protect you, this overreaction is what leads to the uncomfortable allergy symptoms.

Understanding the Symptoms

Common symptoms include headache, migraine, dizziness, redness, itching, swelling, stomach and intestinal issues, cough, asthma, a runny nose, difficulty swallowing, changes in blood pressure and palpitations. Symptoms can vary from mild, like a recurring headache, to more severe reactions.
The effects of histamine on the body depend on which histamine receptors it binds to. There are four types of histamine receptors:

H1 receptors are found throughout the body and are responsible for common allergy symptoms such as itchy skin, nasal congestion, a runny nose, and sneezing.
H2 receptors are mainly located in the stomach and trigger symptoms like increased stomach acid production and headaches. The excess stomach acid is produced to help combat the perceived threat in the body.
H3 receptors are located in the central nervous system, where they help regulate the release of histamine and other neurotransmitters.
H4 receptors are involved in blood cell formation and are found in bone marrow and immature blood cells (hematopoietic cells).

Histamine Intolerance Treatment

To get rid of the symptoms, you must clear histamine from your body. There are several ways you can treat the symptoms:
H1 Antihistamines: These antihistamines will block the H1 receptors responsible for allergic symptoms caused by a pollen allergy or pet allergy. This will reduce symptoms. You can purchase H1 antihistamines as tablets, liquids, creams, and eye drops.
H2 Antihistamines: These antihistamines block the H2 receptors and by doing so help treat several digestive issues. 
Low histamine diet: Avoiding histamine-rich foods and drinks can help reduce symptoms. High-histamine foods are typically aged foods. Alcohol is also particularly high in histamine. Among low-histamine foods, you can find many fruits such as apples, mangoes, peaches, and blueberries, as well as vegetables like onions, broccoli, cucumbers, asparagus, and sweet potatoes. Fresh meat and fish are also recommended, but note that spoiled fish can accumulate high levels of histamine, so ensure the fish has been stored at safe temperatures.
Supplements: DAO supplements can also be beneficial. Studies have shown that vitamin C and vitamin B6 may help lower histamine levels. Consult a healthcare practitioner before taking any supplements.

Other Tests That May Be of Interest

Allergy Test: Measures both foods, pollen and pet dander. Can give similar reaction as histamine intolerance.
Food Intolerance Test: Understand your body’s reaction to more than 240 different foods.
Stress Hormone Test: Measure your body’s response to stress.
Nutrient Test: Find out if you’re getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Not Sure This Test is for You?

If you’re still uncertain whether this test is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable customer support team. We’re here to guide you towards the tests that best match your health concerns and objectives. You can contact us through our contact page or use our live chat for immediate assistance.

Gut Microbiome Test Large: Detailed Gut Health Assessment
The Gut Microbiome Test Large from GetTested is a thorough test that evaluates key aspects of gut health. It measures digestive functions, digestive residues, and the levels of various bacteria and yeasts in the intestinal flora. Additionally, it assesses digestive malabsorption and inflammatory markers. This test aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of your digestive system and gut flora health.
Who Would Benefit from the Gut Microbiome Test Large?
Individuals with digestive issues, such as imbalances in gut flora, candida overgrowth, or food digestion difficulties, will find this test particularly beneficial. It offers an in-depth analysis of potential gut imbalances and can aid in preventing future health problems.
This test is not suitable for babies or children below the age of 6 years old.
Components of the Gut Microbiome Test Large
This comprehensive test encompasses:

Evaluations of 13 types of gut bacteria, like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.
Analyses of 4 yeast types, including Candida albicans and Geotrichum candidum.
pH value assessments.
Digestive residue checks for fat, nitrogen, sugar, and water.
Measurements of secretory IgA, pancreatic elastase, bile acids, alpha-1 antitrypsin, and calprotectin.

Understanding Yeast Overgrowth
The test also focuses on Candida albicans, a yeast that, in moderate amounts, aids digestion and nutrient absorption but can cause health issues if overgrown. Factors such as antibiotics, diet, heavy metal poisoning, and certain medications can lead to yeast overgrowth. Thus, the test includes analysis of Candida spp., Geotrichum candidum, and general yeast levels.
How to Perform the Gut Microbiome Test Large
This stool test is conveniently conducted at home. The test kit includes all necessary materials. After collection, the sample is sent to our ISO-certified lab for analysis. You'll receive your results digitally, offering a comprehensive view of your gut health.
For Leaky Gut Assessment
Additionally, for those seeking an in-depth analysis including leaky gut indicators, we recommend the Gut Microbiome Test XL. This advanced version extends the Large test's capabilities by also measuring zonulin and histamine.