Most of us treat allergies by reacting to them and taking medicine. This is often an ineffective strategy because it takes a lot of time for our bodies to build a defense against allergens. By the time this happens, we've already sneezed too many times to count.
If only there was a way to stop allergies before they hit us. There isn't yet, but there could be a way in the near future.
That's what 12-year-old Maryland native Iris Gupta recently proposed to accomplish at the 10 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge. The challenge hosts students from grades 5 to 8 who presented an array of innovative new inventions. The winner is awarded the title of America's Top Young Scientist and earns a $25,000 prize.
We become allergic to pollen and mold spores because our body's immune system responds to substances that really aren't considered harmful. Our body, in response, then release histamines which triggers inflammation, watery eyes and runny noses. Many times we have to deal with multiple symptoms at once.
Gupta has begun to look into the idea of using nanoparticles to block allergens from binding to Immunoglobulin E antibodies. This would suppress allergies before they affected us. Gupta believes people could inject 20-nanometer nanoparticles prior to the start of each allergy season. More work still needs to be done, but it's a strong start for the young scientist.
As you wait for this miracle drug to hit the market, there are plenty of other ways to stave off allergies. These also help protect your health from harmful outdoor pollution. Think about installing and using a new air conditioner and use either a dehumidifier or humidifier to manage mold spores.
It's important to defend your home and be diligent about how you go about your day. Instead of going for a run between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.–which are peak hours of the day for pollen counts–go in the early morning or evening when pollen counts have subsided. Instead of running outside, you could also take a jog at the gym.
Further, if you're at home or work, close the windows around you. Use an air conditioner instead or a ceiling fan. Just remember that fans can kick up dust which may also irritate your allergies. And always keep your home and workspace clean of dust, dirt and debris.
For more information on proper allergy management techniques and allergy control products, visit Allergy Be Gone today.
