Podcast Summary: Short Wave – "The Closest Thing To A Cure For Allergies"

Date: December 9, 2025
Host: Regina Barber, NPR
Guest: Dr. Gina DePoul Hidalgo, Pediatric & Adult Allergist

Overview

This episode of Short Wave dives deep into the science of allergies: why they happen, how they’re diagnosed, and the most effective treatments available today. Host Regina Barber shares her own allergy journey and seeks expert insight from Dr. Gina DePoul Hidalgo. Together, they explore how immunotherapy (especially allergy shots) works—making it the closest thing to a cure for most allergies—and clarify the evolving thinking around food allergies in children.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

What Are Allergies, and Why Do We Get Them?

• Allergies Defined ([02:26])

  • Allergies occur when the body's immune system overreacts to harmless substances, such as pollen, pet dander, or foods.
  • Dr. Gina DePoul Hidalgo:

    "We're not supposed to be allergic to pollens, cats, dogs, foods, drugs. But if you are, your immune system... is thinking 'danger, danger' when it's really something harmless." ([02:26])

• Initial Exposure and Antibody Creation ([02:56])

  • The first exposure to an allergen causes the body to create immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which "prime" it for an allergic response in the future.

Traditional Allergy Treatments

• Symptom Management ([03:23])
  • Most common treatments (antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops) only address symptoms, not the root cause.
  • Dr. Gina:

    "They're really temporary kinds of treatment options." ([03:39])

Immunotherapy: The Closest Thing to a Cure

• Allergy Shots Explained ([03:52])

  • Unlike medications, allergy shots help retrain the immune system by introducing small, controlled amounts of allergens over time, fostering tolerance rather than reaction.
  • Quote:

    "You build tolerance over time by giving what you're allergic to... allergy shots are actually training your immune system to react differently." – Dr. Gina ([03:52])

• How Diagnosis Works: Allergy Panels ([05:41]–[06:26])

  • Skin prick tests are the standard—tiny exposures on the skin result in red, itchy spots if you're sensitized.
  • Regina humorously describes the skin prick tool:

    "Yeah. It looks like a meat tenderizer. Just boom. On your skin." – Regina ([06:05])

• Sensitization vs. Clinical Allergy ([07:22]–[08:22])

  • Testing positive doesn’t always equal symptoms. Tolerance can develop from regular exposure (e.g., living with cats).

History and Process of Allergy Shots

• A 100+ Year-Old Therapy ([09:43])

  • Dr. Leonard Noon pioneered allergen immunotherapy in 1911 by systematically exposing patients to grass pollen.
  • Over the decades, production and dosing have become much more refined and standardized.

• How Allergy Shots Work ([10:51])

  • Process:
    1. Build-up phase: Weekly shots with increasing doses for several months.
    2. Maintenance phase: Monthly shots at an effective maintenance dose.
  • Duration: Typically continued for 3–5 years.
  • Efficacy:

    "Anywhere from 80 to 90% effective for those who start shots." – Dr. Gina ([12:40])

Are Allergy Shots a Cure?

• Long-Lasting, Not Permanent for Everyone ([11:42]–[12:40])
  • Many patients experience years or decades of relief; a few might need repeat treatments later in life.
  • Notable exchange:

    Regina: "I was telling everyone... these shots are going to cure me."
    Dr. Gina: "The closest thing to a cure. But in general, it's [a] long-lasting effect." ([12:02])

Side Effects and Safety

• Possible Side Effects ([12:40])
  • Most people experience only mild, localized swelling.
  • Rarely, systemic (anaphylactic) reactions can occur, which is why patients are observed after shots.
  • Regina (on the observation period):

    "Yeah. They're like, Gina, you should stay here for a little while. And I had to do that four times in a row." ([13:22])

Food Allergies & The Changing Science of Early Introduction

• Oral Immunotherapy ([13:53])
  • No allergy shots for foods, but oral immunotherapy exists—increasing doses of the food itself under supervision.
• Why Recommendations Changed ([14:25]–[15:52])
  • Before 2008: Delay introducing allergens like peanuts, eggs, etc., until age 3.
  • Now: Introduce allergenic foods between 4–6 months (for high-risk infants), lowering allergy development rates.
  • Dr. Gina:

    "There was a game changing study in 2015... introducing peanut between four to six months... decreased the incidence of peanut allergy in these high-risk kids." ([15:13])

  • Memorable Moment (Regina):

    "So my mom was right. Please don't tell her." ([15:52])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "The opposite of allergy is tolerance." – Dr. Gina DePoul Hidalgo ([08:53])
• "After those recommendations [to delay exposure], we saw this huge prevalence of peanut allergy and we're like, what is going on here?" – Dr. Gina ([15:13])
• "If you are around something, then it's likely that you're more tolerant to it than allergic." – Dr. Gina ([08:54])
• "They're like, Gina, you should stay here for a little while. And I had to do that four times in a row." – Regina Barber ([13:22])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• What are allergies? [02:26]
• How allergy tests work [05:41]
• Why test results aren't the whole story [07:22]
• History of allergy shots [09:43]
• Allergy shot process explained [10:51]
• Are allergy shots permanent? [11:42]
• Side effects and safety [12:40]
• Food allergy evolution & early introduction [14:25]
• The 2015 peanut study and impact [15:13]

Episode Tone & Style

• Conversational, approachable, and gently humorous:
  • Regina shares personal anecdotes and reactions throughout.
  • Dr. Gina is patient, clear, and enthusiastic, using everyday analogies to make immunology accessible.

Summary Takeaways

• Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are the best shot at reducing or eliminating allergic responses for most environmental allergens, with long-lasting effects for many people.
• Allergy testing identifies sensitization, not always symptomatic allergy—tolerance can be built up through regular exposure or immunotherapy.
• Food allergies are on a different scientific and treatment track, but early introduction of allergens is now recommended to help prevent severe allergies.
• No total cure, but modern science and practices provide significant, sustained relief for the majority of allergy sufferers.

For more on allergies, check the show notes for related Short Wave episodes.