Allergies have been documented in historical records dating as far back as 2,400 years ago, when Hippocrates wrote about “hostile humors” in some people who suffered badly after eating cheese. But why do we experience them to begin with? What even is an allergy? Are allergies on the rise? And why are some mere nuisances, while others are deadly?
This episode is a roundup of allergy stories — from the mundane to the frightful — and a round up of allergy questions. We brought in Dr. Theresa MacPhail, author of Allergic: Our Irritated Bodies in a Changing World, to help provide some answers.
This is part three of our “Things That Can Kill You” miniseries, which also explored poison and venom.
Featuring Beni Osei Duker, Theresa MacPhail, Dwayne Smith, and Lily Ko.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
Check out Theresa MacPhail’s book, Allergic: Our Irritated Bodies in a Changing World.
Read up on the different hypotheses on why we get allergies in the first place:
Learn about the history of the EpiPen.
SUPPORT
To share your questions and feedback with Outside/In, call the show’s hotline and leave us a voicemail. The number is 1-844-GO-OTTER. No question is too serious or too silly.
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CREDITS
This podcast is hosted by Nate Hegyi.
This episode was reported, produced, and mixed by Felix Poon.
It was edited by Taylor Quimby.
Our staff includes Justine Paradis, Marina Henke and Kate Dario.
Our executive producer is Taylor Quimby.
Rebecca Lavoie is NHPR’s Director of On-Demand Audio.
Our music is by Blue Dot Sessions, Particle House, and Caro Luna.
Our theme music is by Breakmaster Cylinder.
Outside/In is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio.
