Short Wave The Closest Thing To A Cure For Allergies
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Dec 9, 2025 
Dr. Gina Dapul-Hidalgo, a renowned allergist from the DC suburbs, shares her expertise on allergy mechanisms and the transformative power of immunotherapy. She explains how allergies trigger symptoms and discusses the stark difference between symptom treatments like antihistamines versus the long-term benefits of allergy shots, which can effectively train the immune system. Dr. Dapul-Hidalgo also highlights the evolution in guidelines for introducing allergenic foods to infants, emphasizing the importance of early exposure in preventing allergies. It's an eye-opening conversation!
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Shots Retrain Your Immune System
- Allergy shots train the immune system to tolerate allergens instead of just masking symptoms.
- Immunotherapy desensitizes people by repeated exposure to the allergen over time.
Skin Prick Tests Reveal Sensitization Fast
- Skin-prick testing exposes your skin to allergens to detect IgE sensitization quickly.
- A positive test produces a red, itchy spot within 15–20 minutes showing an allergic antibody response.
Sensitized But Symptom-Free Is Possible
- You can be sensitized (have IgE) without noticeable symptoms if you're frequently exposed.
- Regular exposure often builds tolerance, preventing allergy symptoms despite positive tests.