Curiosity Weekly Why Society Treats Allergies Like a Nothingburger
11 snips
Dec 17, 2025 Teresa Carey, a senior producer and editorial correspondent, interviews Dr. Samira Jeimy, an allergist and associate professor. They delve into why allergies are often minimized in society, discussing the challenges patients face with vague food labeling and advocacy for better recognition. Dr. Jeimy shares insights on allergic reactions, new treatments like oral immunotherapy, and the mental health toll of living with allergies. They also highlight advancements in epinephrine delivery options, ensuring safety for those at risk.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Allergies Are Widely Minimized
- Food allergy is often trivialized in society despite causing serious medical and social consequences.
- Samira Jeimy says patient advocacy drove recognition but stigma and jokes persist, reducing urgency for research and support.
Personal Experience Shapes Her Practice
- Samira Jeimy shares that she has had food allergies her whole life and sees eye-rolling when mentioning them at restaurants.
- She says that lived experience informs how she practices as an allergist.
Personalize Food Avoidance Decisions
- Discuss individual sensitivity and test results with an allergist before imposing blanket food avoidance.
- Samira Jeimy recommends tailoring precautions based on antibody levels, history, and personal risk factors.