Freakonomics Radio 617. Are You Really Allergic to Penicillin?
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Jan 10, 2025 
In this insightful discussion, allergists Elena Resnick and Kimberly Blumenthal, along with researcher Theresa MacPhail and professor Thomas Platts-Mills, unravel the myths surrounding penicillin allergies. They reveal that a staggering number of people mistakenly believe they are allergic, leading to enormous healthcare costs. The conversation dives into the importance of accurate testing, the impact of misdiagnosis on treatment, and the societal influences affecting our understanding of allergies. They advocate for better allergy assessment to improve patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary medication restrictions.
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Penicillin Allergy Misdiagnosis
- While 10% of Americans believe they have a penicillin allergy, less than 1% actually do.
- This discrepancy highlights a significant issue in healthcare.
Dubner's Allergy
- Stephen Dubner was told he was allergic to penicillin as a child.
- He avoided it for 50 years before getting tested.
False Positives
- Studies reveal 90% of those believing they're penicillin-allergic can tolerate it.
- Many report childhood reactions, often misattributed to penicillin.