Your Allergies, Annotated.

Why do some people move away for college and suddenly feel like they’re allergic to everything? In this episode, Sophie sits down with Majed Koleilat, MD, an allergist and immunologist at Deaconess Health System, to unpack what happens when your immune system encounters new environments—and why your late teens and 20s can bring allergy symptoms you may not have dealt with before. They break down how allergies actually work, why old dorms and apartments can make symptoms worse, and whether you can really “strengthen” your immune system. Dr. Koleilat also tackles some of the allergy advice all over the internet: Do food sensitivity tests actually work? Can local honey help seasonal allergies? Are hypoallergenic pets really hypoallergenic? And does a positive allergy test automatically mean you need to avoid something? His approach comes down to a simple principle: “We treat people. We don’t treat tests.” They also discuss something easy to underestimate: allergies can affect more than a runny nose. Nasal congestion can interfere with sleep, energy, concentration, and how well you perform in class or at work. Dr. Koleilat explains common mistakes young adults make when treating symptoms, why mixing and matching medications isn’t always the answer, and when it may be time to see a professional. Whether your allergies appeared after moving somewhere new, flare every spring, or have you wandering through the drugstore trying to figure out what actually works, Your Allergies, Annotated is about understanding what your immune system is reacting to—and treating your symptoms more intentionally. CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Meet Dr. Majed Koleilat: Allergy, Immunology & Your Changing Environment 02:00 – What Is Immunology & How Does Your Immune System Work? 04:02 – Can You Actually Strengthen Your Immune System? 05:06 – Are Allergies Inherited or Can You Develop Them Over Time? 09:11 – Do Allergies Change as You Get Older? 10:00 – Why College Dorms & New Apartments Can Trigger Allergies 11:15 – The ABCs of Treating Allergies: Avoidance, Medication & Care 13:50 – How Allergies Can Affect Sleep, Energy & Academic Performance 15:16 – Do Food Sensitivity Tests Actually Work? 16:24 – Can Local Honey Help Seasonal Allergies? 17:20 – Do Hypoallergenic Pets Actually Exist? 19:01 – Why a Positive Allergy Test Doesn’t Always Mean You’re Allergic 20:03 – Common Mistakes Young Adults Make When Treating Allergies 24:02 – How Allergy Shots Retrain Your Immune Response ABOUT THE BODY, ANNOTATED Your body comes with a lot of advice—but not an instruction manual. The Body, Annotated brings physicians and other health professionals into the conversation to break down the evidence behind the health questions that actually affect your life. MEDICAL DISCLAIMER The Body, Annotated is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health and medical care.