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The Riddle of Red-Eyes and Runny-Noses

Curious Cases Rutherford and Fry

Rutherford and Fry investigate why things like pet hair, peanuts and pollen can get our immune systems so riled up.

Sneezes, wheezes, runny noses and red eyes - this episode is all about allergies.

An allergic reaction is when your immune system reacts to something harmless – like peanuts or pollen – as if it was a parasitic invader. It’s a case of biological mistaken identity.

Professor Judith Holloway from the University of Southampton guides our sleuths through the complex immune pathways that make allergies happen and tells the scary story of when she went into anaphylactic shock from a rogue chocolate bar.

Professor Adam Fox, a paediatric allergist at Evelina Children’s Hospital, helps the Drs distinguish intolerances or sensitivities – substantial swelling from a bee sting, for example - from genuine allergies. Hannah’s orange juice β€˜allergy’ is exposed as a probable fraud!

Hannah and Adam explore why allergies are on the increase, and Professor Rick Maizels from the University of Glasgow shares his surprising research using parasitic worms to develop anti-allergy drugs!

Producer: Ilan Goodman
Contributors: Professor Judith Holloway, Professor Adam Fox, Professor Rick Maizels

Available now

37 minutes

Last on

Thu 15 Sep 2022 16:00
ΒιΆΉΙη Radio 4

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Broadcasts

  • Tue 13 Sep 2022 11:00
    ΒιΆΉΙη Radio 4
  • Thu 15 Sep 2022 16:00
    ΒιΆΉΙη Radio 4

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