Allergist Tina Sindher acknowledges that allergies may be affecting more people worldwide, influenced by a combination of factors such as environmental changes, modern lifestyles, urbanization, and evolving dietary habits. Prevention is playing catch-up, and promising new strategies include earlier food introduction than was popular only a few years ago. On the treatment front, hopes are rising for immunotherapies and a new prescription medicine, omalizumab, that addresses multiple allergens at once. While no single approach helps all, these strategies could allow millions worldwide to better manage their allergies, Sindher tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

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Episode Reference Links:

Stanford Profile: Sayantani (Tina) Sindher

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest Tina Sindher, a professor of medicine and allergy at Stanford University.

(00:03:16) Inside the Immune Response

Why our immune systems trigger allergic reactions.

(00:04:57) Genes vs. Environment

Whether genetics or environment drive allergy risks.

(00:08:05) The Microbiome Factor

The role of the microbiome and early exposures in prevention.

(00:09:17) A Global Allergy Surge

How global allergy trends reveal rising health challenges.

(00:11:56) Potent Food Triggers

Why some foods cause stronger and faster reactions.

(00:13:49) Emerging Risks

Whether Alpha-Gal signals new emerging allergy risks.

(00:15:47) Multi-Food Allergies

How multi-food allergies complicate diagnosis and treatment.

(00:19:02) Preventing Allergies Early

Why early food introduction may help prevent allergies.

(00:20:54) Skin’s Role in Allergies

The importance of infant skin health in allergy development.

(00:23:39) Testing Limitations

The limits of current testing methods to truly diagnose allergies.

(00:25:13) Standard Testing Procedure

The current methodologies deployed when testing for allergies.

(00:27:28) New Therapies

How new therapies like OIT and Xolair are reshaping treatment.

(00:31:50) The Future of Allergies

The potential of combined therapies to aid in allergy treatment.

(00:34:33) Managing Seasonal Allergies

How to manage seasonal allergies effectively at home.

(00:37:08) Conclusion

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

The future of allergies

The Future of Everything