Mike Carruthers

It seems like everyone today is allergic to something, whether it's pollen in the air or certain foods, medications, even pets.

But what is an allergy really?

And once you have an allergy, are you stuck with it for life?

And here's something really surprising.

Up to 90% of people who claim they're allergic to penicillin actually aren't.

So how does that happen?

How can so many people be wrong about something so important?

Well, if you've ever wondered whether your symptoms are a true allergy, or why allergies seem more common today than ever, or whether they can disappear by themselves over time...

Well, you're about to get some very clear answers.

My guest is Dr. Zachary Rubin.

He's a double board certified pediatrician and allergist immunologist at Oak Brook Allergists in the Chicago area.

He's also author of a book called All About Allergies.

Everything you need to know about asthma, food allergies, hay fever, and more.

Hey, doctor, welcome to Something You Should Know.

Thanks for having me.

So walk me through an allergy.

Like, what happens when it happens?

Using an example of, because, you know, everybody claims, you know, I have allergies.

I think I have allergies, you know, to the stuff in the air because my nose gets stuffy at certain times.

And I assume that's an allergy.