 |
Health MattersAuthor: NewYork-Presbyterian
Your weekly dose of health and wellness information, from the leading experts. Join host Courtney Allison to get news you can use in your own life. New episodes drop each Wednesday. If you are looking for practical health tips and trustworthy information from world-class doctors and medical experts you will enjoy listening to Health Matters. Health Matters was created to share stories of science, care, and wellness that are happening every day at NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nations most comprehensive healthcare systems. In keeping with NewYork-Presbyterians long legacy of medical excellence, Health Matters features the latest news and insights from our trusted experts; inspiring first-hand accounts from patients and caregivers; and updates on the latest research and innovations in patient care, all in collaboration with our academic partners Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine. To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Medicine, Mental Health Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
Listen Now...
Why Allergies Happen and How to Find Relief
Episode 124
Wednesday, 8 April, 2026
Why do allergies happen—and why do they seem to be getting worse every year? In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison sits down with Dr. David Gudis, an otolaryngologist and chief of the Division of Rhinology and Anterior Skull Base Surgery at NewYork‑Presbyterian and Columbia, to break down the basics of hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis. Dr. Gudis explains what’s really behind common allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion, fatigue, and brain fog, and why hay fever is actually an overreaction of the immune system—not the pollen itself. He discusses why allergy seasons are lasting longer, how environmental factors and modern living may play a role, and the surprising ways allergies can affect sleep, concentration, and mental health. This episode offers practical, science‑based guidance—from simple prevention strategies to over‑the‑counter treatments and allergy shots—to help you breathe easier this season and beyond. Chapters: 00:00 – What Is Hay Fever? An introduction to allergic rhinitis and why allergy symptoms happen 04:00 – Why Are Allergy Seasons Getting Worse? Climate, environment, and changes in immune response 09:40 – How Do Allergies Affect Sleep, Focus, and Mental Health? The surprising impact on wellbeing, mood, and daily life 10:45 – How Do I Find Relief? Treatments That Work Avoidance strategies, medications, allergy shots, and nasal rinses Key Topics Covered: Hay fever / allergic rhinitis Immune system overreaction Seasonal and environmental allergies Mental health and sleep disruption Pollen season and climate effects Allergy prevention and treatment Nasal sprays, antihistamines, and immunotherapy Takeaway Message: Hay fever isn’t “just allergies” — it’s a real, systemic condition caused by an overactive immune response that can affect sleep, mood, concentration, and quality of life. The good news? Effective treatments exist, and with the right approach, allergy symptoms can be controlled Doctor Bio: Dr. David Gudis is an otolaryngologist and Chief of the Division of Rhinology and Anterior Skull Base Surgery at NewYork‑Presbyterian and Columbia. He specializes in disorders of the nose and sinuses, including allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, and nasal inflammation. Dr. Gudis is dedicated to helping patients understand the root causes of their symptoms and access effective, personalized treatments that improve daily life and overall wellbeing.
