Australia is considered the allergy capital of the world, with nearly a third of all Australians living with an allergy.

It's a day-to-day hazard for millions and life threatening for some and it's costing the economy billions of dollars a year.

Behind the scenes, work is under way to better understand and potentially prevent, treat and cure allergies. 

Guest: Professor Kirsten Perrett, Director of the National Allergy Centre of Excellence, head of the Murdoch Children's Research Institute's Population Allergy Group.