The Itch: Allergies, Asthma, Eczema & Immunology

Available Episodes

5 of 101

#99 - Understanding Infant Anaphylaxis
What would you do if your baby had a severe allergic reaction? Recognizing and treating anaphylaxis in babies can be overwhelming, but knowing the right signs and symptoms can help you decide when to use epinephrine or distinguish it from a cold. Pediatric allergist Dr. Michael Pistiner joins us to discuss how to recognize anaphylaxis in infants, when to use epinephrine, and why early food introduction matters. Understanding food allergies in infants, anaphylaxis symptoms, and emergency treatment is essential for parents and caregivers to act quickly and confidently. This episode will give you the confidence to respond in an emergency. What We Cover in Our Episode on Infant Anaphylaxis What is anaphylaxis, and how does it present differently in infants vs. older children? How to differentiate an allergic reaction from common childhood illnesses. Why early allergen introduction is crucial and How over-testing can lead to unnecessary worry. When to use epinephrine vs. antihistamines for treating reactions. Parental fears about epinephrine and why it’s always the safest choice in an emergency. When to call 911 after administering epinephrine. Why carrying two epinephrine auto-injectors is essential for managing severe reactions. More resources about infant anaphylaxis: More from Dr. Pistiner about infant anaphylaxis What is Epinephrine More About Food Allergies More About Anaphylaxis Food Allergy Treatment & Management Living with Food Allergies Guide What Can You Do If You Can’t Afford Allergen-Free Foods? What if I Can’t Afford My Allergy Medications? Early Introduction Guidelines This podcast is made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to Kaleo for sponsoring today’s episode. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.
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#98 - Food Allergy Treatment and Management
Is there a cure for food allergies? Unfortunately, not yet. However, exciting new treatments are emerging that offer hope and improved quality of life for those managing food allergies. Dr. Maya N. Gharfeh joins us to explore innovative options for treating food allergies. In this episode, we cover comprehensive strategies ranging from traditional avoidance techniques to cutting-edge treatments like omalizumab (Xolair) and Oral Immunotherapy (OIT). While these treatments are promising, they are not cures. Dr. Gharfeh shares valuable insights on integrating these options into your allergy management plan. She also discusses how to determine whether Xolair or OIT might be the right choice for you or your child. Despite advancements, avoidance remains the cornerstone of food allergy management and must still be practiced even while undergoing treatment. What We Cover in the Episode about Food Allergy Treatment Options Effective methods for food allergy avoidance Deciphering packaged food labels and "may contain" statements Understanding cross-contamination and cross-contact Insights into Xolair and its role in food allergy treatment An overview of Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) Guidance on choosing between Xolair and OIT GUIDE: Food Allergen Alternative Names on Labels Produced in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to Genetech for sponsoring today’s episode. While they support the show, all opinions are our own, and sponsorship doesn’t influence our content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.
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#97 - The Nuances of Food Allergy Testing
Think diagnosing food allergies is as simple as running a test? Think again. Food allergy testing is a maze of gray areas, false positives, and, hopefully, a clear food allergy diagnosis. Navigating food allergy testing can feel overwhelming, with skin pricks, blood tests, and conflicting advice. How do you determine which tests are truly useful? How can you avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions from false results? In this episode, Dr. David Stukus, a board-certified allergist and immunologist, joins Dr. Gupta and Kortney to demystify the science of food allergy testing. From the importance of patient history to the latest diagnostic tools, Dr. Stukus provides clear guidance to help you make informed decisions while navigating food allergy testing. What we cover in our episode about food allergy testing The Crucial Role of History in Food Allergy Diagnosis: Dr. Stukus highlights why understanding a patient’s reaction history (symptoms, timing, and context) is critical for guiding effective testing decisions. Choosing the Right Tests: We break down skin prick testing, blood tests like IgE and component testing, and innovations like epitope mapping. Dr. Stukus explains why IgG testing is untrustworthy and emphasizes oral food challenges as the gold standard for diagnosis. False Positives and Negatives: Learn why expert interpretation of test results is crucial and how overtesting can lead to unnecessary restrictions and confusion. When to See an Allergist: Practical advice on when to consult a specialist and what to expect during your visit for evidence-based care. This podcast is made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to Genentech for sponsoring today’s episode. About Our Guest Dr. David R. Stukus is a renowned allergist and immunologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and a professor at Ohio State University College of Medicine. He is known for his dedication to patient education and myth-busting in allergy care and is a trusted expert in food, asthma, and environmental allergies. Follow Dr. Stukus on Instagram: @allergykidsdoc
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#96 - Doctors on Social Media: Changing Health Education
Can a TikTok video from a doctor change how we understand health? Have you ever scrolled through social media and found a doctor busting medical myths or sharing health advice? Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are transforming how we access health information and interact with medical professionals. Dr. Zachary Rubin joins Dr. Gupta and Kortney to explore the evolving role of doctors on social media. From creating trustworthy content to balancing the risks and rewards of being a medical professional online, Dr. Rubin shares his journey and tips for using social platforms to educate and empower. Whether you're a patient seeking reliable health information or a healthcare professional curious about sharing expertise, this episode dives deep into the intersection of social media and medicine. What We Cover in Our Episode About Doctors on Social Media Why Social Media Matters for Doctors: Dr. Rubin explains why having a presence online is vital for normalizing conditions like food allergies and providing access to reliable health education. Navigating Risks and Rewards: Learn how doctors manage the challenges of creating content while maintaining professionalism and protecting themselves online. Fighting Misinformation: We discuss how to responsibly call out misinformation and share accurate information to build trust. Bridging Healthcare Gaps: Discover how platforms like Instagram and TikTok help patients without access to specialists find trustworthy medical advice. Tips for Creating Reliable Medical Content: Dr. Rubin shares strategies for crafting engaging, accurate posts and curating a social media feed filled with credible health information. Follow Dr. Rubin on Social Media: Instagram:@rubin_allergy YouTube: @rubin_allergy TikTok: @rubin_allergy Twitter: @rubin_allergy
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#95 - How Allergic Reactions Work: The Science Behind Allergy Symptoms
Have you ever wondered what happens inside your body during an allergic reaction? From itchy eyes to anaphylaxis, the science behind allergies explains why some reactions are mild while others can be life-threatening. In this episode, we break it all down. Dr. Payel Gupta and Kortney unpack the basics of food allergies, starting with what IgE antibodies are and how they play a role in allergic reactions. They explain what happens when your immune system encounters an allergen, breaking it down with our favorite pinata analogy. This deep dive into the immune system reveals why reactions can range from mild to life-threatening and explores the differences between food allergies, intolerances, and oral allergy syndrome. If you're newly diagnosed or curious about the science behind allergies, this episode offers valuable insights to help you understand your body and stay safe. What we cover in our episode about what happens in an allergic reaction What is an allergic reaction? Discover how your immune system identifies allergens and triggers a response involving IgE antibodies, mast cells, and histamine. Confused? We use our pinata analogy to simplify it. The role of histamine and inflammation. Learn how histamine is released during an allergic reaction, leading to inflammation and common symptoms. Understanding food allergies vs. food intolerances. Explore the key differences, including symptoms, risks, and why terminology matters. Oral allergy syndrome and environmental allergies. Understand why some allergies don’t lead to anaphylaxis and how cross-reactivity can cause symptoms. Anaphylaxis and severe reactions. Explore why some reactions are life-threatening and how factors like exposure levels and health conditions can influence severity. More resources about allergies: A Complete Guide to Allergies More About Food Allergies More About Anaphylaxis Food Allergy Treatment & Management Living with food allergies guide What Can You Do If You Can’t Afford Allergen-Free Foods? What if I Can’t Afford My Allergy Medications? This podcast is made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to Genetech for sponsoring today’s episode. While they support the show, all opinions are our own, and sponsorship doesn’t influence our content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.
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