#119 - Processing Emotions After Anaphylaxis: Navigating Guilt, Family Reactions, and Moving Forward
Have you ever wondered what happens after an anaphylactic reaction?
How do you process everything that went down, from ingesting the allergen to using epinephrine? In this candid conversation, Kortney sits down with Tamara Hubbard, a licensed clinical professional counselor, to unpack the emotional aftermath of a severe allergic reaction.
Kortney shares her own recent experience of self-administering epinephrine for the first time after over 30 years of living with food allergies. Together, they explore how guilt, self-doubt, and family dynamics can shape recovery and how to move forward without letting fear or shame take over.
What we cover in this episode about processing an anaphylactic reaction:
The moment Kortney realized she needed to self-inject epinephrine and why it felt empowering.
Why it’s common to second-guess yourself during an allergic reaction.
The unique guilt and blame that can surface after a reaction, even when you did everything right.
How to handle well-meaning but unhelpful comments from family and friends.
Tips for processing the event without letting it define your future.
About Our Guest
Tamara Hubbard, MA, LCPC is a licensed clinical professional counselor and the founder of the Food Allergy Counselor Directory & Website. She specializes in helping individuals and families navigate the emotional and mental health challenges that come with managing food allergies. Tamara is passionate about empowering people to build confidence and resilience while living safely with food allergies.
Learn more about Tamara’s work at FoodAllergyCounselor.com.
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#118 - Do Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis Patients & Providers Agree on Symptom Control?
Do patients and their healthcare teams view the impact of indolent systemic mastocytosis on quality of life in the same way?
In this episode of The Itch Review, we unpack key findings from a May 4, 2025, descriptive study from The Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology, “Patient and Advanced Practitioner Perspectives on Symptom Burden and Symptom Management in Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis.”
Is there a disconnect between what patients feel and what providers think when it comes to indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM)? A new study suggests yes, revealing a mismatch between how patients and advanced practitioners (APs) perceive disease control and what that means for care. This episode dives into whether research like this could help bridge the gap between patient experience and clinical perspective.
What we cover in our episode about the indolent systemic mastocytosis:
Understanding ISM: What makes indolent systemic mastocytosis a unique multisystem condition?
Symptom burden explained: Frequency, severity, duration, distress, and functional interference.
Patient vs practitioner views: Understanding the most impactful symptoms differs from patient to AP.
Practical tools: The Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis-Symptom Assessment Form (ISM-SAF) is a validated instrument that can be used to determine symptoms and severity.
Barriers and solutions: Why tracking symptoms is hard and how clinics can improve coordination.
AP-focused Toolkit: Resources to help nurse practitioners, PAs, and pharmacists provide patient-centered ISM care.
GET THE INFOGRAPHIC HERE
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The Itch Review, hosted by Dr. Gupta, Kortney, and Dr. Blaiss, explores the latest allergy and immunology studies, breaking down complex research in conversations accessible to clinicians, patients, and caregivers. Each episode provides key insights from journal articles and includes a one-page infographic in the show notes for easy reference.
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This podcast is made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.
Thanks to Blueprint Medicines 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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#116 - Why Fexofenadine Is Considered a Truly Non-Sedating Antihistamine
Have you ever wondered whether fexofenadine (Allegra®) really doesn’t make you drowsy?
In this episode of The Itch Review, we dissect a July 2024 systematic review from Current Medical Research & Opinion, “Why fexofenadine is considered a truly non-sedating antihistamine with no brain penetration.”
This rigorous systematic review pools over 60 human studies from PET brain-scan trials and Proportional Impairment Ratio (PIR) tests to driving-simulator research and real-world quality-of-life surveys. It looks to answer one question: Does fexofendine ever sneak past the blood–brain barrier and slow you down like first-generation allergy meds?
This episode looks at the evolution of H1 antihistamines from first-generation drugs like diphenhydramine to today’s second-generation options (cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine) to show how each interacts with the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and why that matters for sedation.
We highlight the review’s key studies:
PET Imaging: Measuring H1-receptor occupancy. Fexofenadine registers <1%, even at high doses
PIR Analyses: Proportional Impairment Ratio tests show virtually zero cognitive or motor impairment when taking fexofenadine
Driving & Aviator Trials: Side-by-side comparisons with diphenhydramine, alcohol, and fexofenadine
Finally, we dive into real-world outcomes on reaction times, work-and-school performance, pediatric safety, and even NASA’s approval for pilot use.
GET THE INFOGRAPHIC TO FOLLOW ALONG
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The Itch Review, hosted by Dr. Gupta, Kortney, and Dr. Blaiss, explores the latest allergy and immunology studies through 30-minute conversations that are accessible for everyone. This podcast aims to support busy clinicians, patients, and caregivers in staying updated on current research. Each episode provides valuable insights from key journal articles and includes a convenient one-page infographic in the show notes for easy reference.
***
This podcast is made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.
Thanks to Opella 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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#115 - Managing Food Allergies in College-Aged Students (Ages 18-21)
Stepping into young adulthood also means stepping up as the primary manager of your food allergies.
For teens and young adults with food allergies, early adulthood is an exciting but challenging shift. It’s the first time you’re the primary communicator, managing everything from dining halls to doctor’s appointments on your own. Add in new living spaces, new friends, and a growing social life, and there’s a lot to navigate.
Dr. Theresa Bingemann joins Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta to unpack how food allergy management changes as you step into early adulthood. We cover self-advocacy skills, emergency preparedness, how to create allergy-friendly spaces in shared housing, and tips for navigating social life safely. Plus, we dive into practical advice for managing stress, staying emotionally healthy, and finding your footing in this new phase of life.
What we cover in our episode about managing food allergies in young adults:
Self-advocacy matters. Learn how to speak up about your allergies with confidence.
Planning ahead for emergencies. Practicing with an epinephrine device is not just for kids! Plus, knowing the available campus resources is key to feeling secure in your food allergy management.
Creating a safe living space. Tips for setting up allergy-friendly dorm rooms and kitchens with roommates.
Navigating social life. How to handle parties, dating, and dining out while staying safe.
Managing emotional well-being. Support strategies for handling anxiety, stress, and the transition to independence.
Episode 6 in our “Food Allergies: Ages & Stages” series
Across six episodes, we explore how food allergies show up and shift through different phases of life, from introducing solids in infancy to navigating school and adapting in adulthood. We’re here with evidence-based info, expert insights, and lived experience to guide you through it all.
Episode 110: Early Allergen Introduction
Episode 111: Food Allergy Basics for Newly Diagnosed Families
Episode 112: Managing Food Allergies in Babies and Toddlers
Episode 113: Managing Food Allergies in School-Age Children
Episode 114: Managing Food Allergies in Teens
AAAAI Ages & Stages PDFs
Food Allergy Stages: Young Adults (18–21 years)
Thanks to Genentech and Aquestive for sponsoring this 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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#114 - Managing Food Allergies in Teenagers (Ages 12–18)
Independence, risk-taking, and peer pressure. Welcome to the teenage years with food allergies!
Managing food allergies during the teen years poses new challenges. Tweens and teens are gaining independence, navigating social pressures, and taking more responsibility for their health. But this is also the stage where risky behavior peaks, and the risk for severe allergic reactions is highest. That’s why clear communication and trust matter more than ever.
In this episode of our Food Allergy Stages Series, Dr. Travis Miller joins Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta to unpack how food allergy management changes from ages 12 to 18. We talk about empowering teens through shared decision-making, building trust between parents and teens, and developing essential life skills like label reading, restaurant communication, and self-advocacy. We also dive into difficult topics like bullying, alcohol, and mental health. Finally, we address why emotional support is just as important as carrying an epinephrine auto-injector.
What we cover in our episode about managing food allergies in teens:
Why trust matters. Teens are more likely to follow allergy routines when they feel heard and involved.
Empowering independence. From grocery shopping to reading labels, this is the age to start turning over the reins.
Talking about risky behavior. Alcohol and dating can put teens with food allergies at higher risk.
Bullying and boundaries. Learn how to spot signs of bullying and who can help your teen feel safe and supported.
Mental health and identity. Food allergies can affect confidence. We share ways to support emotional wellness and self-esteem.
Episode 5 in our “Food Allergies: Ages & Stages” series
Across six episodes, we explore how food allergies show up and shift through different phases of life, from introducing solids in infancy to navigating school and adapting in adulthood. We’re here with evidence-based info, expert insights, and lived experience to guide you through it all.
Episode 110: Early Allergen Introduction
Episode 111: Food Allergy Basics for Newly Diagnosed Families
Episode 112: Managing Food Allergies in Babies and Toddlers
Episode 113: Managing Food Allergies in School-Age Children
Thanks to Genentech and Aquestive for sponsoring this 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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