The Itch: Allergies, Asthma, Eczema & Immunology

Available Episodes

5 of 17

#127 - Management of indolent mastocytosis - A clinical yardstick
Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis (ISM) is a rare but often underrecognized clonal mast cell disorder. From random hives to gut pain and brain fog, ISM can feel like a medical mystery. We continue our review of “Management of indolent mastocytosis and mast cell activation syndrome - A clinical yardstick,” published in June 2025 in The Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. This is Part 2 of our discussion, with a focus on indolent systemic mastocytosis. We look at what causes it, how it’s diagnosed, and how to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. In this episode, we break down this complex mast cell disease and how doctors use baseline serum tryptase, KIT D816V testing, and HaT screening to find answers. Plus, we explain how treatments like antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and avapritinib can help people live better with ISM. 📌 INFOGRAPHIC to follow along What we cover in our episode about indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM): Yardsticks explained: Why the ACAAI uses yardsticks as practical, interim guidelines before full consensus statements are available. Understanding mast cell diseases: The difference between primary (clonal), secondary (allergic), and idiopathic mast cell disorders. Diagnosing ISM: KIT D816V mutation, WHO/ICC criteria, baseline serum tryptase, and when to test for hereditary alpha-tryptasemia (HaT). Symptoms of ISM: Why symptoms vary and how they can involve multiple systems, including skin, GI tract, cardiovascular, and even neuropsychiatric. Management strategies: Trigger avoidance, antihistamines, leukotriene blockers, sodium cromolyn, aspirin therapy, and, when venom immunotherapy is appropriate. Targeted treatment: How avapritinib works and what the PIONEER study shows about its role in ISM. The Itch Review, hosted by Dr. Gupta, Kortney, and Dr. Blaiss, explores 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. ___ 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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#126 - Management of mast cell activation syndrome - A clinical yardstick
Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a confusing and often misunderstood condition. If you’ve ever wondered about MCAS symptoms, serum tryptase testing, or how treatments like antihistamines, sodium cromolyn, and even omalizumab fit in, this episode is here to help. We review the findings from “Management of indolent mastocytosis and mast cell activation syndrome - A clinical yardstick,” published in June 2025 in The Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Because the paper covers both diseases, we’ve split it into two parts. This episode focuses on mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). GET THE INFOGRAPHIC - summary of this episode What we cover in our episode about mast cell activation syndrome: Yardsticks explained: Why the ACAAI uses yardsticks as practical, interim guidelines before full consensus statements are available. Classifying mast cell disorders: Primary (clonal), secondary (allergy/autoimmune), and idiopathic (MCAS). MCAS diagnosis criteria: Symptoms in 2 or more organ systems, objective evidence (serum tryptase or urinary metabolites tests), and positive response to therapy. Treatment strategies: Include trigger avoidance, H1/H2 antihistamines, leukotriene blockers, mast cell stabilizers (such as cromolyn and aspirin), off-label biologics like omalizumab, and epinephrine. Neuropsychiatric symptoms: Brain fog, anxiety, and depression are common and require multidisciplinary management. The Itch Review, hosted by Dr. Gupta, Kortney, and Dr. Blaiss, explores 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. 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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#125 - Parents’ Guide to Asthma Peak Week
As September approaches, many families notice asthma symptoms getting worse. Ragweed pollen, viral infections, cooler nights, and the stress of back-to-school routines all combine to create Asthma Peak Week, a time when asthma attacks and ER visits spike across the country. Asthma mom, Sherrina Gibson, joins us to share how her family prepares her 11-year-old daughter for fall asthma challenges. She talks about cleaning routines, school planning, and teaching her daughter self-awareness and empowerment. Dr. Payel Gupta adds medical guidance on asthma action plans and seasonal medication adjustments. You’ll learn how to spot asthma triggers, prepare your home and school, and teach children to recognize symptoms early so they can act before a flare gets worse. What we cover in our episode about preparing for asthma peak week: Parenting with asthma: Sherrina Gibson shares her family’s journey and how they prepare their home and routines each fall. Asthma management strategies: Cleaning, decluttering, updating medications, and coordinating with schools and coaches. Asthma Peak Week explained: Why symptoms spike in September and how to get ahead of it. Asthma action plans: Why every family needs one and how to keep copies at home, school, and on the go. Empowering kids with asthma: Teaching children to recognize symptoms, use their inhaler properly, and advocate for themselves at school and in sports. More episodes about asthma Ep. 81: Why asthma attacks rise in September peak week Ep. 58: What is controlled Asthma? - Everything you need to know! Ep. 117: As-Needed Albuterol–Budesonide in Mild Asthma (BATURA Trial) Ep. 124: Asthma peak week and understanding triggers Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to AstraZeneca and Amgen 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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#124 - Asthma peak week and understanding triggers
As summer winds down and September approaches, many people with asthma notice their symptoms getting worse. This is no coincidence as more asthma triggers appear during this time of year, from pollen and viruses to stress and weather changes. This combination peaks during Asthma Peak Week, a time when asthma attacks and ER visits spike across the country. Allergist Dr. Kristin Sokol joins us to discuss seasonal asthma triggers, why fall can be especially risky, and how you can prepare to keep your asthma under control. You’ll learn how to identify your personal triggers, steps to reduce your exposure, and why staying consistent with your medication routine is critical. We also cover tools like an asthma action plan, preparing for school, and making sure caregivers and teachers know how to respond to an asthma flare. What we cover in our episode about managing asthma triggers during the fall: Understanding asthma: learn why even mild asthma should be reviewed before the fall. Identifying triggers: from indoor allergens to seasonal pollen and surprising emotional triggers, know what can set off your asthma. Preparing for Asthma Peak Week: discover how viruses, ragweed pollen, and stress combine into a dangerous flare period and how to get ahead of it. Staying in control: strategies to avoid or reduce asthma trigger exposure, prepare for school, and keep your asthma action plan up to date. Supporting everyone with asthma: special considerations for adults, caregivers, and teachers to stay healthy and ready year-round. More episodes about asthma Ep. 81: Why asthma attacks rise in September peak week Ep. 58: What is controlled Asthma? - Everything you need to know! Ep. 117: As-Needed Albuterol–Budesonide in Mild Asthma (BATURA Trial) Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to AstraZeneca and Amgen 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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#123: Supporting the Mental Health of Allergy Parents
Parenting a child with food allergies can feel overwhelming and isolating. We're joined by licensed therapist and food allergy mom Tamara Hubbard, MA, LCPC, to talk about her new book, May Contain Anxiety, and the often overlooked mental health challenges that food allergy parents face. We explore how chronic stress, fear, and anxiety can affect parenting, relationships, and family dynamics. Plus, why supporting the mental health of allergy parents is crucial for the entire family’s well-being. Tamara breaks down evidence-based tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help parents manage food allergy anxiety, build confidence, and feel less alone on this lifelong journey. What we cover in this episode about food allergy anxiety in parents: Tamara’s journey from substance abuse counselor to food allergy mental health advocate Why she wrote May Contain Anxiety and how it’s different from typical self-help books A breakdown of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and how it supports allergy parents The impact of food allergy anxiety on the whole family system, from parenting dynamics to sibling relationships Why this book is valuable for every stage of the allergy journey and helpful for allergists and extended family, too May Contain Anxiety is available worldwide in English on September 30th, 2025. Get 30% off by buying it at Hopkins Press and using the code: HMCA25
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