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The Itch: Allergies, Asthma, Eczema & Immunology

Health & Wellness Podcasts

A podcast bringing you easily digestible information on all things allergies, asthma eczema, and immunology

Location:

United States

Description:

A podcast bringing you easily digestible information on all things allergies, asthma eczema, and immunology

Language:

English

Contact:

49 (0) 15781519906


Episodes
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#126 - Management of mast cell activation syndrome - A clinical yardstick

8/29/2025
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). What we cover in our episode about mast cell activation syndrome: 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.

Duration:00:38:00

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#125 - Parents’ Guide to Asthma Peak Week

8/21/2025
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 weekEp. 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.

Duration:00:34:59

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#124 - Asthma peak week and understanding triggers

8/14/2025
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: More episodes about asthma Ep. 81: Why asthma attacks rise in September peak weekEp. 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 Novartis 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.

Duration:00:26:56

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#123: Supporting the Mental Health of Allergy Parents

8/8/2025
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: 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

Duration:00:27:24

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#122 - Mortality in adult patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria: A real-world cohort study

7/31/2025
Do adults with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) have a higher risk of death over time compared to people without hives? We review the findings from “Mortality in adult patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria: A real-world cohort study,” published in April 2025, in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. While CSU is often considered a non-life-threatening condition, this large study found something surprising: people with CSU had a significantly higher risk of death, especially from suicide. Dr. G and Dr. Blaiss walk through key takeaways from a dataset of over 272,000 CSU patients and nearly 13 million matched controls. They explore what the results mean for mortality risk, clinical care, mental health screening, and the importance of proper, guideline-based treatment. What we cover in our episode about CSU and mortality risk: INFOGRAPHIC 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 Novartis 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.

Duration:00:33:53

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#121 - Avapritinib versus Placebo in Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis - PIONEER Trial

7/24/2025
What happens when you target the root cause of indolent systemic mastocytosis? In this episode of The Itch Review, we unpack key findings from the article “Avapritinib versus Placebo in Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis,” published on May 23, 2023, in NEJM Evidence. Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis (ISM) is a rare chronic disease with life-altering symptoms. Until recently, treatment options were limited. We break down new data from Part 2 of the PIONEER study, which evaluated Avapritinib, a targeted therapy designed to inhibit the KIT D816V mutation that drives ISM. Dr. Gupta and Dr. Blaiss explain how Avapritinib works, how the study was designed, and what outcomes were measured, including the Total Symptom Score (TSS). Most importantly, we explore what this treatment could mean for patients with moderate to severe ISM. INFOGRAPHIC What we cover in our episode about avapritinib versus placebo: 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.

Duration:00:39:01

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#120 - Back to School with Food Allergies: Accommodations, Epinephrine & Preparing Your Child

7/10/2025
Is it too early to start planning for school when summer has just begun? Not if your child has food allergies. Dr. Nikki Chase, a board-certified allergist-immunologist, joins us to share what families need to know to prepare for a safe and successful school year. From school forms and emergency plans to when to self-carry epinephrine and how to teach self-advocacy, this episode is filled with practical, real-life guidance. We discuss how to make the most of your summer doctor visits, why early planning matters, and how newer epinephrine options, like the nasal spray, may help reduce fear and delay in use. You’ll also hear Dr. Chase’s advice on helping kids build confidence and take ownership of their allergy care. What we cover in our episode about preparing for school with food allergies: More resources about back-to-school with food allergies Planning for School with Food AllergiesSchool Plans for Students with Food AllergiesManaging Allergies in Schools: A Guide for StaffEpinephrine for Anaphylaxis: What Treatments are Available?Food Allergy Treatment & Management Produced in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to ARS Pharma 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.

Duration:00:37:33

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#119 - Processing Emotions After Anaphylaxis: Navigating Guilt, Family Reactions, and Moving Forward

7/4/2025
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: 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.

Duration:00:14:31

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#118 - Do Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis Patients & Providers Agree on Symptom Control?

6/26/2025
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: GET THE INFOGRAPHIC HERE *** 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. *** 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.

Duration:00:40:56

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#117 - BATURA Trial: Does a Combo Inhaler Help Mild Asthma?

6/19/2025
There have been countless advances in controller therapies for asthma, but our go-to rescue inhaler, a quick-relief bronchodilator, hasn’t changed in decades. In this episode of The Itch Review, we spotlight “As-Needed Albuterol–Budesonide in Mild Asthma” published in The New England Journal of Medicine, May 19, 2025. This article looks at the BATURA trial, which tested whether adding budesonide to albuterol rescue inhalers cuts exacerbations in adults whose mild asthma remains uncontrolled on occasional albuterol/short-acting beta agonist (SABA) therapy. Could this combo inhaler really cut severe asthma attacks in people with mild disease? What we cover in our episode about the BATURA trial: GET THE INFOGRAPHIC PDF HERE *** 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. *** This podcast is made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to AstraZeneca 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.

Duration:00:40:08

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#116 - Why Fexofenadine Is Considered a Truly Non-Sedating Antihistamine

6/12/2025
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: 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 *** 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.

Duration:00:35:16

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#115 - Managing Food Allergies in College-Aged Students (Ages 18-21)

6/6/2025
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: 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 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.

Duration:00:42:29

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#114 - Managing Food Allergies in Teenagers (Ages 12–18)

5/30/2025
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: 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. 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.

Duration:00:36:29

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#113 - Managing Food Allergies in Children (Ages 5–11)

5/22/2025
How do you help your child go from knowing they have a food allergy to actually managing it in everyday life? This is the stage when everything starts to shift. Between the ages of 5 and 11, your child is learning how to describe symptoms, speak up at school, and navigate birthday parties. They’re also watching you closely and picking up how to talk about food allergies based on how you do it. In this episode of our Food Allergy Stages & Stages Series, pediatric allergist and immunologist Dr. Dave Stukus joins Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta to talk about how food allergy care changes in the early school years. What we cover in our episode about managing food allergies in ages 5 to 11: Episode 4 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. Made in partnership with the Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to Genentech and Aqestive 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. Timestamps 01:42 Breaking down food allergy care by age group 02:58 What kids need to know about living with food allergies 04:47 Sharing allergy information without creating fear 06:40 Talking to children about symptoms 08:40 What to tell kids about epinephrine 11:04 Helping kids without passing on fear or anxiety 13:18 Mental health signs related to food allergies 16:04 Managing allergens in the home environment 19:50 The pros and cons of allergy tables at school 21:42 Communicating with schools and daycares 25:29 Preparing for parties and sleepovers 27:33 Final tips for parenting kids with food allergies (ages 5–11)

Duration:00:30:09

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#112 - Managing Food Allergies in Babies and Toddlers (Ages 0–5)

5/15/2025
How do you keep a baby or toddler safe with food allergies when they put everything in their mouths and can’t yet explain how they feel? This stage of life is full of firsts, not just for your child, but for you as a parent managing food allergies. From introducing new foods to navigating daycare and watching for reactions in a child who can’t speak yet, there are countless moments you’ll need to manage. This episode focuses on building safe habits early, empowering caregivers, and showing how simple routines (like label reading or toy wiping) can make a big difference. Allergist Dr. Basil Kahwash joins Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta to explore how food allergy care evolves from infancy through preschool. They cover real-life, practical strategies from wiping toys and watching for symptoms to managing daycare risks and building early self-advocacy skills. What we cover in our episode about managing food allergies in toddlers: Episode 3 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. Episodes to build a better food allergy foundation: Episode 59: What is Anaphylaxis and When to Use EpinephrineEpisode 95: The Science Behind Allergic ReactionsEpisode. 97: The Nuances of Food Allergy Testing Episode 98: Food Allergy Treatment and Management Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to Genentech and Acuqestive 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.

Duration:00:32:37

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#111 - Food Allergy Basics for All Ages

5/12/2025
Just diagnosed with a food allergy and feeling lost? You’re not alone and don’t have to figure out food allergy life by yourself. We’re here to help you understand food allergy basics: what causes allergic reactions, how to recognize symptoms, and how to manage your allergy safely, every day. This is the second episode in our Food Allergies: Ages & Stages, and it’s all about building a strong foundation after a new diagnosis. Whether it’s your child, your partner, or you who was recently diagnosed, Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta walk through everything you need to know in those early days. From understanding how allergic reactions work to learning about life-saving tools like epinephrine, and new management options like OIT and omalizumab. Dr. G explains what causes your immune system to misfire, how fast symptoms can appear, and why no two reactions are the same. We also dive into real-life strategies like carrying your epinephrine device, knowing when and how to use it, and navigating social situations. Plus, Kortney shares personal tips that have helped her live safely with food allergies for over 30 years. What we cover in our episode about managing a new food allergy diagnosis Episode 2 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. Episodes mentioned to help build your foundation: Episode 59: What is Anaphylaxis and When to Use EpinephrineEpisode 95: The Science Behind Allergic ReactionsEpisode 98: Food Allergy Treatment and ManagementEp. 110: Early Introduction of Allergenic Foods – Preventing Food Allergies Before They Start Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to Genentech and Acuqestive 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.

Duration:00:34:01

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#110 - Early Introduction of Allergenic Foods: Preventing Food Allergies Before They Start

5/2/2025
Did you know you could potentially reduce your baby’s risk of developing food allergies by up to 80%? That’s the power of early allergen introduction. Feeding a baby the top 9 allergens consistently starting between 4 to 6 months can make a life-changing difference. We’re launching a brand-new series about food allergies at various stages of life. Whether you’re just starting solids, navigating a new diagnosis, or in a new stage of life, this series is here to support you with evidence-based tips and real talk. In this first episode, Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta explore how to potentially prevent food allergies before they even develop. Why do you want to know more about introducing allergens to baby? For years, parents were told to wait until toddlers were older before introducing allergenic foods. But groundbreaking research, including the LEAP, LEAP-On, and PETIT studies, turned that advice on its head. We no longer wait to feed babies food allergens. Instead, early (around 4–6 months) and sustained exposure to top allergens like peanut and egg is recommended for all babies. In this episode, Dr. G and Kortney explain the studies, walk you through how to do it safely, and bust common myths that leave parents confused or anxious. What we cover in our episode about early allergen introduction More resources about food allergy prevention USDA Updates Dietary Guidelines to Include Introduction of Food AllergensDelaware Adopts Law Covering Early Introduction of Food AllergensWhat is a food allergy?American Academy of Pediatrics Early Feeding GuidelinesAAAAI / ACAAI handouts on introducing peanut & eggFARE: How to Use Peanut Puffs SafelySolid Starts: Peanut Butter Guide (Creative Ways to Serve)PreventAllergies.org Recipe LibraryOur infant anaphylaxis episode (with Dr. Mike)

Duration:00:32:30

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#109 - Tezepelumab & Nasal Polyps: Inside the WAYPOINT Phase III Trial

4/24/2025
Have you wondered why having more drug options matters for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps? In the inaugural episode of our new series, The Itch Review, co-hosts Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta, along with special guest Dr. Michael Blaiss, unpack the journal article "Tezepelumab in Adults with Severe Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps," published in the New England Journal of Medicine on March 1, 2025. This article is about the Phase III WAYPOINT trial of tezepelumab. Already approved for severe asthma, this once-monthly biologic is now showing promise in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Over 52 weeks, 408 patients were randomized to receive 210 mg of tezepelumab every four weeks or placebo. Researchers tracked nasal-polyp scores, congestion, sense of smell, and rates of rescue surgery. In this episode, we provide a brief overview of what CRSwNP is, why inflammation drives polyp formation and how blocking TSLP fits into today’s biologics options. We’ll walk you through the WAYPOINT Phase III design, explain the primary and secondary endpoints, and translate the headline results into what they mean for real-world patients who’ve exhausted their treatment options. ➡️ Get the infographic here. What we cover in our episode about treating chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps with tezepelumab Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to AstraZeneca 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.

Duration:00:27:31

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#108 - Interview with Dr. James Tracy, ACAAI President

4/17/2025
Ever wonder who’s working behind the scenes to improve allergy care nationwide? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. James Tracy, the 2024-2025 president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), to explore how the College supports both patients and clinicians. Dr. Tracy shares how he got involved, what drives his leadership, and what’s ahead for the future of allergy and asthma care. From workforce shortages to the promise of AI in medicine, this conversation takes you behind the curtain of the specialty. Plus, we dig into how patients and providers alike can make a difference through advocacy. What we cover in our episode about ACAAI, leadership & allergy care Resources: Asthma Allergy Day on Capitol HillMore information about advocacyThe American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology Patient ResourcesThe American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology Allergist Finder

Duration:00:28:11

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#107 - Understanding Hives in the Latinx Population

4/10/2025
Ever wonder how culture and language barriers affect diagnosing chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in Latinx patients? In this episode, allergist Dr. Juanita Mora joins Kortney and Dr. Gupta to discuss chronic spontaneous urticaria (hives) and the unique challenges faced by the Latinx community. They highlight the importance of cultural competency in health care and the barriers that Latinx patients often encounter, such as language differences and access to specialists. They also discuss how Latinx patients are often not given all treatment options for hives, such as biologics. Dr. Mora emphasizes the importance of having resources available in Spanish and encourages patients and families to advocate for their care. They explore practical tips on how technology, family support, and proper patient education can help overcome barriers, leading to better diagnosis, treatment, and improved quality of life for Hispanic patients managing CSU. What we cover in our episode about chronic hives in the Latinx community: Resources Spanish ¿Qué es la urticaria crónica?Urticaria Crónica - Dr. Antonio Olvera Urticaria crónica espontánea/idiopática (erupción crónica)Protocolo urticaria cronica Resources English Chronic Urticaria Management, Resources & Glossary of TermsChronic Hives: 10 Actions to Support Your Mental HealthWhy Are My Hives Not Going Away? Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to Novartis 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.

Duration:00:27:45