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Dr. Lacey Robinson joins Kortney and Dr. G to discuss where we are at with understanding allergic reactions to the two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna).    Dr. Robinson outlines the current theories on what may be causing these allergic reactions, who should get an allergy test before having the vaccine, and what the other symptoms that could appear like an allergic reaction to the vaccine are.    Important note about this episode, as things are changing rapidly in what we know about the COVID-19 vaccines: This episode was recorded on January 21, 2021, released January 26, 2021 Discussions about the COVID-19 vaccines refer to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and Moderna vaccine, both mRNA vaccines.  What we cover in this episode: How common are vaccine allergies? Stat: 1.31 cases of reactions per 1 million doses given. The CDC reviewed the Pfizer vaccine given in December 2020. They found 21 cases of confirmed anaphylaxis in 1.89 million does, which is 11.1 cases per 1 million does. Only 7 of the 21 had a history of anaphylaxis. What are the symptoms that can be mistaken for an allergic reaction when receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? What studies are in the pipeline to look at allergy to the COVID-19 vaccines, specifically mRNA vaccines.  Types of anaphylactic reaction:IgE medicated reaction Non-IgE mediated: Mast cell activation or compliment mediated anaphylaxis Some symptoms that you can expect when getting the COVID-19 Vaccine:Large local reaction Tired Muscles aches and pains Headaches Fever Timing of an allergic reaction (true allergy) versus other typical symptoms coming from the vaccine.  What they suspect are the reasons that people are having an allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccineNote mRNA vaccines do not contain any food allergies. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the suspected allergen. PEG is a common ingredient in many medical products. A very rare allergy 4 cases per year.  Could you be reacting to the mRNA that you are making from the vaccine? Who should consider getting an allergy test for the COVID-19 vaccine.  How are people being treated if they are having an allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine? If you had a reaction to the vaccine or you have a PEG allergy, what are the steps involved in evaluating if you can get the COVID-19 vaccine. How allergist test PEG allergy. What is the likelihood of a false negative test result? Resources: Allergic Living article Kortney quotes: https://www.allergicliving.com/2021/01/03/likely-more-than-one-cause-for-covid-19-vaccine-reactions/ Our episode about understanding the COVID-19 Vaccines: https://www.itchpodcast.com/post/episode-37

A mini popup episode for you! MILK versus MYLK, what's the deal? Amanda from the blog Everyday Allergen-Free joined Kortney to explore what spelling milk with an 'I' versus milk with a 'Y' means and how it can impact someone’s experience with that food.   This lead to a discussion about feeling left out when you have food allergies and whether getting an allergy-safe version of a classic food makes you feel included or different. What we cover: Inclusive language for those with food allergies. When did the alternative spelling of MYLK show up?  How does speaking milk with a y help or hinder those with a dairy allergy? Feeling left out/longing for what you can’t have, especially when you have food allergens in the house. Does an allergy-safe version of a food make you feel included or different? What terms can you use to talk about allergy-safe food replacements.  The attitude to have when trying to recreate foods that contain an allergen. What does the ‘real’ version of a recipe mean for an allergy person? The different trends in plant based milk. Helpful links: More about the language we use when talking about food allergies Oatmilk recipe from Amanda's blog Everyday Allergen-Free Our Instagram, @theitchpodcast, tell us how you think we should spell plant based milk

Dr Purvi Parikh joins us to talk about the two available Covid-19 vaccines currently available. Dr Parikh and Dr G discuss the nitty-gritty of the two mRNA vaccines, the allergic reactions associated with them and more. What we cover in this episode Understanding herd immunity. What are mRNA vaccines, how do they work and when did they first get developed. Can people with food allergies get the Covid-19 Vaccine? Could you be allergic to the protein that the mRNA is producing? The side effects of the Pfizer Covid-19 Vaccine. Why you should get the Covid-19 Vaccine. Why the vaccine is in two does. Differences and similarities with data for Moderna and Pfizer/Biotech vaccines. What does the vaccine rollout look like? What are the other vaccines being developed? Why are people skeptical about vaccines? Can pregnant and lactating women get vaccinated? You can get the flu vaccine with an egg allergy. Resources: Article from Allergic Living about soy in PEG: https://www.allergicliving.com/2020/12/16/faq-on-allergy-concerns-and-the-mrna-covid-19-vaccine/ Find more about Dr Parikh: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM

Registered dietician Alida Iacobellis joins Dr. G and Kortney to discuss how intuitive eating, diet culture, and food anxiety impacts those managing food allergies. Alida uses intuitive eating as a tool to help her clients find food freedom and believes it can also work to help people with food allergies gain a positive relationship with food.  Alida is registered with the College of Dietitians of Ontario and holds membership with Dietitians of Canada. She also manages multiple food allergies, so she knows first hand how it feels to experience types of food fear surrounding allergens and anaphylaxis.  What we cover in this episode The difference between a registered dietitian and a nutritionist  What is disordered eating and how to recognize it in yourself or others How disordered eating and living with food allergies can cross paths People with food allergies have an increased risk of developing eating disorders The role of diet culture in disordered eating and how it also impacts those managing food allergies  Anxiety around food - the underlying factors behind disordered eating Questions a doctor can ask to figure out if their patient may be experience disordered eating How can people with food allergies develop a better relationship with food Intuitive eating and how people with food allergies can adapt it What are food rules - why it is important to identify them and where they came from Thinking food will be a quick fix to our problems and how this is not always true What are the determinants of health and the role food has How to start your intuitive eating journey: food rules and listening to your body What does respecting your body mean for people with food allergies? It is about eating everything you can and having a good variety in your diet to meet your needs Emotional eating, turning to food to soothe or not eating at all due to anxiety Meal planning for intuitive eating Parent anxiety transferring to their child and how intuitive eating can help How to help someone or yourself identify disordered eating and first steps to reclaiming food freedom Helpful Resources: Kortney’s her journey with disordered eating: Disordered eating hiding behind my food allergies  Intuitive eating resources for food allergies The graph on the determinants of health Dietician directory Websites: Dieticians of Canada, Health Profs Intuitive Eating Website More about Alida Iacobellis RD: website, Instagram @alida.iacobellis.rd  

Dr G and Kortney take another deep dive, this time exploring how to treat environmental allergies (allergies of the eyes and nose). A quick recap - when we talk about allergies of the eyes and nose, we are talking about allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. These are two forms of allergic responses that can be caused by things such as environmental allergens like pollen and grass, dust mites, and animal dander. What we cover in this episode Treatments for allergies of the eyes and nose: avoidance, natural methods, drug therapy and immunotherapy. Types of drug therapy for treating allergies of the eyes and nose: antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops If avoidance is not possible tips to create a safe space free from environmental allergies Demystifying hypoallergenic pets When to use and care for a Netti pot Different types of nasal sprays: intern-nasal antihistamines, intern-nasal decongestants, intern-nasal steroids. What to look out for and tips for using eye drops and artificial tears Topical antihistamine for the eyes Mast cell stabilizer eye drop & steroid eye drops Is it possible to use one treatment to treat both allergies of the eyes and nose? Additional Information & Links Signs of allergies of the eyes and nose and they are diagnosed. How to use nasal spray: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICqBAN28Tgo

A deep dive episode about allergic conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis, also known as allergies of the eyes and nose respectively.    These are the two most common types of allergies affecting individuals. In the first part of our deep dive, Dr G goes into detail about the symptoms of the allergies of the eyes and nose, some things that may pose as them, and more. Part two will cover how to treat allergies of the eyes and nose.  What we cover in this episode What are allergic conjunctivitis (eyes) and allergic rhinitis (nose)? How common are allergies of the eyes and nose? Can you develop symptoms at any age? Signs and symptoms of allergies of the eyes and nose What you should know about environmental allergies. Environmental allergies, and the difference between seasonal and perennial allergies.  Why uncontrolled asthma can make allergies of the eyes or nose worse. How allergies of the eyes and nose are diagnosed and the testing involved: patient history, skin prick, blood test, intradermal testing, and patch testing.  Other conditions that look like allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis Allergies of the eyes and nose in pregnancy Nasal Polyps Medications that can cause a runny nose/congestion.  Why you need to be cautious when using Afrin. Additional Information & Links Pollen count app to download: Klarify American Lung Quit Smoking What to know about skin testing What are allergic shiners What is the Allergic Salute

A bonus 'mini' episode all about wearing a mask to help prevent catching and spreading COVID-19. This is an excerpt focusing on face masks from episode #32 about COVID-19 and asthma with Melanie Carver of Allergy Asthma Foundation of America.  What we cover in this episode: Best practices for handling a face mask What to look for when buying or making a face mask How to clean your face mask Can you wear a face mask with asthma

September is known as September Asthma Epidemic or Asthma Peak Week because of the increased hospitalizations due to asthma. Since we are entering the fall during the COVID-19 pandemic there are some additional preventative steps those with asthma should take this year.    Dr G and Kortney are joined by Melanie Carver, the chief mission officer of Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Melanie has been working on creating more resources surrounding COVID-19 and Asthma. She shares her expertise about the impacts of COVID-19 on asthmatics, schools, and wearing face masks.    What we cover in this episode: Why September is a peak month for asthma What you can do to help ensure you will not be negatively impacted by your asthma during September peak How COVID-19 impacts those with asthma  Back to school: what are asthma triggers that kids are being exposed to and how you can address them Back to school: what you need to know about preparing for being in the classroom The symptoms of COVID-19 versus the symptoms of asthma Does wearing a mask impact asthma Tips on wearing a mask What you can do to help protect yourself from COVID-19 this fall/winter (get a flu shot!) Additional resources: Full list of resources for COVID-19 from AAFA Information about face masks September asthma peak information COVID-19 and Schools How to use a spacer with your inhaler Stay up to date with the latest COVID-19 news with AAFA

How do you set up a 504 plan for food allergies and asthma?   Whether it is food allergies, asthma, ADHD or another disability, a 504 plan is an essential part of your child's school experience because it states in black and white why they need accommodations and what they are.   Kristin Osborne joins Kortney and Dr G as she outlines how to set up a 504 plan, what accommodations you can arrange for food allergies and asthma, what happens if your child's 504 plan is violated, and more! Kristin is a trained disability advocate and mom to three boys with multiple life-threatening food allergies, so you bet she knows all about what it takes for setting up a plan and navigating the federal school system.   What we cover in this episode: What is a 504 plan and who can get one? When can you start a 504 plan for your child? Preschool to high school. Can you have a 504 plan if your child goes to private school? How to qualify for a 504 plan: the eligibility meeting, the criteria, and who is involved in this process. The types of accommodations food allergies and asthma can have in a 504 plan. What would be considered a violation of the 504 plan? The steps to take if the 504 plan has been violated. The role of class parents in ensuring the 504 plan is respected. When and how you should get your food allergy child involved in the 504 planning process. What is your doctor’s role in setting up a 504 plan. Could COVID impact your 504 plan? Kristin’s honey and hot sauce method Helpful Resources: Kristin's website and how to get in touch with her: www.theprioritizedgroup.com Sample Section 504 Plans for Managing Food Allergies from Kids with Food Allergies SAMPLE ACCOMODATIONS FOR 504/IEP/IHP from FAACT Section 504 and Written Management Plans from FARE Megan explains what she has in her son's plan for food allergies and EOE from Allergy Awesomeness

How do disparities (racial and economic) impact people with food allergies? Dr. G and Kortney explore disparities in food allergies with Emily Brown, the founder of Food Equality Initiative. Emily shares her story of food allergies and food insecurity, and how this impacts so many Americans.  Emily started Food Equality Initiative (FEI) to ensure that no mom has to feel like she did when she first stepped into a food pantry and could not find any safe options for her family.  FEI’s mission: Improve health and end hunger in individuals diagnosed with food allergies and celiac disease through access to safe and healthy food, nutrition, education and advocacy. What we covered on this episode: Why Emily started Food Equality Initiative and her journey into becoming an allergy mom. The role of family support in food allergy management. Food disparities and food insecurity - what does this mean. Why there is no shame in asking for help. American food programmes: WIC, SNAP (supplemental nutrition program). The struggles food allergy families may face at food banks and pantries.  How you can benefit from FEI or get involved. Since avoidance of allergens is the only treatment, access to safe food is therefore also the treatment. Emily and FEI are working to make safe food covered by insurance. Asthma and food allergy disparities - how they are linked. Why doctors need to screen for food insecurity. Helpful resources: Emily’s open letter to the food allergy community #ForTheHealth: Ending food allergy healthcare disparities series hosted by FEI Infographic of the impact of food allergies on a food budget

Are there special precautions you need to take when pregnant with food allergies?   Chelsey Amer joins Dr G and Kortney to talk about her experience being pregnant with food allergies. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Chelsey also shares information about proper nutrition during pregnancy for those with and without food allergies.   Dr G also shed some light on allergic reactions and what you need to know about taking allergy and asthma medications during pregnancy.   What we cover in this episode: Chelsey's journey with food allergies, chronic lung disease and how she became a registered dietitian. Can you use anti-histamines, epinephrine, topical steroids while pregnant? Pregnancy and asthma, can you continue to use controller medications and does anything change with asthma during pregnancy? Tips on how to eat a well-balanced diet during pregnancy and what that looks like. The role of supplements during pregnancy: what to look for and what to take. Is it ok to be a vegetarian while pregnant? Will your baby get all the nutrients they need to thrive? Why omega 3 fatty acids should not be neglected during pregnancy. What foods to avoid during pregnancy. Should you avoid eating allergenic foods while pregnant if you are not allergic to them? If you have a child with food allergies, should avoid eating their allergens during pregnancy? Can vitamin D help prevent allergic disease in babies? Why you want to introduce allergenic food to your child early on. Breastfeeding: what foods should be avoided, and when should you avoid allergenic foods while breastfeeding? When should someone consider working with a registered dietitian? What concerns Chelsey had about food allergies for herself and for her son. How to safely introduce your food allergens to your baby, and what Chelsey has been doing with her son. Sugar and gestational diabetes during pregnancy.   Helpful Resources: https://www.itchpodcast.com/post/episode-29    

What is the secret to feeling comfortable in your skin, especially when you have eczema?   Dr. Gupta and Kortney interview "skinfluencer" Alexis Smith, who shares her eczema journey on Instagram. Alexis has appeared on the cover of People Health Magazine, and Dove Beauty campaigns openly displaying her skin. Alexis shares how to feel comfortable in your skin, how to date, and wear makeup when you have eczema.   Dr. G goes into detail about patch testing for contact dermatitis, and how it is an integral part of eczema management.   What we cover in this episode: The role Instagram played in her eczema journey and the doors that it has opened from collaborations to developing a community How Alexis's family adapted to her diagnosis and the changes they had to make as a household The emotional toll eczema puts on you  Alexis's story of not covering up her eczema and why is it important to know and remember that "people don't care" Advice on how to be more comfortable in your one skin and gain confidence in your body How to interact with people who comment on your skin and don't really understand it? Navigating makeup with eczema Tips for rocking your eczema routine The testing used to help diagnose eczema Dating with eczema Mental health & resources for people who are feeling emotionally drained from their skin condition   Additional resources:https://www.itchpodcast.com/post/episode-28    

What can you do to avoid atopic eczema flares?   In part two of the atopic eczema series, Dr G and Kortney discuss treatments and management techniques. From oral steroids to bleach baths, get ready to learn about all the ways you can help maintain healthy skin and avoid flares.   What we cover in this episode: What types of creams should you use to help maintain your skin Medicated creams: steroid cream, non-steroidal creams: Protopic and Crisaborole Sun exposure’s impact on your skin Other atopic eczema therapies: Phototherapy, Oral steroids: the pros and the cons, Dupilumab - dupixent: use and side effects, and Antihistamines Skin care for atopic eczema: soaps, bathing, moisturising Bleach baths General tips on how to avoid a flare. Can eczema be cured?   More resources: Atopic Eczema Treatments

What is the itch that rashes?  Dr G and Kortney are at it again; this time, they are doing a deep dive into atopic eczema. In part one, they go through all the terms associated with atopic eczema, what causes it, the symptoms, and the triggers. In part two, they will be covering treatments and maintenance. What we cover in this episode: Eczema and dermatitis Atopic eczema/atopic dermatitis Contact dermatitis Neurodermatitis What happens in the body to cause atopic eczema?  Why the skin barrier is essential in understanding atopic eczema and why you need to keep it moisturize What does atopic eczema look like/how to recognize it. How atopic eczema in effect different age groups. What are the triggers of atopic dermatitis: weather, temperature, environmental allergens, food allergies, stress. How to diagnose atopic eczema and why it is crucial to work with an allergist while diagnosing a baby, especially if they are being tested for food allergies.  How food allergies and eczema present in adults.

Can you travel with food allergies? You bet! This is how! In this episode, Kortney and Dr. G talk to Allie Bahn, a travel guru, who has been blogging about her adventures since 2008. Despite her allergies, Allie always finds various ways of exploring the world, while being conscious about her condition. Travel has evolved for Allie from road trips with her family as a kid to solo adventures around the globe. Allie shares the steps she takes and her mindset around travelling with food allergies. There is no impossible destination as long as you are prepared. What we cover in this episode: How to make travelling with allergies possible - what you need to prepare in planning and your expectations. How travelling with food allergies evolves as you get older How to solo travel with allergies Summer camps and student exchange: How should parents and children have a conversation when deciding to participate in an exchange program and what is necessary to prepare for it. How to know when a child is ready for travelling abroad Are organizations more hesitant to allow kids with food allergies to participate in exchange programs? What to do when preparing for first-time travel after food allergy diagnosis How to build up confidence in travelling with allergies How to prepare for travelling with allergies How does Ally decide where to go next Where should one be finding emergency services abroad The resource www.allergytravels.com List of resources: https://www.itchpodcast.com/post/episode-25

Kissing, love, drinking, oh my! How does a young adult navigate this and more when they have food allergies? Dr G and Kortney sat down with Amanda Orlando, the blogger behind Everyday Allergen-Free and author of the cookbook Everyone's Welcome and Dan Kelly from the podcast May Contain to talk about dating! They set out to talk about navigating love life with food allergies, but the conversation morphed into alcohol, college and figuring out how social life in your late teen's early twenties. There is some fun stuff in this episode, and the guests reveal some personal details about first kisses and more! What we cover in this episode: How to bring up your food allergies with a date It's normal not to know how to bring up your allergies Always share your allergy with dates as early as possible If someone doesn't consider your allergy when planning a date - then maybe they aren't right for you How using humour can help when introducing your allergies- Rules about kissing? How parents can help make young adults who are vocal about their allergies. Over 60% of teenagers feel embarrassed to speak about their allergies - how can we change this? Things that you need to think about as you transition from living at home to living on your own in college. How having close friends who know your allergies and situation can make a big difference. Why you should teach your friends how to use your epi device. The importance of building a new safety net at college. How to navigate drinking safely How alcohol might affect your reaction to foods. Allowing your partner to have allergens or not? Did you grow up in an allergen-free home or not? Additional resources: https://www.itchpodcast.com/post/episode-24

How do you know if you have an under reactive immune system? Did you know Dr G is an allergist-immunologist. This episode explores the function of an immunologist, what they treat patients for and how they go about it. But to fully understand immunology, we first have to know more about the immune system and what can go wrong with it.  What we cover in this episode:   A brief overview of the immune system   What can go wrong with the immune system: Overreacting - allergies & autoimmune disease, Under reacting - immunodeficiency disorders What causes an immunodeficiency? The basics of how to recognize an immunodeficiency and diagnose it How immunodeficiencies are treated Types of immunodeficiencies   Difference between allergy, autoimmune disease and immunodeficiency Listener question: How can someone have both an under reactive and overreactive immune system?   Resources: https://primaryimmune.org/ https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/primary-immunodeficiency-disease Episodes on allergies:  Ep.1: What is an allergist & when should you see one? Ep. 2: The science behind an allergic reaction & why are allergies on the rise? Ep. 3: Managing food allergies as an adult & tips on dining out and traveling with allergies Ep. 5: The types of food allergy testing & why they can be so hard to interpret Ep. 18: The questions that arise after a food allergy diagnosis: Part 1 - the medical questions Ep. 19: The questions that arise after a food allergy diagnosis: Part 2 - Lifestyle changes  

What better way to start 2020 than to bust some food allergy myths?   We asked our listeners what food allergy statements they wonder are a myth. Dr G sheds some truth on common misconceptions that circulate the food allergy community.   The myths tackled in this episode: Only kids are affected by food allergies Each reaction is worse than the last Exercise can make a reaction more severe Aspirin and alcohol can also increase your chances of having an allergic reaction to food The absence of a protein makes an item/ingredient completely safe Peanut oil is safe for people with a peanut allergy. People with milk allergy are fine with lactose-free food Everyone grows out of their milk allergy You can have an allergic reaction to airborne peanuts You shouldn't worry about peanuts on planes You can have an anaphylactic reaction by only touching food You can't be allergic to corn or rice You can't be anaphylactic to fruit or vegetable Foods caused by oral allergy syndrome are not considered a true allergen If you use your EpiPen, you have to call 911 and go to the hospital If you use two adrenaline auto-injectors, they need to be administered in different thighs End with this question: What would happen if you do epi to the neck or chest like in the movies For more resources go to https://www.itchpodcast.com/post/episode-22

How do you start giving your allergy kid more control in managing their food allergies?   Live from the Food Allergy Bloggers Conference! Dr. G and Kortney interview mom and daughter pair Gina and Jill as they share some of their presentation about self-advocating and the steps that a family can take in managing their food allergies or any other medical condition.    Gina Mennett Lee, M.Ed, works nationally and internationally as a food allergy consultant and educator through her business, FoodAllergyConsulting.com. Her daughter, Jill, has multiple food allergies and shares her life managing allergies on Instagram.   Learn how they developed a four-step plan that helped Gina lead the way and then slowly give up the reigns on managing Jill's allergies.  What we cover in this episode  The four steps that Gina used to help Jill start to self-advocate:Modelling, Small step advocacy, Supported advocacy, and Independent advocacy   Examples of how to use this process and how Gina has helped Jill become an independent food allergy teenager.  The hardship of giving your allergy kid more control and finding their independence.  Find the slides to Gina & Jill's presentation and more helpful links here: https://www.itchpodcast.com/post/episode-21

How do you navigate life with food allergies when food plays such a significant role in so many cultures?   Dr. G and Kortney talk with Sharon Wong from Nut Free Wok. Sharon is in an allergy mom of two who blogs about recipes, cooking techniques, Asian ingredients, and food allergy related awareness and advocacy issues. She has made it her passion to share her Chinese heritage with her kids despite their food allergies.   This episode explores how culture and food are intertwined and how this can impact someone with food allergies. Sharon shares how she was able to communicate her needs with her family so her children could still participate and how you can share time and traditions by doing other activities that do not involve food.   Sharon and Kortney also share how they navigate their food allergies at family events by embracing inclusion for all.   What we cover in this episode  Why Sharon started her blog   Strategies on how to try foods from different cultures when you have food allergies   How food plays a role in culture and how this fits in when you have food allergies  Communicating your food allergies needs to the family around the holiday season, especially if this impacts family traditions  Creating inclusion around food at family gatherings  Managing potlucks when there may be food allergens present   Sharon's two steps on how you can start thinking about sharing food culture with your food allergy kids  Finding safe alternatives to make food similar to the original - you aren't missing out because it is about intention  Bonus how to make a stir fry    Additional resources: https://www.itchpodcast.com/post/episode-20