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Breaking down the facts behind a bee sting allergy and more! In this episode, we delve into the world of venom allergies, focusing on allergic reactions caused by flying insects and fire ants. Our hosts are joined by Dr. Farah Khan, who shares her valuable expertise, in explaining the underlying mechanisms of allergic reactions to venom allergies.  What we cover in this episode: What types of insects can cause a venom allergy and lead to anaphylaxis; honey bees, bumble bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants. Why mosquitos are not a concern for anaphylaxis. What a normal versus an allergic reaction to venom looks like.Local versus systemic reactions. What is the difference, and when do you need to worry that you will potentially have an anaphylaxic reaction. When should you see a doctor regarding your insect bite. Why testing is not straightforward for insect stings (venom allergy): insect sting allergies are rare, and we do not want to over-test. What happens after you have reacted a venom and how to work with your allergist. Only test people who have had an allergic reaction to a sting. Types of tests that would be used once you have reacted to venom.  How to determine whether you are a candidate for immunotherapy.  Why allergist test for systemic mastocytosis when talking about venom allergies. What to do when you get stung and the best medications to take. How to best prepare yourself to avoid getting stung. Advice to someone afraid of a stinging insect. More information about this episode can be found here: www.itchpodcast.com/episodes/55-venom-allergy

What is early allergen introduction for babies? Are you still confused about when to feed your baby allergens? Over the past few decades, there has been quite a shift in thinking about the early introduction of food allergens for babies, so your confusion is wholly justified. Dr. G dives into this exact topic and talks to two professionals, Meenal Lele and Dr. Katie Marks-Cogan, in the field of early introduction. She explores why the guidelines for introducing allergens have changed and how to introduce allergens safely and consistently.  What we cover in this podcast about the early introduction of food allergens: What inspired Meenal and Katie to develop products to help parents with early allergen introduction? What is early food introduction? Why are we no longer avoiding food allergens in babies?  What studies have shaped the protocol change around introducing allergens to babies? How does this impact 'high-risk' children? The challenges for the studies and compliance hurdles parents faced.   Why do babies develop food allergies? What hypotheses point to the increase in food allergies in children over the past three decades? The guidelines for early introduction of allergens. How to feed allergens to infants safely? Why do you want to consider the early introduction of allergens with your babies?  The role of food allergies in a baby's eczema: if your baby has eczema, will they develop food allergies? When to see an allergist for your baby? What is the best practice for diagnosing a baby's allergies, and why is testing not always appropriate? How to work with your medical team and rely on something other than online information.  Fundamental studies about the early introduction of allergens: The LEAP study, EAT study, PETIT study Guest Bios Meenal Lele is the founder of Lil Mixins, an allergy prevention company for babies. With experience as a food allergy parent and clinical knowledge, she created the company to provide options for parents introducing allergenic foods to their babies. Meenal holds an engineering and business degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She is the author of The Baby and the Biome, a book exploring the connection between a child's microbiome and their health. Dr. Katie Marks-Cogan, MD, FAAAAI, FACAAI, specializes in allergies, asthma, and sinus disease. She is the head allergist at Ready.Set.Food and provides top-notch care to both kids and adults at Clear Allergy in Downtown Culver City, CA. As a mom of two, Dr. Marks-Cogan was inspired to work with Ready.Set.Food. Originally from Cleveland, OH, she graduated with honors from the University of Maryland School of Medicine after earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physiology and Neurobiology from the University of Maryland College Park.

Tips on how to make the best of your atopic dermatitis management and care plan.   Atopic dermatitis is not a diagnosis that you should go at alone. Your care team can consist of multiple health care professionals, from your GP to a nurse, a therapist, and even your pharmacist. Additionally, you should be an active member in creating your healthcare plan since you are the one who needs to follow through with it day in and day out.  In this final episode of our Atopic Dermatitis in Skin of Color series, Dr. G and Kortney talk to Tonya Winders, the president of Allergy Asthma Network, to discuss the nurse's role in AD management and shared decision-making. Tonya also shares her experiences of having a daughter with atopic dermatitis and the psychological toll the disease can have on patients.    What we cover in this episode: - Who can all be a part of your healthcare team - Telehealth for atopic dermatitis - Why decision aids are essential to use   Interview with Tonya Winters:  - Nurses in an outpatient setting - understanding their role in patients with atopic dermatitis. - Nurse versus a nurse practitioner - Developing an atopic dermatitis plan - asking what your goals are. - Allergy and Asthma Network is working to help more nurses and physician assistants to become certified in managing atopic dermatitis. - Shared decision making - what is it, and how can you be sure you are practicing this with your healthcare team - How to talk to your doctor about your financial situation when making your treatment plan - Using shared decision aids to help with shared decision making and as a guide to talking with your care team. - The importance of addressing psychological health for people with atopic dermatitis   Helpful Links: The role of the nurse in the care and management of patients with atopic dermatitis - Paper co-authored by Tonya: https://bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12912-020-00494-y Shared Decision Making Aids: www.ithcpodcast.com

You have been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis or you are experiencing an eczema flare, now what can you do to treat it?  In the fourth part of the series on atopic dermatitis in skin of color, Dr. G and Kortney discuss all medications available to treat AD, from topicals (creams) to oral medication and injections.  They also discuss how other strategies to treat AD that is more budget-conscious if your insurance does not cover certain medications.  What we cover in this atopic dermatitis in skin of color episode: - Topical steroids: what are they, how to use them and their side effects - Topical steroid withdrawal - Other topicals that do not contain steroids - Oral medication that may be prescribed for atopic dermatitis: oral steroids, antibiotics and antihistamines - Biologics: what are they and their side effects - Wet wrapping - Phototherapy From Shiv - How to wet wrap and why she likes this form of treatment Helpful atopic dermatitis in skin of color resources: Non-Steroidal Topicals Calcineurin inhibitors - tacrolimus ointment (Protopic) and pimecrolimus cream (Elidel) Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor - crisaborole (Eucrisa) JAK inhibitors.  Bleach bath recipe from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) Add ¼ - ½ cup of common 5% household bleach to a bathtub full of water (40 gallons).  Soak your torso or just the affected part of your skin for about 10 minutes Limit diluted bleach baths to no more than twice a week.    More information about AD in skin of color: https://eczemainskinofcolor.org/eczema-diagnosis-skin-of-color/

Practical tips about skin care maintenance for atopic dermatitis In the third part of our 5 part series in collaboration with the Allergy & Asthma Network on atopic dermatitis in skin of color we are talking all about taking care of your skin and how to make your living environment more atopic dermatitis friendly.   Dr. G and Kortney the importance of skin hydration; the best ways to moisturize and shower. They also share ways to ensure your living environment is optimized for good skin conditions, from cleaning products to carpets. Finally, they go over the psychological side of atopic dermatitis and how to maintain balance in the body and the mind.    What we cover in this atopic dermatitis in skin of color episode: Understanding the importance of keeping atopic skin hydrated. How to break the itch-scratch-rash cycle. Skincare: bathing and moisturizing - the preferred types of cleansers and moisturizers to use. How to make your living environment atopic dermatitis friendly. Sleep hygiene for atopic dermatitis. Managing stress to help control eczema - some things that can help you. Strategies to stop scratching.   From Shiv How moving helped her flares. Seeking therapy was important to her mental health and skin healing.   Helpful atopic dermatitis in skin of color resources: Resource for AD in skin of color:  https://eczemainskinofcolor.org/eczema-diagnosis-skin-of-color/ Dr G and Kortney discuss yoga for asthma - many of the tips can also apply to atopic dermatitis:https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/does-yoga-benefit-asthma/  More eczema episodes: https://www.itchpodcast.com/eczema Yoga for asthma podcast: https://www.itchpodcast.com/episodes/48-yoga-asthma Meet Shiv on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivaika/ 

How do doctors diagnose atopic dermatitis in skin of color? In the second part of our 5 part series in collaboration with the Allergy & Asthma Network  on atopic dermatitis in skin of color we are talking about diagnosis! Dr. G and Kortney discuss all of the tests involved in diagnosing atopic dermatitis (AD) in people with skin color. They also cover all of the skin conditions that are ruled out when a doctor is making a diagnosis and the importance of patient history in diagnosis.    What we cover in this episode: • A quick overview of what AD looks like in skin of color • Skin conditions that may look like atopic dermatitis and common misdiagnosis • The symptoms doctors look for when diagnosing atopic dermatitis • Explanations of the  tests doctors use to diagnose atopic dermatitis- IgE blood test, component blood test, skin prick test, patch testing,and  skin biopsy • How to diagnose eczema in babies and the link to food allergies • The other factors that doctors take into account when diagnosing AD - the importance of patient history   From Shiv: • Shiv shares her experiences with being diagnosed with atopic dermatitis and her experiences with different doctors.   Helpful Links: • Link to images of AD in skin of color: https://eczemainskinofcolor.org/image-library/ • “What is eczema” from Allergy & Asthma Network: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/what-is-eczema/ • More about Shiv: https://www.instagram.com/shivaika/

This is the first episode of our 5 part series in collaboration with the Allergy & Asthma Network about atopic dermatitis in skin of color.  In the first episode, we are going to talk about atopic dermatitis (AD) in people with skin of color. Atopic dermatitis affects everyone differently, which means it does not look the same on everyone or in every skin color. It is important to recognize this and to raise awareness on how AD impacts certain populations differently than others.  Along with Kortney, Dr. G will be sharing her expertise as an allergist and will be overviewing the basics of AD. Special guest Shiv Sewlal shares her personal experiences with atopic dermatitis.    What we cover in this episode • Why are we doing a podcast series about atopic dermatitis (AD) in people with skin of color? • What is atopic dermatitis? • Is eczema the same thing as atopic dermatitis? • What is the difference between child onset versus adult-onset atopic dermatitis? Can you develop AD as an adult? • Why is atopic dermatitis more prominent in people with skin of color? • How can housing impact your skin?  • Why air conditioning can be helpful for people with atopic dermatitis. • Why is atopic dermatitis underdiagnosed in patients with skin of color? • What are the symptoms of AD in different skin colors? • What are triggers? How do these make atopic dermatitis worse? • How does mental health impact atopic dermatitis? • What is the itch-scratch cycle? • Who should you see if you think you have atopic dermatitis?   From Shiv • Shiv shares what her atopic dermatitis looks like • Shiv and her mom’s experience with therapy to help with her skincare   Helpful Resources •  All our past atopic dermatitis episodes: https://www.itchpodcast.com/eczema • More about Shiv: https://www.instagram.com/shivaika/ • "What is eczema" from Allergy & Asthma Network: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/what-is-eczema/

Can yoga help with asthma management and control? We are releasing the ‘Yoga breathing exercises for asthma’ panel discussion that Dr. G and Kortney had in the late fall of 2021. This was one of 3 Living Well with Asthma Virtual Events organized by Allergy & Asthma Network and sponsored by GSK. What we cover in this climate change episode: - The benefits of yoga for your breath, asthma and overall health.  - How yoga gives you more body awareness that helps with asthma management.  - How to choose which form of yoga to do. - When to use an albuterol inhaler before yoga. - How to prepare for your first yoga class and what to look for.  - The difference between doing yoga at home vs doing yoga in a studio.   Q&A section: - Can yoga help with vocal chord dysfunction? - How about going to a studio during the pandemic? - Do you need to modify your yoga practice due to age? - Are there any medical conditions that would stop you from doing yoga?

What are the impacts of climate change on human health? Climate change is a large public health threat, it impacts all aspects of human health from physical to mental. Dr. Neelu Tummala joins us to discuss how we are seeing the direct effects of climate change on human health. She also shares ways that both patients and doctors can take action to help combat climate change.  The face of climate change is no longer the polar bear, it is your son, your grandma, your neighbour, and even you! What we cover in this climate change episode: How is climate change impacting our health?  Why are doctors are concerned about the increased length of pollen allergy season?  What can doctors and patients do to make a difference with climate change? Understanding what changes the government can do such as the Build Back Better Act Supporting local organizations  Energy efficiency home Building awareness: if you are living with a condition that is affected by climate change and your environment - talk about it! How climate change is impacting lower-income communities more than wealthy communities? Dr. Tummala explains why you want to talk about climate change with your doctor The importance of being aware of the air quality index How much impact does an individual have versus a government or big company? Plant-based diet - what if you love eating steak? Is recycling actually worth it? Helpful resources: More about Dr. Neelu Tammula Dr. Neelu Tummala is a board-certified physician, surgeon, writer and climate advocate who has a special interest in education and advocacy concerning the health effects of climate change and environmental injustice.  She is on the Steering Committee for Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action and is a trained Climate Reality Leader. She has worked with the American Lung Association, Union of Concerned Scientists, The Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, and Environment Virginia as a volunteer activist and educator. Follow Dr. Tummala on social media: https://www.instagram.com/neelutummala/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelu-tummala-55600196/ https://twitter.com/neelutummala

How are headaches related to allergies? If you have allergies or don’t have allergies, but you get your fair share of headaches and or migraines this episode is for you.  We are joined by Dr. Huma Sheikh a board-certified Neurologist-Headache and Vascular Disorder Specialist. She gives us the 101 on all things headaches and migraines and lays out the connection between headaches and allergies. If you say you have sinus headaches then you will be sorely surprised to learn that is not a medical condition.    What we cover in this importance of sleep episode  What are headaches? What is the trigeminal nerve, why is it important in headaches? What is homeostasis? Primary and secondary headaches - when headaches are a symptom and when is a headache the main disease such as a migraine.  How are allergies and headaches linked? The link between allergies and migraines? What is a sinus headache? Cross-over between allergies of the eyes and nose and headaches.  What is trigeminal neuralgia? How to differentiate it from allergies.  When should someone see a headache specialist? Comorbidities and migraines. How are migraines diagnosed? Can certain foods and food intolerances cause headaches? Can histamines cause headaches? How are headaches and migraines treated? NSAIDs - how do these medications work? What is an NSAID allergy? How do you know that you need to see a doctor about your headaches?   ADDITIONAL INFO Dr. Sheikh: @headachesnyc: https://www.instagram.com/headachesnyc/?hl=en www.headachesnyc.com   NSAID list:  https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/transplant/programs/kidney/living_donors/NSAIDs%20List%20to%20Avoid.pdf

What is the importance of sleep? Why is it something we want to talk about on a podcast about asthma, allergies, and eczema?   Sleep is the center of health, so naturally, it would have an impact on asthma and environmental allergies. Dr. Carol joins us to discuss the importance of sleep from how it impacts your overall health, mood, productivity, hunger, and more! She unpacks what good sleep looks like, how to figure out if you are getting enough sleep, and of course how sleep impacts allergies and vice versa.   What we cover in this episode: - Why is sleep so important? - How much sleep do you need? - The pros and cons of napping. - What is more important sleep quality or quantity? - What does good quality sleep look like? - How do you know if you are getting enough sleep? - How do allergies impact sleep and vice versa? - How to get better sleep? - What is sleep hygiene? - Can air purifiers help you with your sleep quality? - How does special bedding, like dust mite covers, help people with environmental allergies? - Best practice for sheet care and mattress care for people with environmental allergies. - Do any allergy medications impact sleep? - Restless leg syndrome and how this can be impacted by allergy medication. - When should you go see a sleep specialist?   Additional resources: - More about Dr. Carol: Telehealth: bhaisleephealth.com  and follow her on Instagram: @bhaisleephealth - Epworth sleepiness scale: https://nasemso.org/wp-content/uploads/neuro-epworthsleepscale.pdf - Air purifier: https://breathesans.com- get a discount using Gupta50 to get $50 off - How to claim CME credits from this episode: https://www.adaptrack.com/welcome/the-itch-podcast

Oral Immunotherapy, OIT, has been on a lot of food allergy minds lately, especially with the FDA approval of PALFORZIA (the peanut pill). Dr. G and Kortney talk with Dr. Gharfeh is a double board-certified pediatric trained allergist/immunologist practicing in Oklahoma City. She has first-hand knowledge when it comes to OIT as she practices in clinic and has recently undergone OIT with her daughter.  What we cover in this episode on Oral Immunotherapy The types of immunotherapy including OIT, SLIT, and epicutaneous. The current research and status of OIT for the different allergens. The status of peanut for OIT.  Unpack the advantages and disadvantages of Palforzia, the FDA-approved peanut pill. Outline the process of OIT at the allergist office. What happens is if you react during OIT. How allergists ensure the protein in the doses are used for OIT.  The pros and cons of doing oral immunotherapy as a patient and as a family such as the time commitment and risks of OIT. The reason why OIT is mostly targeted to under 18s.  The side effects of OIT. Risk of developing EOE during OIT.  Current unknown of OIT - will the desensitization last? How long will the patient need to take the maintenance dose? What should a patient think about when considering OIT How many foods you can do at a time with OIT Dr Gharfeh shares her personal experience doing OIT with her daughter Additional resources on Oral Immunotherapy Palforza: https://www.palforzia.com/ Dr. Wasserman, the protocol Dr. Garfeh and her colleagues follow: https://www.allergypartners.com/northtexas/doctors/?providerid=796 Dr. Maya N. Gharfeh's bio: https://oklahomaallergy.com/team/maya-gharfeh/  Dr. Garfeh on Instagram @allergistmama and Twitter @Maya Gharfeh MD How to claim CME credits from this episode: https://www.adaptrack.com/welcome/the-itch-podcast

A bonus episode that digs into the possibility of being allergic to semen. We talk with Dr. Wright about human seminal plasma allergy (Hypersensitivity) - what is it and how common is it. Of course, you can't talk about intercourse without talking about kissing, so we also chat about how to safely kiss after your partner has consumed a food allergen.   This episode was sponsored by Allergy Insider.   What we cover in the episode - Can you be allergic to semen? - Can a food allergen be found in semen as it can in saliva? - What is the likelihood you could have a reaction via intercourse due to your partner eating an allergen? - What can you do if you have an allergy to semen? - How to test whether your allergy was from semen or something else? - What about kissing your partner if they have consumed a food allergen?   More helpful resources: - Kissing, Sex and Food Allergies - how to talk to your partner about your allergy and getting intimate. https://thezestfull.com/kissing-sex-food-allergies/ - Getting intimate with eczema https://www.itchpodcast.com/post/intimacy-and-allergies - Episode with Amanda and Dan about dating and alcohol when you have food allergies. https://www.itchpodcast.com/post/episode-24 Intimacy for people with latex allergies (later in the post) https://www.itchpodcast.com/post/intimacy-and-allergies

Time to tackle some common food allergy myths and listener questions. Dr. Wright, a board-certified allergist and Medical Director at Thermo Fisher Scientific, joins Dr. G and Kortney to bust common misconceptions that circulate around food allergies as well as answer your questions. What we cover in this episode: - The difference between food allergy and food intolerance. - How an allergist diagnoses a food intolerance. - What medication exists for people with intolerances and how they work. - How likely is it for your second child to develop a food allergy if their sibling does. - Should you get your child tested for an allergy before introducing an allergenic food? - If your child has eczema will they develop a food allergy? - If you are allergic to peanuts will you also be allergic to legumes? - If taking a food out of your diet will lead you to become sensitized to it and potentially develop an allergy to it? - Is it true that when your allergen appears on a may contain label, you have to 100% avoid eating it? - When it is appropriate to use Benadryl for an allergic reaction.  - The importance of epinephrine auto-injectors. - Why you should not become complacent about having “little reactions”.  - Can antihistamines mask anaphylaxis? - Will throwing up the food with an allergen in it lessen your chances of having a reaction? -  Could you have an allergic reaction if you did not swallow the food with your allergen in it?   This episode was sponsored by Allergy Insider.   Additional Resources: Allergy Insider - Allergy Insider: https://www.thermofisher.com/diagnostic-education/patient/us/en/allergy.html?cid=0so_3pc_01062021_L5HBXE - Follow @allergyinsider on Instagram for more information on allergies: https://www.instagram.com/allergyinsider/ - Follow Allergy Insider on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllergyInsiderUS/ - Follow Dr. Wright on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.wright_allergist/   More information about: - Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance: https://www.thermofisher.com/diagnostic-education/patient/us/en/blog/food-allergy-vs-food-intolerance-blog.html?redirect=false&cid=0so_3pc_01062021_L5HBXE - How to read a label: https://www.thermofisher.com/diagnostic-education/patient/us/en/blog/how-to-read-a-food-label.html?redirect=false&cid=0so_3pc_01062021_L5HBXE - How to Prepare for a Food Allergy Emergency: https://www.thermofisher.com/diagnostic-education/patient/us/en/blog/how-to-prepare-for-a-food-allergy-emergency.html?redirect=false&cid=0so_3pc_01062021_L5HBXE   Relevant The Itch Episodes: - Ep. 22: Food Allergy Myth Busting - https://www.itchpodcast.com/post/episode-22 - Ep. 42: What are cross-reactive allergens? - https://www.itchpodcast.com/post/cross-reactive-allergens - Ep. 2: The science behind an allergic reaction - https://www.itchpodcast.com/post/episode-2

Do certain foods make your mouth itchy? We may have the reason why! In this episode, Dr. G and Kortney are joined by Dr. Wright, a board-certified allergist and Medical Director at Thermo Fisher Scientific, as they demystify cross-reactivity in food allergies.  What we cover in this episode: - What is cross-reactivity? Cross-reactivity with pollen versus cross-reactivity between IgE mediated allergens. - What is oral allergy syndrome (OAS), and why do allergists prefer pollen food allergy syndrome? - The difference between OAS and true food allergies causing anaphylaxis. - How do you know it is an allergy due to pollen cross-reactivity (OAS)?  - What are the symptoms of OAS? - How is oral allergy syndrome diagnosed? - Can you have anaphylaxis to foods that OAS causes? - Are there some fruits and vegetable varieties that are better for people to eat who have OAS? - When do people start to develop OAS? - Who would typically develop OAS? - The cross-reactive pollens and their cross-reactive foods. - The types of tests available for testing cross-reactive allergens: skin prick, blood test and component testing.  - How to determine if a food is an allergen due to pollen cross-reactivity or IgE mediated. - Why would you consider getting component testing?   - How component testing can help determine if you can tolerate baked eggs and baked milk. - How to determine if you are a candidate for an oral challenge.   This episode is sponsored by Allergy Insider. Additional Resources: Allergy Insider - Follow @allergyinsider on Instagram for more information on allergies: https://www.instagram.com/allergyinsider/ - Follow Allergy Insider on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllergyInsiderUS/ - Allergy Insider’s #ThatKid Campaign: https://www.thermofisher.com/diagnostic-education/patient/us/en/that-kid.html - Follow Dr. Kia Wright on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.wright_allergist/ More information about: - Understanding allergy cross-reactivity: https://www.thermofisher.com/diagnostic-education/patient/us/en/understanding-allergies/cross-reactivity.html  - OAS (oral allergy syndrome): https://www.thermofisher.com/diagnostic-education/patient/us/en/allergy-symptoms/head-eyes-ears-nose-throat-heent-allergy-symptoms/oral-allergy-syndrome-oas.html - Component testing: In the US, component testing available: Milk, egg, peanuts, some tree nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts, Brazil nuts, cashew) - More information about allergy testing: https://www.thermofisher.com/diagnostic-education/patient/us/en/testing-for-allergy-triggers.html Relevant The Itch Episodes: - Ep. 34: What are allergies of the eyes and nose (environmental allergies): https://www.itchpodcast.com/post/episode-34 - Ep. 35: How to treat environmental allergies (allergies of the eyes and nose): https://www.itchpodcast.com/post/episode-35 - Ep. 5: The types of food allergy testing & why they can be so hard to interpret: https://www.itchpodcast.com/post/episode-5

Air quality and climate change’s impact on asthma and allergies   The quality of our environment has a direct impact on our health. As temperatures rise, pollen seasons grow longer and pollution worsens due to warmer air, which helps to form ground-level ozone, sometimes called smog.   Kenneth Mendez, President & CEO, Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), joins us to discuss air quality and climate change’s impact on asthma and allergies. We discuss all the factors that can impact air quality and how this impacts our health, focusing mainly on asthma and seasonal allergies. Kenneth also shares more information about the Allergy Capital Report put out annually by AAFA. What we cover in this episode: Impact of climate change and air pollution for seasonal allergies and asthma. What are seasonal allergies? Air quality: Why people with environmental allergies and asthma should pay attention to it Air quality index Indoor air quality should not be ignored. Climate change: Warmer temperature’s impact pollen Earlier pollen season, frost comes later Covid-19 and asthma: The outcomes are not worse How to differentiate if it is Covid-19 or seasonal allergies (Hay Fever does not mean fever is a symptom) Why talking to your doctor and getting your asthma under control is so important for your health What mask-wearing can signal about your asthma Signs of uncontrolled asthma Allergy Capitals Report and Asthma Capitals Report made by AAFA What are they measuring and why is this important? Cities/urban environments are a good place to look at what the impacts of climate change will look like in the future for individuals with asthma and allergies How to minimize your allergy symptoms Additional resources: AAFA Online community: aafa.org/join AAFA’s 2021 Allergy Capitals™ report: allergycapitals.com Healthy Home Indoor Air Quality Control Indoor Allergens SYMPTOMS CHART: IS IT COVID-19, THE FLU, A COLD, ALLERGIES OR ASTHMA? Follow AAFA: Facebook: @AAFANational Instagram: @aafanational Twitter: @AAFANational

Dr. G and Kortney chat with Dr. Manisha Relan about how food allergies are portrayed in the media both the bad and good sides. They briefly talk about the medical side of anaphylaxis before diving head first into breaking down some famous food allergy scenes.    Dr. Manisha Relan is a pediatric allergist and clinical immunologist at a private practice in central New York, where she sees both children and adults for all things allergy. She loves learning and teaching. During fellowship, she was in charge of anaphylaxis training via a simulation lab experience; in her practice she is passionate about women’s health, food allergies, rhinitis, and immunotherapy. She maintains a personal professional Instagram account @pedsallergymd where you can follow her for more.    What we cover in this episode: The 3 definitions of anaphylaxis. How movies and TV shows help patients describe their allergic reactions. How allergists use movies and TV shows to help understand what their patients have experienced. Why media should ensure they are properly portraying food allergies. The negative impacts of media using food allergies as a joke.  How does this directly impact the food allergy community? The misinformation being portrayed by the media when showing an allergic reaction.  Beyond humour, the other focus in media is harming people who have food allergies. How does this bullying impact people managing allergies? Should kids sit at an allergy table? What shows are doing it right?  The scenes discussed in this podcast episode: Adults Reacting Friends: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub3sE1ww6ac Allergy: kiwi. Ross is allergic to lobster, peanuts, kiwi. He eats a kiwi-lime pie thinking it was key-lime.  Symptoms: throat/tongue swelling Treatment: goes to hospital Hitch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdDPoFcBZEY Allergy: seafood.  Symptoms: throat feels itchy (trying to scratch the throat), swelling.  Treatment: Running to a pharmacy, buying Benadryl is not an accurate way to treat it. Monster-in-Law: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHpyl6uVPrw, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8XC_Zee8XA Allergy: almonds.  Symptoms: tongue swelling and lips.  Treatment: not shown Peter Rabbit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VwWPnHZMrs Allergy: blackberry Symptoms: not really shown Treatment: Has epipen on him, no hesitation to use it.  Kids/Teens Reacting Daniel Tiger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysEk_aLvGYg Allergy: peach Symptoms: itchy, hives - red bumps, tummy ache  Treatment: liquid medication Arthur: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ5JB7z7nOk Allergy: peanut Symptoms: itchy Treatment: adrenaline pen Freaks and Geeks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VE65VbUBGbI Allergy: peanut Symptoms: we just see him on a stretcher with an oxygen mask, coma Treatment: called ambulance Additional resources: List of other scenes portraying allergic reactions from Everyday Allergen-Free  Opper, C. E. (2015). Food Allergy Framing in Entertainment Media: The Use of Humor and Its Influence on Health Thoughts and Behavior [Senior Honors Thesis, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill]. Carolina Digital Repository.

Urticaria, also known as hives can be triggered by many things. From the heat to water, to the spontaneous hive, these can be a burden for many patients. Knowing what triggers urticaria can help manage hives and lessen their impact on the quality of life. Hives may feel mysterious, but they don’t have to be. Today Dr Patel, a double board-certified Allergist/Immunologist, joins us to discuss the causes of urticaria, how urticaria is diagnosed and how it is treated.  What we cover: What is urticaria, more commonly known as hives.  What does urticaria look like? How do you know they are hives? Who typically gets urticaria? What are the causes of urticaria? What is a rash? A hive is a kind of rash. Chronic versus acute hives.  Types of urticaria: Idiopathic urticaria (spontaneous urticaria)  Physical urticarias:  Dermatographic Pressure urticaria Vibration urticaria Aquagenic urticaria Cholinergic urticaria (exercise) Cold urticaria Heat urticaria Solar urticaria  How stress impacts hives and allergic responses.  How is urticaria diagnosed? Why you want to see an allergist about urticaria. Ways to treat urticaria: Antihistamines, Xolair (omalizumab), Immunosuppressants, Topic medication, Oral steroids Are urticaria and eczema linked? Impact of having hives on daily life.  Useful Links: The two meditation apps Kortney highly recommends are Insight Timer and Waking Up.

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 vaccine Note 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