AAFAnoon Chats

When a community comes together around health, everything changes. Community-driven asthma programs don't just manage symptoms — they also address triggers and obstacles: housing, air quality, and health care access. Because better asthma management happens when people are supported. In this episode of AAFAnoon Chats, host AAFA’s Black Women’s Asthma Alliance (BWAA) advisors interview board-certif...

Asthma. Seasonal allergies. Food allergies. Eczema. Nasal polyps. Eosinophilic esophagitis. What if these aren’t separateproblems – but different expressions of the same one? We're pulling back the curtain on a common thread linking many of these conditions — an overactive immune response called type 2 inflammation. Think of it as a fire burning inside the body. Depending on where it flares, i...

Choosing a food allergy treatment is a big decision. It starts with understanding the current options. Then thinking about what is important to you and your family, and assessing the requirements, benefits, and side effects or risks.   In this episode of AAFAnoon Chats, host Zulema Chavez interviews board-certified allergist, Dr. Dave Stukus. Dr. Stukus discusses: Allergen avoidance Oral immunothe...

Sometimes proteins in one plant are similar to proteins in another plant and the immune system gets confused and sees them as the same. This can cause false positive allergy tests or in some cases, an allergic reaction. In this episode of AAFAnoon Chats, host Zulema Chavez interviews board certified allergists, Dr. Michael Pistiner, and Dr. Nowak-Wegrzyn. Dr. Pistiner and Dr. Nowak-Wegrzyn discuss...

In this episode of AAFAnoon Chats, host Zulema Chavez interviews Dr. Neeta Ogden, medical spokesperson for AAFA, and Hannah Jaffee, AAFA’s Research Director. Dr. Ogden and Hannah discuss: Findings from AAFA’s 2026 Allergy Capitals® report, which is released every March. The impacts of seasonal allergies. How to manage pollen allergy and mold allergy. Allergy treatment options such as over the coun...

In this episode, we focus on AAFA’s Health Equity Advancement and Leadership (HEAL) program, and outreach efforts in Alabama to address asthma disparities that exist in rural communities with Dr. Ellen Buckner and Dr. Linda Gibson-Young. We discuss what health equity and health disparities are, steps to address these issues and improve asthma outcomes, and how people can connect with the HEAL prog...

In this episode, we discuss managing asthma and allergies during pregnancy with Dr. Jennifer Namazy. We discuss whyit’s important, tips to manage these conditions during pregnancy, asthma medicine safety during pregnancy, and resources available for patients, caregivers, and health professionals. Resources: Asthma During Pregnancy: https://aafa.org/asthma/living-with-asthma/asthma-during-pregnancy...

In this episode, we talk about asthma management and control with Dr. William Anderson and Dr. Matthew Greenhawt. We discuss: What asthma is How to manage it Current inhaled treatment options Differences between quick relief medicines and controller medicines Resources: Asthma Symptoms: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-symptoms/ Asthma Treatment: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-treatment/ How to Corr...

In this episode, Tamara Hubbard discusses mental health support and resources available to empower families managing food allergies. She discusses the social, mental, and relational impacts of food allergies on parents and children, as well as strategies to help families overcome these challenges. Tamara is a licensed clinical professional counselor and family therapist. Related resources: Mental...

Dr. Matthew Greenhawt, leading expert on food allergies, explains a recent study about a significant drop in peanut allergy diagnoses. The study covered by the media and got viral attention. But the reporting on the study is not entirely correct. The study notes that the drop in peanut allergy rates coincided with changes to feeding guidelines that now recommend early introduction of allergenic fo...

In this episode, we talk about the latest research and guidelines for treating anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction. Drs. Matthew Greenhawt and Katherine Anagnostou explain: Symptoms of allergic reactions and what anaphylaxis means Why using epinephrine is important Why guidelines have evolved The research behind the first validated anaphylaxis action plan Details about how the plan provides a...

In this episode, we talk about managing allergies during the summer. Dr. Jeffrey Demain discusses common allergens seen during the summer such as stinging insects and pollen, and how people can protect themselves if they have bee allergy, ant allergy, or grass allergy.   Resources: - AAFA Online Support Community for People with Asthma and Allergies: https://aafa.org/join - Bee Sting Allergies: ht...

In this episode, Naomi Seiler, JD talks about health policies and how they affect people’s access to affordable care and treatments for asthma and allergies. May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. This year’s theme is Make Asthma and Allergy Treatments Accessible for All .   Resources: - Advocacy Action Center: aafa.org/advocacy - Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month Information and Activities:...

In this episode, Kathleen M. Buchheit, MD explains what nasal polyps are, why people with asthma or allergies have a greater chance of developing them, as well as treatment and management options currently available. Resources: - Nasal Polyps: aafa.org/nps - A Guide to Nasal Polyps (PDF): aafa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/guide-to-managing-nasal-polyps.pdf - Life with Nasal Polyps Report: aafa.o...

In this episode, Jenna Riemenschneider, AAFA’s Vice President of Advocacy and Policy, and Hannah Jaffee, AAFA’s Director of Research talk about allergies and our AllergyCapitals report. This report analyzes data from across the United States and ranks the 100 largest cities where it is challenging to live with allergies. The episode also highlights the impacts of climate change, tips to manage all...

In this episode, AAFA talks to Linda Nozart-Frierson, MPH, BSRT, RRT, AE-C about community health, asthma disparities, and the role of respiratory therapists. Linda shares her personal journey with asthma and emphasizes the importance of understanding the seriousness of the condition and advocating for better health outcomes. This episode highlights the need for better access to resources for comm...

In this episode, Jennifer Namazy, MD, talks about how pregnancy can affect asthma and the importance of managing asthma while pregnant. She discusses the importance of medicine, the RSV vaccine and the Breathe 4 Baby initiative. The episode also highlights the significance of education for both people with asthma and health care professionals.   Resources: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): aafa.o...

In this episode, Dr. Michael Pistiner and Dr. Amanda Cox talk about food allergies and severe allergic reactions in infants and toddlers. They discuss the definition and symptoms of anaphylaxis, the importance of recognizing signs in young children, and the latest research impacting management and treatment options. The conversation also highlights the emotional and social challenges faced by fami...

Kenny Mendez, AAFA’s President and CEO, and Jenna Riemenschneider, AAFA’s Vice President of Advocacy and Policy discuss indoor air quality, its impacts on human health, and how you can advocate for better indoor air.   Join our online community at aafa.org/join to learn about more ways you can help.

Neeta Ogden, MD explains steps you can take to protect your and your family's lung health during the asthma peak in September. AAFA released its 2024 Asthma Capitals report during the asthma peak to help raise awareness about the nationwide impacts of asthma. For the full list of rankings, visit https://asthmacapitals.com Learn more about the September Asthma peak at https://aafa.org/asthmapeak⁠ a...

Every September, there is a spike in asthma-related ER visits and hospital stays. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America explains what causes this asthma peak and what to do to protect your and your family's lung health. Melanie Carver, AAFA's Chief Mission Officer, talks about how fall seasonal allergies, extreme weather and fires, respiratory infections, and school building environments al...