The Itch: Allergies, Asthma, Eczema & Immunology

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...

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’...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 o...

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 a...

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 patie...

Have you ever wondered if steroids are the best choice for managing your eczema?  While both topical and oral steroids offer quick relief from severe eczema flares, understanding their long-term risks and safer alternatives can dramatically improve your quality of life. In this episode, Dr. Mondana Ghias joins Kortney and Dr. Gupta to discuss the complex role of systemic corticosteroids in eczema...

Ever wonder if the “asthma shot” from the ER, or those go-to steroid pills for your asthma flares, might be doing more harm than good? Dr. Dipa Sheth joins us to discuss the common pitfalls of relying too heavily on oral corticosteroids (OCS), also known as oral steroids. We unpack why these systemic medications should generally be reserved for short-term use. She also shares how improving asthma...

What does "control" mean when managing allergic conditions, and how can you achieve it? When you have asthma, eczema, nasal polyps, or other conditions caused by type 2 inflammation, reaching a state of control can dramatically improve your quality of life. But what does "control" really mean? Is it the same as a cure? And what steps should you take if your current treatment isn't working? In this...

Can you slow down the atopic march and prevent kids from developing more allergic diseases? Type 2 inflammation plays a central role in allergic diseases, which impact children from infancy through adulthood. From eczema and asthma to food allergies and allergic rhinitis, these conditions are all connected through an underlying immune response: Type 2 inflammation. But is there a way to prevent th...

Why do conditions like asthma, nasal polyps, or eczema become more severe when they coexist? Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta are joined by Dr. Michael Blaiss to explore the common thread linking multiple allergic and inflammatory diseases: Type 2 Inflammation. If you’ve ever wondered why certain conditions often appear together, this deep dive will help you connect the dots. Type 2 Inflammation is a h...

What do asthma, eczema, EoE, and nasal polyps have in common? They all stem from Type 2 inflammation! Type 2 inflammation is a major cause of many allergic and inflammatory conditions, yet it remains widely misunderstood. In this first episode of our four-part series on Type 2 Inflammation, we discuss the basics, unpack its impact on the immune system, explain how it contributes to chronic inflamm...

We’re celebrating 100 episodes and six years of The Itch Podcast!  In this special episode, Dr. Payel Gupta and Kortney reflect on their journey—sharing insights from their experiences as a doctor-patient duo. Dr. G talks about how the podcast has influenced her as a provider, while Kortney shares how it has literally changed her life. We also introduce The Journal Club, a brand-new series in whic...

What would you do if your baby had a severe allergic reaction? Recognizing and treating anaphylaxis in babies can be overwhelming, but knowing the right signs and symptoms can help you decide when to use epinephrine or distinguish it from a cold. Pediatric allergist Dr. Michael Pistiner joins us to discuss how to recognize anaphylaxis in infants, when to use epinephrine, and why early food introdu...

Is there a cure for food allergies? Unfortunately, not yet. However, exciting new treatments are emerging that offer hope and improved quality of life for those managing food allergies. Dr. Maya N. Gharfeh joins us to explore innovative options for treating food allergies. In this episode, we cover comprehensive strategies ranging from traditional avoidance techniques to cutting-edge treatments li...

Think diagnosing food allergies is as simple as running a test? Think again. Food allergy testing is a maze of gray areas, false positives, and, hopefully, a clear food allergy diagnosis. Navigating food allergy testing can feel overwhelming, with skin pricks, blood tests, and conflicting advice. How do you determine which tests are truly useful? How can you avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions...

Can a TikTok video from a doctor change how we understand health? Have you ever scrolled through social media and found a doctor busting medical myths or sharing health advice? Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are transforming how we access health information and interact with medical professionals. Dr. Zachary Rubin joins Dr. Gupta and Kortney to explore the evolving role of doctors on social...

Have you ever wondered what happens inside your body during an allergic reaction? From itchy eyes to anaphylaxis, the science behind allergies explains why some reactions are mild while others can be life-threatening. In this episode, we break it all down. Dr. Payel Gupta and Kortney unpack the basics of food allergies, starting with what IgE antibodies are and how they play a role in allergic rea...

Exploring Neffy Nasal Spray: A Needle-Free Epinephrine Option Managing anaphylaxis just became easier with Neffy, the FDA-approved nasal spray for epinephrine. This innovative, needle-free option is transforming emergency allergy care. Dr. Autumn Burnette joins Dr. Payel Gupta and Kortney to discuss how Neffy works, who it’s best suited for, and its potential impact on anaphylaxis treatment. With...

Curious About Neffy, the New Nasal Epinephrine Spray? We’re diving into everything you need to know about Neffy, the new FDA-approved nasal spray for epinephrine. This groundbreaking, needle-free option provides an easy way to manage anaphylaxis in emergencies. Dr. Sakina Bajowala joins Dr. Gupta and Kortney to explore Neffy’s unique nasal delivery system, what distinguishes it from traditional au...

It's that time of year again—open enrollment is here! Don't worry, we're here to help you choose the best health insurance for you and your family. Lacey Varnon from the National Association of Medication Access and Patient Advocacy (NAMAPA) is back with Dr. Gupta and Kortney to discuss everything you need to consider when selecting a health insurance plan. This episode is all about understanding...

Discover Meka's journey with chronic hives in skin of color—a powerful story of resilience, self-advocacy, and building the right support system to get the care she deserves. Emmeka, or "Meka," joins Dr. Gupta and Kortney to share her personal experience of living with chronic urticaria as a person with skin of color. Meka describes her journey from a lack of resources addressing hives on black sk...