The Itch: Allergies, Asthma, Eczema & Immunology

Have you ever considered whether your nasal congestion, IBS, brain fog, and hives are related?  This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network. We thank Blueprint Medicines for sponsoring this podcast. Dr. Anne Maitland joins us as we delve into the complex world of mast cell disease. From the confusing range of symptoms to the unpredictable nature of each person's experien...

Are you allergic to your eyelash extensions? Eyelash extensions have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a way to achieve fuller, longer lashes without the hassle of applying mascara every day. However, some potential risks are associated with eyelash extensions, including allergic reactions. Dr. Janice Luk joins Dr. G and Kortney to discuss eyelash extensions and what happens wh...

The basic science of mast cells is the first episode in our 6-part series exploring Mast cell diseases. To start the series, we explore the intricate workings of mast cells by diving into how they work and what happens when something is off balance. Have you ever wondered what releases histamine and how this happens? Then this episode is for you! What we cover in our episode about mast cell diseas...

Fear and anxiety are very common when managing food allergies and anaphylaxis. It can come from the unknown, where the allergen can show up. It can also come from the way your allergies are discussed.  How do you motivate patients to use their epinephrine without causing crippling anxiety? Dr Golden joins us as we explore the delicate balance of doctors using fear to underscore the urgency of admi...

Is a needle-free option for administering epinephrine coming out? Yes!  Dr. Golden joins us again in this episode to explore the new products in development for administering epinephrine. What we cover in our episode about anaphylaxis and epinephrine: The new types of ways to administer epinephrine: Inhaler Nose spray Sublingual film  Why it has been challenging to find alternative ways to adminis...

Biologic medications are supposed to help you live your life as normally as possible, but still, one has to wonder, can you travel while taking biologic medicines? After releasing the episode on biologics for asthma, Dr. G and Kortney decided to explore how to travel while on a biologic successfully. They unpack what considerations patients need to take when planning their trip.  What we cover in...

Have you ever wondered if it's anaphylaxis or just a severe allergic reaction? And how do you know when to use epinephrine? Diagnosing anaphylaxis can be challenging, and in this episode, we dive into this topic with our guest, Dr. David Golden. What we cover in this episode: What is anaphylaxis When to use an Epinephrine device? How to determine if it is an allergic reaction or an anaphylactic re...

In the second episode of the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast Series, Dr. G and Kortney dive into the critical topic of controlled and uncontrolled asthma. They shed light on various aspects of asthma, including its types, severity levels, medications, and the importance of asthma action plans. This episode is especially important to our hosts as asthma has personally impacted...

Itchy, watery eyes? It may be an allergy that only impacts your eyes! Dr. Luk joins Dr. G and Kortney to discuss ocular allergies, which are allergic reactions that affect the eyes.  Ocular allergies are common and can cause significant discomfort and impaired vision. However, many people are unaware of the different types of ocular allergies, the treatments available, or the importance of prevent...

Part of the series: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network, with funding support from AstraZeneca. In this episode, we explore a new form of asthma treatment, Biologics. These innovative treatments offer targeted relief by addressing the underlying causes of asthma, leading to improved symptom control and a better...

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 inse...

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 ea...

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 t...

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 i...

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 an...

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...

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 a...

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...

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 ch...

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...

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 look...

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 daughte...

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...

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 diagn...

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 aller...