Real Talk: Eosinophilic Diseases

Recent findings from research co-funded by APFED and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology could have a major impact on food allergy testing for people with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). In this episode, co-hosts Dawn McCoy and Ryan Piansky discuss the research that could better identify food triggers that cause EoE symptoms with the principal investor of the study, David Hill, MD...

Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA), formerly known as Churg-Strauss Syndrome, is a rare condition that can be challenging to diagnose. In this episode, co-hosts Dawn McCoy and Ryan Piansky explore the topic of EGPA and how it can be managed with expert Peter A. Merkel, MD, MPH. Dr. Merkel is the Chief of Rheumatology and a Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University...

There has been a growing awareness of eosinophilic asthma in recent years, and thereare increasingly more treatment options for people with this type of asthma. In thisepisode, co-hosts Ryan Piansky and Mary Jo Strobel explore the topic of eosinophilicasthma, triggers, treatment options, and more with Ravi Viswanathan, MD. Dr. Viswanathan is a board-certified Allergist & Immunologist, and Assistan...

There is no denying that mealtime can be a challenge for those with eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) who are on elimination diets. In this episode, co-hosts Dawn McCoy and Ryan Piansky discuss some creative strategies that can help make mealtimes easier with Holly Knotowicz, MS, CCC-SLP.   Holly Knotowicz is a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Feeding and Swallowing Specialist. Her b...

Hypereosinophilic Syndromes (HES) are a rare, chronic group of diseases and there are many unanswered questions as to the cause and prevention. Living with HES can be challenging, and in this episode, Debbie Alves shares insights about what it is like to live with HES, her road to getting diagnosed and treated, and what she has learned from her journey that could help others.   Debbie Alves has a...

Living with a chronic illness can take a toll not just on the patient, but also on their partner, and their relationship. Whether it is a relationship between a couple, a parent and a child, family members, or even friends, living with chronic illness significantly changes the dynamic. In this episode, Barbara Kivowitz, MSW, shares insights about what these changes are, and how to cope with them....

In recent years, there has been a greater focus on infusing the patient voice in clinical research in the space of eosinophilic disorders. In this episode, co-hosts Dawn McCoy and Ryan Piansky discuss the shift toward patient-led research for eosinophilic diseases with Evan Dellon, MD, MPH. Dr. Dellon is an adult gastroenterologist with a clinical focus on eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (E...

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play a role in immune responses and help fight off infections. When these cells build up and cause inflammation in the digestive system, tissues, organs, and/or bloodstream, without a known cause, it may be the result of an eosinophil-associated disease. Join the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) for a series of conversations wi...