Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Itch: Allergies, Asthma, Eczema & Immunology

You have probably heard the word "microbiome", but what does it actually mean for someone living with a food allergy?

Dr. Carina Venter, a registered dietitian, joins us to break down the gut’s role in food allergies. She explains what the microbiome is, how it connects to the immune system, and what families can realistically do right now to support a healthier gut.

What we cover in this episode about gut health and food allergies

• What the microbiome actually is. Understanding the bacteria living in your gut, why diversity matters, and what happens when that balance gets disrupted.
• The connection between gut bacteria and food allergy. Research consistently shows that children with food allergies have lower levels of two key bacteria, and that gap may affect how the immune system responds to food.
• Leaky gut and ultra-processed foods. What leaky gut actually means and research on emulsifiers.
• Should you be taking probiotics? Which strains have the most research behind them, what to look for on the label, and why diet diversity may matter more than any supplement.
• Practical steps for families. From a diverse diet to when to use supplements.

About our guest, Dr. Carian Venter: https://www.carinaventer.com/

__

This podcast is made in partnership with the Allergy & Asthma Network

In this journal club episode, we break down the draft of the Chronic Urticaria Guidelines: 2026 AAAAI/ACAAI Joint Task Force (JTF) on Practice Parameters GRADE- and Institute of Medicine-based recommendations. We explain what counts as chronic hives, why the guideline leans on second-generation non-drowsy antihistamines, what to do when those are not enough, and what is new for both adults and kids.

At the time of recording, the draft was open for comments; it closed for comments on June 30, 2026.

What we cover in our episode about the new chronic hives guidelines

• What chronic hives are: A plain-language look at the two main types, spontaneous and inducible, plus angioedema (swelling) that can come with them.
• What a draft guideline is: Why the guideline is still being reviewed, and how comments can help shape it before it is final.
• What's new for kids: How children fit into the guideline, and why most do well without advanced treatments.
• The antihistamine shift: Why the guideline favors non-drowsy, second-generation antihistamines and moves away from older, sedating ones.
• When antihistamines are not enough: If higher-dose antihistamines do not work, the recommended advanced option is to start omalizumab (Xolair) plus two newer additions: dupilumab (Dupixent) and remibrutinib (Rhapsido).

Download Infographic

• Read the draft guideline and comment details (ACAAI)
• Track your symptoms: Get the CU Download to access the UAS7 and the Urticaria Control Test (UCT)
• What are chronic hives?
• Chronic Urticaria Toolkit
• Living with Chronic Hives

***********

The Itch Review, hosted by Dr. Gupta, Kortney, and Dr. Blaiss, explores allergy and immunology studies, breaking down complex research in conversations accessible to clinicians, patients, and caregivers. Each episode provides key insights from journal articles and includes a one-page infographic in the show notes for easy reference.

***********

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Opella for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Join Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta as they unpack chronic spontaneous urticaria. Together, they define what hives actually are, explain how CSU is different from an allergic reaction and other types of hives, and walk through what is happening under your skin to cause all that itching.

This episode was originally published June 6, 2024. We re-released it on June 25, 2026 with a new intro as the perfect foundation before our episode on the new chronic urticaria guidelines.

Do you get hives and have no idea why? Then this episode is for you.

• What hives really are. Urticaria is the medical word for hives, and the two signs are that it itches and it comes and goes.
• CSU versus other hives. How CSU differs from inducible hives (CINDU) and from an allergic reaction.
• Histamine and the itch. Why histamine drives the swelling and itch, and why scratching feels so good.
• What makes hives flare. CSU has no true trigger, but stress and other culprits can set off your mast cells.

Explore our full catalog of hives episodes

Diagnosis and the basics

• Ep. 76 Diagnosing Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
• Ep. 128 Is Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria an Autoimmune Disease?
• Ep. 90 Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Urticaria in Skin of Color

Treatment

• Ep. 78 Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Treatments
• Ep. 131 What Is a BTK Inhibitor?
• Ep. 147 The REMIX Trial: Remibrutinib for Chronic Hives  
• Ep. 116 Why Fexofenadine Is Considered a Truly Non-Sedating Antihistamine

Living with chronic hives

• Ep. 148 How Do You Know Your Chronic Hives Are Under Control? 
• Ep. 122 Mortality in adult patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria: A real-world cohort study 
• Ep. 80 Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Myths and Misconceptions
• Ep. 79 Living with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A patient story
• Ep. 91 A Patient's Experience with Chronic Urticaria and Skin of Color
• Ep. 107 Hives in the Latinx Community

______

This podcast is made in partnership with Allergy and Asthma Network. 

We thank Novartis for originally sponsoring this episode.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Any mention of brands is also informational and not an endorsement. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical questions or concerns.

Treatment options for eczema have come a long way, with many new non-steroidal choices. One type is the JAK inhibitor, which offers two things people have long wanted: a non-steroidal option and a more advanced option that, unlike a biologic, does not require injection.

Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta sit down with returning guest Dr. Nicole Chase, to break down what a JAK inhibitor actually is, how the pill and cream versions differ, how JAK inhibitors compare to biologics, and what to know about safety. They also cover what is new, including a topical JAK now approved for children as young as two.

What we cover in this episode about JAK inhibitors for eczema

• What eczema really is. 
• How JAK inhibitors work. 
• Pills versus creams. 
• JAK inhibitors versus biologics. 
• Safety and side effects. 

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Incyte for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Most adults with asthma never receive education about managing their condition, even though it is proven to help with better asthma control. The reason comes down to access. In this episode, we explore a digital platform called BREATHE, built from the ground up to change that.

Dr. Payel Gupta and Kortney sit down with the two lead authors behind “Development and Usability of a Digital Asthma Self-management Education Platform: BRinging Exercise, Asthma Assessments, and TeacHing to Everyone (BREATHE)” published in JACI: In Practice, March 2026. De De Gardner and Sheryl Flynn, CEO, talk about how BREATHE was developed, what the app includes, and what the data showed after patients and providers put it to the test.

What we cover in this episode about asthma self-management

• Asthma self-management education and why most adults never receive it.
• How BREATHE was built using a user-centered design process, shaped by what adults with asthma and healthcare providers said they actually needed.
• What the BREATHE platform includes: asthma lessons, validated control assessments, and an Asthma Action Plan, all in one app, in English and Spanish.
• What the usability study found: adults rated the app in the 81st percentile, providers rated the dashboard in the 76th percentile, and 80% considered making a behavior change after just two weeks.
• Where the program is now and where it is going, including how to access the free Allergy and Asthma Network Virtual Asthma Coaching Program today.

Allergy and Asthma Network Virtual Asthma Coaching Program and the Spanish program.

This podcast is made in partnership with the Allergy & Asthma Network.

We are continuing our series of interviewing thought leaders in the field of allergy and immunology. Dr. Gupta and Kortney sit down with Dr. Carla Davis, the president of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

What we cover in this episode about Dr. Davis and the AAAAI

• What the AAAAI is and why it matters to patients. A 7,000-member organization working behind the scenes to support allergy and immunology care across the US and around the world.
• Dr. Davis's path to the presidency. From her early experiences advocating as a fellow to her major pivot from Baylor to Howard University, the journey that shaped her priorities.
• Initiative: AAAAI Advocate. A new platform connecting patients and physicians directly to their legislators, making it easy to share your story and push for better access to allergy care.
• Initiative: AAAAI AI Task Force. A dedicated group bringing AI tools into allergy care, including AAAAI Ignite, a Netflix-style platform that helps members find and curate personalized allergy content.
• Initiative: The Collaborative Translational Mechanistic Research Seed Award. A $100,000 grant pairing laboratory scientists with clinical allergists to move new discoveries directly into patient care.

More resources

• • American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
  • AAAAI Advocate platform
  • Allergy & Asthma Network health equity resources

This podcast is made in partnership with the Allergy & Asthma Network.

Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta are joined by Tamara Hubbard, MA, LCPC, a licensed clinical professional counselor and food-allergy parent. Together, they dig into what food allergy anxiety actually looks like in teenagers, why some teens take more risks as they get older, and what parents can do to support their teens without making things worse.

What we cover in this episode is about food allergy anxiety in teens:

• What makes teenagers a high-risk group for food allergy reactions. Independence is increasing at the exact same time parental oversight is decreasing, and that combination creates real safety concerns.
• What food allergy risk-taking actually looks like. It is not always what parents expect, and some of it is just teens figuring out how to belong.
• Food allergy social anxiety is its own distinct experience. The fear of looking different, being a burden, or standing out can drive behavior just as much as the fear of a reaction.
• Why parental anxiety matters more than most parents realize. The way parents talk about food allergies often directly affects how teens handle them.
• How to build confidence and ownership in your teen. What to do when a teen is either too anxious or not anxious enough.

***********

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Genentech and Kaléo for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Food allergy anxiety in kids is real, and it does not always look like fear. It can show up as tantrums, clinginess, control-seeking behaviors, or a child who refuses to eat at a restaurant. Child life specialist and therapist Kelsey Mora joins Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta to unpack what is really going on. 

What we cover in our episode about managing anxiety in kids

• Food allergy anxiety does not always look like anxiety. Tantrums, clinginess, and control-seeking behaviors can all be signs that a child is struggling.
• Language matters from the start. How parents explain food allergies to young children can build confidence or quietly reinforce fear.
• Separation anxiety and food allergies are connected. Dependence on parents can make it harder for kids to navigate school, parties, and social situations on their own.
• Practicing independence at home builds real-world skills. Exposure to allergens in a safe home environment teaches confidence and communication skills kids need everywhere else.

• Passing parental anxiety onto kids. Co-regulation starts with the caregiver, when parents are anxious, kids have a harder time calming down.

Helpful resources

• Food allergy anxiety information from Allergy & Asthma Network
• Kelsey's practice and services: childlifetherapist.com 
• Kelsey's workbooks and resources: themethodworkbooks.com 

***********

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Genentech and Kaléo for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Mia Silverman, food allergy advocate, joins us to talk about the real emotional and practical side of dating with food allergies. From what the research says about kissing risks to setting boundaries to why your allergies might actually be the best filter you have.

What we cover in this episode about dating with food allergies

• When to tell someone about your food allergies. Mia shares why she brings up her allergies early and how she works it into her dating app profile without making it a big deal.
• Fear of rejection. Mia opens up about being ghosted and bullied, and how she learned to reframe rejection as a filter rather than a failure.
• The risks of kissing with food allergies. Dr. Gupta breaks down what the research actually says about allergens in saliva and what your partner can do to reduce the risk.
• Intimacy beyond kissing. From latex-free condoms to body fluids, Dr. Gupta covers what food allergy patients need to know about being safely intimate with a partner.
• Date ideas and setting boundaries. Mia shares practical tips for early dates, setting food-allergy rules, and keeping the conversation open without making it feel overwhelming.

***********

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Genentech and Kaléo for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

If you have asthma, there is a good chance you have learned to live around it. You sleep with your inhaler on the nightstand. You skip the walk because you know it will leave you breathless. This is called uncontrolled asthma, and it is more common than you think. But here is the thing: none of that is normal, and none of it is something you have to accept.

Dr. Juanita Mora, allergist and immunologist, joins Kortney and Dr. Gupta to help patients figure out whether their asthma is actually being managed the way it should be, and what to do if it is not.

What we cover in this episode about asthma symptoms and control

• What well-managed asthma actually looks like. Dr. Mora explains what life should feel like when your asthma is properly treated, and why so many patients have accepted a version of their life that is smaller than it needs to be.
• Why frequent flare-ups are a warning sign. Why underlying airway swelling is dangerous and why catching it early matters.
• The Rules of 2. Five questions covering daytime symptoms, nighttime waking, rescue inhaler use, inhaler refills, and steroid use that can help you figure out if your asthma needs more attention.
• When to ask for a referral. If you are answering yes to any of these questions and your treatment plan is not changing, it may be time to push for a referral to an allergist or pulmonologist who has more tools to help.
• First steps you can take with ControlYourAsthma.org. Dr. Mora walks through the campaign website, available in English and Spanish, including videos, the Rules of 2 quiz, and access to a free asthma coach.

More resources

• ControlYourAsthma.org
• ControlarTuAsma.org
• Free Asthma Coach Program

__________

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Sanofi-Regeneron for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

When a child is diagnosed with a food allergy, one of the first things many parents wonder is, "Did I do something wrong?" and "Did I cause my child's food allergy?" You question if it was something you ate or didn't eat during pregnancy, whether you breastfed long enough, or if you introduced foods too late. The guilt is real, and it is incredibly common.

Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta sit down with Dr. Joanne Moreau, a board-certified allergist and immunologist, to unpack exactly how food allergies develop, and why no parent should carry the weight of blame.

• How food allergies develop. The immune system, genetics, and environment all play a role, and science is still uncovering why.
• Food allergy genetics and family history. A parent with asthma, eczema, or hay fever raises a child's risk, even without a food allergy themselves.
• Pregnancy diet, breastfeeding, and food allergy. No conclusive evidence links what a mother eats during pregnancy, or whether she breastfeeds, to whether a child develops food allergies.
• Eczema and food allergy. Cracked or inflamed skin lets food proteins in before the gut can build tolerance, which can trigger sensitization.
• Early allergen introduction. Introducing allergenic foods between 4 and 6 months of age, and keeping them in the diet consistently, is one of the best tools we have.

***********

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Genentech and Kaléo for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

If you treat patients with asthma, this episode is for you. Not just allergists, but GPs, pediatricians, family medicine doctors, urgent care providers, and anyone who sees a patient with asthma in their practice.

Dr. Cherie Zachary, current president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, joins Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta to talk about why uncontrolled asthma remains a serious and largely preventable problem, and what providers can do differently starting with their next patient visit.

What we cover in this episode about uncontrolled asthma

• The data behind the problem. ER visits, hospitalizations, and asthma deaths have not improved in years, and Dr. Zachary explains why that should concern every provider who treats asthma patients.
• An ER visit is a treatment failure. Dr. Zachary makes the case that any asthma patient who ends up in urgent care or the emergency room should trigger an immediate reassessment of their treatment plan, not just a course of steroids and a send-home.
• Five questions every provider should be asking. The episode walks through a standardized set of control questions designed to help providers catch uncontrolled asthma before it becomes a crisis, covering steroid use, ER visits, rescue inhaler use, nighttime waking, and daily activity limitations.
• Why patients normalize their symptoms. Providers hear what controlled asthma should actually look like, and why patients often don't volunteer the information needed to catch a problem.
• Who is most at risk. Dr. Zachary shares which patient populations are most likely to have uncontrolled asthma and least likely to be identified, and what providers can do to close that gap.

• ControlYourAsthma.org 

• Free AAN Asthma Coach Program

• Find an allergist

• Understanding Oral Corticosteroid Overuse in Asthma

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Sanofi-Regeneron for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Food allergy bullying is more common than most parents realize, and most kids never bring it up on their own. Research shows it affects up to 1 in 3 children with food allergies, and the signs can be easy to miss: a lunchbox that keeps coming home full, a sudden reluctance to go to school, or quietly backing off from safe food habits to avoid standing out.

In this episode, psychologist Dr. Amanda Whitehouse joins Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta to talk about what food allergy bullying actually looks like, how to start a conversation with your child without shutting them down, and when and how to bring the school into it.

• What food allergy bullying looks like. From verbal teasing and social exclusion to threats involving allergens, and how it differs from everyday teasing.
• Signs your child may be being bullied. Behavioral shifts to watch for include school avoidance, changes in eating habits, and withdrawal from activities they used to love.
• How to start the conversation. Why open-ended questions and connection before action are key to getting your child to open up.
• When and how to involve the school. How to approach teachers and administrators, know your child's rights, and document what's happening.
• Building resilience after bullying. How involving your child in the solution, rather than swooping in to fix it, helps them feel empowered rather than powerless.

***********

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Genentech and Kaléo for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta sit down with Nissa Shaffi, MS, Director of Advocacy at the Allergy & Asthma Network, to talk about what patient advocacy really means, how the healthcare system works as a whole, and how everyday people with allergies, asthma, and related conditions can learn to use their voice to push for real change.

What we cover in this episode is patient advocacy for allergy and asthma

• Anyone can be an advocate. Advocacy is not just for politicians or lawyers. It is for anyone who sees a problem and wants to do something about it, from patients, caregivers, doctors, and everyday people alike.
• Forms of advocacy, from social media to Capitol Hill. You do not have to fly to Washington to make a difference. Advocacy starts with education, storytelling, and showing up in whatever way you can.
• How the healthcare system actually works. No single insurance company, hospital, or drug maker is to blame for everything. Understanding the whole system is what makes advocacy effective.
• Why your story can change a law. Personal experience is one of the most powerful tools in advocacy. Real patient stories have driven landmark legislation and saved lives.
• PALI, the Patient Advocacy Leadership Initiative. A free monthly program from the Allergy & Asthma Network that teaches patients the language, tools, and knowledge they need to advocate confidently at any level.

More resources

• PALI (Patient Advocacy Leadership Initiative): 
• Allergy & Asthma Day on Capitol Hill (AADCH)
• AAN Advocacy Center, take action today! 

Bills Allergy & Asthma Network is prioritizing this year:

• Safe Step Act
• EPIPEN Act
• HELP Copays Act 
• One School One Nurse Act
• See all the bills on the Network’s Advocacy page

***********

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

If you have ever taken an antihistamine labeled "non-drowsy" and still ended up foggy and tired, you are not imagining it. Allergists have a lot to say about that label and about the foggy feeling that comes with allergy season in general.

In part two of our live recordings from the AAAAI conference in Philadelphia, Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta talk to allergists from across the US about what they actually think about antihistamines.

What we cover in this episode about antihistamines:

• Non-drowsy does not mean the same thing for every antihistamine. Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra are all labeled non-drowsy, but some are more likely to make you sleepy than others.
• Why allergists have moved away from Benadryl. First-generation antihistamines cross into the brain more easily, causing drowsiness and a range of other side effects that are far less common with newer antihistamines.
• The foggy feeling might not be your medication. Congestion from untreated allergies disrupts your sleep, and poor sleep creates its own fog. Sometimes it is the disease, not the drug.
• Timing your antihistamine makes a real difference. Taking it before you head out gives it the best chance to work. And if it makes you drowsy, switching to a nighttime dose is a simple fix.
• Not all second-generation antihistamines are approved for pilots. Fexofenadine has the lowest penetration into the brain of any antihistamine tested, which is why the FAA cleared it as the only option pilots can take while flying.

Second-generation antihistamines (non-sedating or minimally sedating)

• Cetirizine — Zyrtec

• Loratadine — Claritin, Alavert

• Fexofenadine — Allegra

• Levocetirizine — Xyzal

• Desloratadine — Clarinex (prescription only)

First-generation antihistamines (sedating)

• Diphenhydramine — Benadryl, ZzzQuil, Unisom

• Chlorpheniramine — Chlor-Trimeton

• Brompheniramine — Dimetapp

• Dimenhydrinate — Dramamine

• Hydroxyzine — Atarax, Vistaril (prescription only)

Thank you to our allergists

A huge thank you to every allergist who stopped what they were doing at the AAAAI conference to talk to us. We could not make this episode without you.

• Dr. Mansi Kotwal, Instagram
• Dr. Lauren Davidson, Instagram
• Dr. Joel Brooks, LinkedIn
• Dr. Pratibha Vakharia, allergyv.com
• Dr. Rathika Gupta
• Dr. David Wertheim

Thanks to Opella for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

If you have ever grabbed a nasal spray off the pharmacy shelf, used it for a few days, and given up because nothing seemed to be happening, you are not alone. And according to the allergists we spoke to at the AAAAI conference in Philadelphia, that is not uncommon.

In this episode, Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta share real conversations with allergists from across the US about what they actually think about allergy nasal sprays.

What we cover in this episode about allergy nasal sprays

• Why allergists love nasal steroid sprays. They work at the source of the problem by calming swelling inside the nose before your symptoms have a chance to take hold, and you can pick them up at the grocery store without a prescription.
• You may not feel the nasal spray work right away. Nasal steroid sprays need about two weeks of consistent daily use before you feel a difference. The medication is working, you just cannot feel it yet. Do not give up early.
• When to start before allergy season. Starting your spray a couple of weeks before your season hits means you go in with as little swelling inside your nose as possible, giving the medication the best chance to work.
• Why so many patients stop using their spray. Incorrect technique causes irritation and nosebleeds, and means the medication is not landing where it needs to.
• Not all nasal sprays smell or feel the same. If the smell or taste of your spray puts you off, there are options without it, and that is worth a conversation with your allergist or pharmacist.

Thank you to our allergists

A huge thank you to every allergist who stopped what they were doing at the AAAAI conference to talk to us. We could not make this episode without you.

• Dr. Jessica Hui, Instagram | LinkedIn
• Dr. Jamie Rutland, Instagram | Instagram: The Health Exchange Podcast
• Dr. Juan Carlos Murillo, Instagram | LinkedIn
• Dr. Tobi Olayiwola 
• Dr. Jake Rosenblum, LinkedIn
• Dr. David Wertheim
• Dr. Sonali Majmudar, Instagram | LinkedIn

Thanks to Opella for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Chronic sinusitis without nasal polyps is the most common form of chronic sinusitis. Even so, most patients spend years without a clear explanation, cycling through antibiotics that do not address what is actually going on.

In this episode, Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta are joined by Dr. Michael Blaiss and Dr. Anju Peters, an allergist and immunologist at Northwestern University who co-authored the 2025 Adult Sinusitis Clinical Practice Guideline. Together, they break down what chronic sinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) actually is, what the real quality-of-life impact looks like, and how a proper diagnosis is confirmed.

• Not an infection. Chronic sinusitis without nasal polyps is driven by inflammation lasting 12 weeks or more, not by bacteria or a virus, which is why antibiotics often do not help.
• The hidden quality of life burden. Beyond congestion and sinus pressure, patients commonly experience fatigue, poor sleep, anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
• Why so many patients go years without a correct diagnosis. Symptoms overlap significantly with conditions like allergic rhinitis or migraines. Many patients adapt to feeling unwell rather than seeking answers.
• How doctors confirm the diagnosis. A diagnosis requires objective evidence of inflammation, as seen on nasal endoscopy or a CT scan of the sinuses, not symptoms alone.
• The connection between sinusitis and asthma. The nose, sinuses, and lungs share one connected airway, and about 60% of people with this condition also have asthma, with each capable of making the other worse.

***********

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Insmed for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Chronic hives that come and go without warning are exhausting physically and emotionally. But here is something many patients don't realize: feeling "okay" is not the same as being well controlled.

Kortney and Dr. Gupta are joined by Dr. Tom Chacko, a board-certified allergist and immunologist based in Atlanta, to discuss what good hives control actually looks like and what to do when you are not there yet. From "just living with" your condition to managing a bad flare, tracking your symptoms, and preparing for your follow-up appointment, this episode gives you the tools to stop just coping and start getting better care.

• Chronic spontaneous urticaria. The plain-language definition of CSU, including why hives appear without a clear trigger and what angioedema is.
• The trap of normalizing symptoms. Why patients adjust their lives around hives without realizing it, and how to spot the signs that your condition is not actually controlled.
• How to track your hives. Why symptom tracking helps with diagnosis and better care, and how to use tools like the UAS7 score.
• What to bring to your follow-up appointment. The concrete information your doctor needs to work with you to find the best treatment plan. This includes information about sleep, daily activity, and medication side effects.
• How to ask for more help. What to say when antihistamines are not enough, and what newer treatment options exist for CSU patients today.

• UAS-7 Urticaria Activity Score worksheet

• Allergy & Asthma Network chronic urticaria resources

• More episodes about hives

***********

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Novartis for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

If you have chronic hives and antihistamines aren't helping, there's a new treatment option to know about. In this episode of The Itch Review, we spotlight "Remibrutinib in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria" published in The New England Journal of Medicine, March 2025.

This article looks at the REMIX trials, which tested whether remibrutinib, a BTK inhibitor, can help adults whose chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is not controlled by antihistamines alone. Remibrutinib works differently from antihistamines. Instead of blocking histamine after it's released, it stops mast cells from releasing those itch-causing chemicals in the first place.

The FDA approved remibrutinib in September 2025. 

What we cover in our episode about the REMIX trial:

• Understanding CSU: Chronic spontaneous urticaria causes itchy hives and swelling for more than 6 weeks with no clear trigger, and antihistamines don't work for everyone.
• How remibrutinib works: This BTK inhibitor stops mast cells from releasing chemicals like histamine, rather than blocking histamine after it's already released.
• Why do two identical trials: Running the same study twice (REMIX-1 and REMIX-2) with different patients helps prove the results are real, not a fluke.
• Key results: About half of patients reached well-controlled disease, and about 1 in 3 became completely clear of hives and itch.
• Safety and side effects: Petechiae (tiny dots of bleeding under the skin) were the main thing to watch for, but most cases were mild and went away on their own.

DOWNLOAD THE INFOGRAPHIC

More resources about chronic hives

• Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria - Allergy & Asthma Network
• Chronic Urticaria Toolkit
• What are hives?
• All episodes on urticaria

***********

The Itch Review, hosted by Dr. Gupta, Kortney, and Dr. Blaiss, explores allergy and immunology studies, breaking down complex research in conversations accessible to clinicians, patients, and caregivers. Each episode provides key insights from journal articles and includes a one-page infographic in the show notes for easy reference.

***********

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Novartis for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, or CRSwNP, is a condition driven by ongoing inflammation. That is why treatment is not a one-time fix and why polyps can come back even after surgery. In this episode, Dr. Payel Gupta and Kortney are joined by Dr. Maeve O'Connor, a board-certified allergist and immunologist, to walk through CRSwNP treatment options.

This episode is released around World Anosmia Day because loss of smell is one of the most frustrating and most common symptoms of CRSwNP, and one that treatment can actually help with.

• Nasal therapies as your base management: Saline rinses and nasal steroid sprays are the foundation of CRSwNP treatment. They need to be used consistently as part of your daily routine, not just when symptoms flare.
• Why nasal polyps keep coming back: CRSwNP is driven by ongoing inflammation, not just the polyps themselves, so removing them does not address the root cause.
• When surgery is the right choice: Sinus surgery can open blocked passages and help nasal sprays reach deeper into the sinuses, but works best as part of a long-term plan, not a one-time fix.
• What biologic medications actually do: Biologics target the underlying inflammation causing CRSwNP. Four are currently approved for CRSwNP: dupilumab, omalizumab, mepolizumab, and tezepelumab.
• Why follow-up care matters even when you feel better: Inflammation can return before symptoms become noticeable, so regular check-ins with your allergist or ENT are key to catching early signs of polyp regrowth.

Dr. Maeve O'Connor, MD, FACAAI, FAAAAI, is a board-certified allergist and immunologist and founder of Allergy Asthma & Immunology Relief (AAIR) of Charlotte, North Carolina. She treats patients of all ages, practices integrative medicine, and has been named a Top Doctor by Charlotte Magazine since 2007.

• What is Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP)?
• What are nasal polyps?
• What is AERD?
• Biologics for Allergic Disease
• What to know before starting a biologic 
• Oral Corticosteroid Stewardship

*********

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Sanofi-Regeneron for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

We spend about 90% of our time indoors. But what's actually in that air we breathe, and why does it matter so much for people with asthma, allergies, and eczema?

This is part two of our series about indoor air quality. We discuss how you can improve your indoor air quality. Kortney shares her experience living in Germany, where ventilating your home isn't just a suggestion, it's practically a lifestyle. We also go room by room with practical tips you can actually use, from washing your sheets in hot water to why that scented candle might need to go.

Part one covered what causes bad indoor air quality and what causes health problems for people with asthma and allergic diseases.

• The art of Lüften, aka house burping: Fully opening your windows for 5 to 10 minutes is better than cracking them all day, but skip it during peak pollen season.
• How to reduce dust mites in your bedroom: Hot water washes, dust mite covers, humidity control between 30 and 50 percent, and keeping stuffed animals off the bed.
• What to know about air purifiers: HEPA filters catch particles, carbon filters catch chemicals, and size matters for your room.
• Some cleaning products may make things worse: Choose fragrance-free products, avoid aerosols and scented candles, and wear a mask while cleaning.
• Kitchen and bathroom tips: Run exhaust fans during and after cooking or showering, check for leaks, and watch your shower curtain for mold.
• Advocating for better air at school and work: Ask about ventilation and MERV filters, and pay attention if your symptoms improve on weekends.

• Allergy & Asthma Network: Healthy at Home
• Allergy & Asthma Network: Healthy at Work
• EPA Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools
• EPA Safer Choice Cleaning Products
• EXHALE Resources
• Listen: Ep. 144: What is Indoor Air Quality and Allergic Disease (Part 1 of 2)

This series is part of the EXHALE project, a set of six evidence-based strategies designed to help people with asthma achieve better health and improved quality of life. This series supports the last "E" in EXHALE by reducing asthma triggers in indoor environments.

This podcast is made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network

We spend about 90% of our time indoors. But what's actually in that air we breathe, and why does it matter so much for people with asthma, allergies, and eczema?

This is a two-part series about indoor air quality.

In the first part, we break down the three main categories of indoor air pollutants: particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and biological allergens like dust mites and mold. Dr. G explains how each one affects the body differently and why people with allergic disease are especially vulnerable.

In part two, we discuss how you can improve your indoor air quality.

• What's actually in your indoor air: The three main categories are particulate matter (PM), VOCs, and biological allergens.
• Why PM2.5 is more dangerous than PM10: PM2.5 is small enough to enter your lungs and bloodstream, while PM10 mostly irritates your nose and throat.
• How we create particulate matter: PM2.5 comes from burning things like cooking, candles, and gas stoves. PM10 comes from dust, construction, and dirt tracked in on shoes.
• The difference between particles and gases: PM2.5 is like tiny specks of dust or smoke. VOCs are invisible gases that cause smells, like that "new car" scent.
• Indoor allergens: Dust mites, mold, pet dander, and cockroach allergens are biological triggers that can cause allergic reactions and worsen asthma.

• Allergy & Asthma Network: Healthy at Home
• Allergy & Asthma Network: Healthy at Work
• EPA Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools
• EPA Safer Choice Cleaning Products
• EXHALE Resources

This series is part of the EXHALE project, a set of six evidence-based strategies designed to help people with asthma achieve better health and improved quality of life. This series supports the last "E" in EXHALE by reducing asthma triggers in indoor environments.

This podcast is made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network

We continue our tradition of interviewing the incoming president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology to learn what is top of mind for the field and what it means for patients and families.

Dr. Cherie Zachary joins us to share her personal journey into allergy and immunology as both a lifelong patient and clinician. She explains what the ACAAI does and why increasing representation in medicine is critical for improving allergy outcomes. The conversation also tackles the allergist shortage, how physicians are trained, and what is being done to expand fellowship opportunities and improve access to care.

• What the ACAAI actually does for allergy care: How the College supports clinicians and provides patients with trusted, evidence-based education.

• How lived experience shapes leadership: How Dr. Zachary’s own allergic diseases influenced her path into allergy and immunology.

• Why representation matters for allergy outcomes: How culturally responsive care and physician diversity improve trust and health outcomes.

• Why there are not enough allergists: How training bottlenecks contribute to long wait times and limited access to care.

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Her focus on expanding exposure to allergy through HBCUs and the ACAAI SPARK program.

• American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology

• Listen: Ep. 77: Food Allergy and Its Impact on the Black Community

• Listen: Ep. 108: Interview with Dr. James Tracy

• Listen: Ep. 66: Interview with Dr. Gailen D. Marshall, Jr.

--

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

We thank the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology for their support of Allergy & Asthma Network and this podcast. 

Allergy & Asthma Network has spent more than four decades helping people living with asthma, allergies, and related immune conditions navigate care, access trustworthy education, and make their voices heard.

In this episode, we talk with Lynda Mitchell, CEO of Allergy & Asthma Network. Lynda shares how becoming a food allergy and asthma mom in the early 1990s shaped her career and led her into patient advocacy work. We get into how Allergy & Asthma Network supports patients and families through four mission pillars: education, outreach, advocacy, and research.

• Trusted Messengers and culturally responsive education, and why information is more effective when it comes from people who reflect and understand the community
• Free virtual asthma coaching, and how one-on-one self-management education helps people improve daily asthma control and reduce emergency care
• Patient voice research, what it is, how it differs from clinical trials, and why diversity in clinical trial participation matters
• Advocacy efforts like Capitol Hill Day and PALI, and how patient stories influence laws and policies that affect asthma and allergy care
• Ways to get involved, including resources for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers who want to support or participate in Allergy & Asthma Network’s work

• Allergy & Asthma Network 
• Sign-up for the Allergy & Asthma Network’s Newsletter 
• Get involved with clinical trials and research 
• More about the PALI information session (February 18, 2026)
• Advocacy information
• Virtual asthma coaching program (free asthma self-management education)

***********

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Asthma is one of the most common long-term conditions in children. It is a leading cause of missed school and emergency room visits. Doctors use tools (validated questionnaires) to assess how well a child’s asthma is controlled and whether their medicine is helping. Some tools only ask about symptoms, which can miss children who are still at risk for asthma attacks.

The lead author, Dr. Kevin Murphy, joins us to talk about “Pediatric Asthma Impairment and Risk Questionnaire: A Control Assessment for Children Aged 5 to 11 Years,” published July 2025 in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.

The Peds-AIRQ was designed to improve how doctors identify uncontrolled asthma in children by asking about both current symptoms and past asthma attacks. This approach helps avoid missing children who may seem okay day to day but are at higher risk for future flare-ups.

• Why asthma control in children can be hard to measure
• What “controlled asthma” really means
• Why past asthma attacks matter, even when symptoms seem mild
• What the Peds-AIRQ is and how it works
• How this tool may support better conversations between families and doctors

DOWNLOAD THE INFOGRAPHIC

• Take the Peds-AIRQ questionnaire 
• What is asthma?
• Asthma in Babies and Children
• Childhood Asthma: A Complex Condition That Doesn’t Have to Be So Complicated - video

***********

The Itch Review, hosted by Dr. Gupta, Kortney, and Dr. Blaiss, explores allergy and immunology studies, breaking down complex research in conversations accessible to clinicians, patients, and caregivers. Each episode provides key insights from journal articles and includes a one-page infographic in the show notes for easy reference.

***********

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to AstraZeneca for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Sleep plays a critical role in managing allergies, asthma, and eczema, yet it is often overlooked in conversations about allergic disease.

Sleep affects mood, focus, immune function, and inflammation, all of which influence how allergic conditions show up day to day. Poor sleep can worsen asthma symptoms, increase allergy flares, and make eczema harder to control. At the same time, allergies and asthma can disrupt sleep, creating a cycle that is difficult to break.

Dr. Carol Yuan-Duclair, a sleep specialist, joins us to explore how sleep impacts allergic conditions and overall health. She breaks down what good sleep actually looks like, how to know if you are getting enough rest, and how sleep quality can directly affect allergies, asthma, and eczema.

This conversation focuses on practical guidance for patients and families, including environmental changes, medication considerations, and when it may be time to seek help from a sleep specialist.

• Why sleep is essential for health and immune function: How sleep affects inflammation, mood, and overall health, and why poor sleep can worsen allergic disease.

• What good quality sleep actually looks like: The difference between sleep quality and sleep quantity, and how to tell if your sleep is truly restorative.

• The two-way relationship between sleep and allergies: How allergies can disrupt sleep, and how poor sleep can worsen allergy symptoms, creating a difficult cycle.

• Practical ways to improve sleep when you have allergies: Sleep hygiene basics, exercise timing, and creating a healthier bedroom environment.

• When medications or symptoms mean it is time to see a specialist: How allergy medications can affect sleep, how eczema fits into the picture, and when ongoing sleep issues may signal the need for a sleep specialist.

Reading food labels can feel like a full-time job when you or your child has food allergies. Even when you know what to avoid, labels can still be confusing, especially when you run into “may contain” warnings.

Marion Groetch, a registered dietitian with decades of experience in food allergy care and education, joins us to unpack all things food labels. Together, we break down U.S. allergen labeling laws, what parts of the package actually matter, and why “may contain” statements are a much grayer area than most people realize. We also share practical tips for navigating so-called “mystery ingredients” like natural flavors and oils, when it is worth contacting a manufacturer, and how to avoid being more restrictive than necessary while still staying safe.

• What U.S. labeling laws require: How FALCPA and the FASTER Act protect families by requiring clear disclosure of the Top 9 major allergens.
• Where allergy information actually lives on a label: Why the ingredients list and “Contains” statement matter most, and why front-of-package claims should be ignored.
• What “may contain” actually means: Why these statements are voluntary and unregulated, and what that means for real-world decision-making.
• Foods that fall outside labeling laws: Common situations where allergen labeling is not required, including deli foods, restaurant meals, airline meals, and alcohol.
• How to avoid over-restricting your diet: Practical guidance on mystery ingredients, higher-risk products, and when contacting a manufacturer actually makes sense.

___

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Genentech for sponsoring today’s episode.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Clonal mast cell disease is often missed because symptoms vary from person to person, tryptase levels can be normal, and bone marrow biopsies are hard to get. For some people, unexplained or very severe anaphylaxis may be an early sign of a clonal mast cell disease.

In this episode, we review “Prevalence of KIT D816V in anaphylaxis or systemic mast cell activation,” published in October 2025 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. This paper, known as the PROSPECTOR trial, is looking at how often the KIT D816V mutation can be found using a blood test in adults who have had anaphylaxis or systemic mast cell activation symptoms.

We break down why KIT D816V matters, how it connects to systemic mastocytosis, why HaT needs to be considered, and how newer blood tests may help doctors catch clonal mast cell disease earlier.

• Setting the stage: Understanding mast cell activation and anaphylaxis.
• Why KIT D816V matters: How this mutation fits into clonal mast cell disease, what blood testing can reveal, and when doctors still turn to a bone marrow biopsy.
• Making sense of tryptase and hereditary alpha-tryptasemia (HaT): Why baseline tryptase, the “20% + 2” rule, and HaT can make screening more complicated than it seems.
• What the PROSPECTOR trial uncovered: How often KIT D816V appeared in people with anaphylaxis, and other results on tryptase and HaT.
• How this helps patients: What these findings mean for anyone with unexplained or severe anaphylaxis, and how doctors combine KIT testing, tryptase, HaT, and symptoms to decide on next steps.

Other podcast episodes about mast cell disease:

• Ep. 127: Management of indolent mastocytosis - A clinical yardstick
• Ep. 126: Management of mast cell activation syndrome - A clinical yardstick
• Ep. 121: Avapritinib vs Placebo in Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis - PIONEER Trial
• Ep. 118: The ISM Disconnect - Do Patients and Providers Agree on Symptom Control?
• Ep. 70 How do stress and low histamine diets impact mast cell disease?
• Ep. 63: Mast Cell Diseases & Systemic Mastocytosis: The Basic Science
• Ep. 65: The Symptoms and Triggers of Mast Cell Disease

***********

The Itch Review, hosted by Dr. Gupta, Kortney, and Dr. Blaiss, explores allergy and immunology studies, breaking down complex research in conversations accessible to clinicians, patients, and caregivers. Each episode provides key insights from journal articles and includes a one-page infographic in the show notes for easy reference.

***********

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Blueprint Medicines for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Persistent congestion, pressure, or a reduced sense of smell often gets mistaken for allergies or a stubborn cold when it may be something more, like chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward real relief.

Dr. Tonya Farmer, a board-certified ENT, joins Kortney and Dr. G to explain how chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is diagnosed. She walks us through the full evaluation: what symptoms matter, what a nasal endoscopy actually shows, when a CT scan is needed, and how type 2 inflammation fits into the picture.

• Key symptoms: Persistent congestion, drainage, facial pressure, and especially loss of smell are major red flags for CRSwNP.
• Why duration matters: Chronic means 12 weeks or longer. If symptoms keep coming back or never truly improve, it’s time to look deeper.
• The physical exam: ENTs use nasal endoscopy to see swelling, mucus, or polyps that aren’t visible from the outside.
• When CT scans are needed: Imaging helps confirm sinus inflammation and shows the extent of polyp growth.
• Additional testing: Allergy testing, IgE levels, eosinophils, and other immune markers help identify type 2 inflammation and guide next steps.
• When to see a specialist: If antibiotics, steroids, or over-the-counter treatments aren’t helping, ask for a referral to an allergist or ENT. Early diagnosis can prevent worsening symptoms and reduce the need for surgery.

Set the foundations: Ep. 133: What is Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP)?

___

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Sanofi-Regeneron for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Avoidance has long been the standard for managing food allergies. But new options, such as oral immunotherapy (OIT) and biologic medications like Xolair (omalizumab), are changing the landscape. With more choices available, many patients and parents are wondering how to start the conversation with their allergist and what questions to ask.

Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta talk with Dr. Shahzad Mustafa, a board-certified allergist and immunologist, about how patients can navigate today’s food allergy treatments with confidence. Together, they explore what to consider before starting OIT or Xolair, how to set realistic expectations, and why strict avoidance is still the right choice for many families.

• Food Allergy Avoidance: Why it remains an effective and valid approach for many, and how to make it work in daily life, including the nuances that make every case unique.
• Oral Immunotherapy (OIT): What it involves, who it’s best suited for, and what families should know about time, cost, and safety.
• Xolair (omalizumab): How this injection therapy works to reduce reactions from accidental exposures and what it doesn’t do.
• Setting expectations: How to talk with your allergist about your goals, quality of life, and what “success” really looks like.

More episodes about food allergies

• Ep. 129: Omalizumab for Multiple Food Allergies – The OUtMATCH Trial
• Ep. 98: Food Allergy Treatment and Management

More resources about food allergies

• Food Allergy Treatment & Management

___

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Genentech for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

When it comes to keeping kids with food allergies safe at school, school nurses are often the quiet heroes behind the scenes. From managing allergy action plans and emergency responses to training teachers and organizing care for hundreds of students, their role is essential, but often misunderstood.

Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta sit down with Elizabeth Elliott, a school nurse and President of the Maryland Association of School Health Nurses. Liz shares what really happens inside the health room and how school nurses coordinate care for students with food allergies and asthma. Plus, why communication between families and school staff is key to keeping kids safe.

After this episode, you’ll have a whole new appreciation for your school nurse and a better understanding of how to partner with them to make every school day safer for kids with allergies.

• The school nurse’s role: How nurses bridge communication between families, teachers, and doctors to keep children with food allergies safe and included during the school day.
• Coordinating care: How school nurses use action plans and 504s to ensure everyone, from teachers to cafeteria staff, knows how to keep kids safe.
• Training and emergency preparedness: How school nurses teach staff to recognize anaphylaxis, use epinephrine, and stay calm during an emergency.
• Field trips, cafeterias, and bus safety: What goes into planning safe experiences beyond the classroom, and why “no-food on the bus” rules really matter.
• Advocating for resources: How families can support their school nurses and advocate for better funding, staffing, and allergy awareness in schools.

___

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Genentech for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Mucus plugging is a challenge in asthma care. It’s thick, sticky mucus that blocks the airways and doesn’t respond to regular inhalers. Even when inflammation improves, these plugs can lower lung function, limit how well medicine works, and make asthma harder to control.

In this episode, we break down the study: “Effect of Dupilumab on Mucus Burden in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Asthma,” published October 28, 2025. The analysis looks at whether dupilumab (Dupixent), a biologic that blocks IL-4 and IL-13, can lower mucus burden and improve lung function, especially in people who start with a high “mucus plug score.”

• Why mucus plugging matters in asthma: Discover how thick, sticky mucus can block airways, make it harder to breathe, and why standard inhalers and steroids don’t clear these plugs.
• How dupilumab may help: Learn how this biologic blocks IL-4 and IL-13, two key drivers of type 2 inflammation that increase mucus production and thickness.
• Inside the VESTIGE study: Hear how researchers measured mucus burden using CT scans and “mucus plug scores” to see if dupilumab could reduce plugging in moderate-to-severe asthma.
• What the results showed: Find out how dupilumab lowered mucus plug scores, reduced airway inflammation, and improved lung function (FEV₁), especially in people with high mucus burden.
• What this means for patients: Learn why identifying and treating mucus plugging may help improve breathing, reduce flare-ups, and make asthma easier to manage day to day.

📌INFOGRAPHIC to follow along 

RESOURCES:

• What is asthma?

• What is type 2 inflammation?

• When Asthma Is More Than Just Asthma: Type 2 Inflammation

• More about dupilumab (Dupixent)

The Itch Review, hosted by Dr. Gupta, Kortney, and Dr. Blaiss, explores allergy and immunology studies, breaking down complex research in conversations accessible to clinicians, patients, and caregivers. Each episode provides key insights from journal articles and includes a one-page infographic in the show notes for easy reference.

___

A special collaboration with the American Thoracic Society. 

This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Living with constant congestion, facial pressure, or a loss of smell can make daily life exhausting. For many people, these symptoms are more than just allergies or a lingering cold. They may be signs of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

Dr. Rohit Katial joins Kortney and Dr. G to unpack what CRSwNP really is, how it develops, and why type 2 inflammation plays such a key role. Together, they explain what’s happening inside the sinuses, what symptoms to look for, and when it’s time to see a specialist.

• What CRSwNP means: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is long-term inflammation of the nose and sinuses that lasts 12 weeks or more.
• What nasal polyps are: Soft, fluid-filled sacs (often “grape” or “pea” sized) that block airflow and lead to congestion and smell loss.
• Why it happens: Type 2 inflammation drives CRSwNP. Immune messengers like IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 cause swelling and fluid buildup in the nasal lining.
• Who it affects: CRSwNP often overlaps with asthma, allergies, or aspirin sensitivity (AERD or Samter’s Triad), making symptoms worse.
• When to seek help: If congestion, pressure, or loss of smell lasts more than 12 weeks, see an allergist or an ENT specialist. Early care can prevent sinus damage and improve breathing and quality of life.

More episodes to support CRSwNP

• Ep. 101: What is Type 2 Inflammation?
• Ep. 102: Comorbidities of Type 2 Inflammation -  Connecting the Dots Between Multiple Allergic Conditions
• Ep. 109: Tezepelumab & Nasal Polyps - Inside the WAYPOINT Phase III Trial

___

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to AstraZeneca & Amgen for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Navigating food allergies is tough enough, but adding family dynamics to the mix can make things even more complicated. When loved ones don’t understand you or your child’s allergies or dismiss the rules meant to keep them safe, it can lead to conflict, hurt feelings, and stress for everyone involved.

Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta sit down with psychologist Dr. Amanda Whitehouse to talk about how families can find common ground when emotions run high. Together, they unpack what it means to stay regulated in difficult conversations, how to set healthy boundaries with family members, and why understanding different coping styles can help prevent conflict before it starts.

• Coping styles and conflict: Learn how different stress responses, such as “fight” versus “flight,” shape how partners, parents, and relatives react to food allergy challenges.
• Staying calm and regulated: Understand how your body reacts to stress and how recognizing those signals can help you stay grounded during tough conversations.
• Setting and holding boundaries: Get practical tips for explaining what feels safe, keeping communication clear, and responding calmly when others push back.
• Working together as a team: Whether it’s with your partner, kids, or extended family, learn how to support each other and stay united when emotions rise.
• Bridging family differences: Explore ways to include children and siblings in allergy safety, and approach older relatives with patience and compassion when views or communication styles differ.

___

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Genentech for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

For decades, allergists have focused on blocking what happens outside the mast cell: histamine, IgE, and interleukins. But now, there’s a new way to stop allergic inflammation before it even starts: by targeting what happens inside the cell with BTK Inhibitors.

Dr. Payel Gupta and Kortney are joined by Dr. Matthew Giannetti to unpack what BTK actually does and why inhibiting it represents an exciting breakthrough in allergy and immunology. Together, they explore how BTK inhibitors work, why this inside-the-cell approach is different from anything before, and what it could mean for people living with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).

• BTK explained: Bruton’s tyrosine kinase is a pivotal “last step” before mast-cell degranulation.
• How BTK inhibitors work: Blocking BTK can stop histamine release downstream of many outside triggers.
• The science: Why BTK binding is irreversible for each molecule and how the body “re-makes” BTK over time.
• Safety in brief: A look at petechiae (small pinpoint spots), what to monitor, and how shared decision-making guides treatment choices.
• The future of BTK inhibitors: Exploring their potential role in other allergic conditions. 

____

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Novartis for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Seeing your allergist on a screen instead of in the office might feel strange at first, but for many people with allergies, telehealth isn’t just convenient.  it’s effective.

In this episode, we sit down with telemedicine pioneer Dr. Jay Portnoy to explore how virtual allergy care works, what it can and can’t do, and how it’s helping patients get the care they need without the wait or the long drive.

Dr. Portnoy shares over two decades of experience leading allergy telemedicine programs in rural areas and explains how remote care has grown from a fringe idea into a standard part of allergy care. He and Dr. G also discuss the benefits for both patients and clinicians.

So how do you know when telehealth is enough and when it’s not?

What we cover in our episode about virtual allergy care and telemedicine:

• How does telemedicine work for allergy patients? Learn how video visits and asynchronous tools are making care faster and easier, especially in rural or underserved areas.
• Telemendine limitations. We break down when in-person care is still needed, like for food challenges, skin tests, or urgent symptoms.
• Privacy and safety in virtual care. From HIPAA-compliant platforms to quiet spaces at home or in schools, we talk about how to keep your virtual visit just as private as a clinic one.
• How testing works with telemedicine. Telehealth doesn’t mean skipping tests. Many can be ordered remotely and done at a local lab or clinic near you.
• The future of allergy care. Hear how virtual care is shifting toward patient choice, whether you want to video call, send a message, or still come in.

___

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Genentech for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Multiple food allergies are a daily stressor for millions of families. From avoiding social events to fearing accidental exposures, it can feel like living in a constant state of alert. Until recently, there were no FDA-approved treatments that targeted more than one allergen at a time.

In this episode, we break down the study: “Omalizumab for the Treatment of Multiple Food Allergies,” published in 2024 in the New England Journal of Medicine. Known as the OUtMATCH trial, it’s the first large-scale study to show that omalizumab (Xolair), a biologic already used for asthma and hives, may help people with multiple food allergies by raising the threshold for reactions.

We explain how omalizumab works by blocking IgE, the antibody that triggers allergic reactions, and how the study measured changes in reaction thresholds (the amount of an allergen a person can ingest before reacting). We also explore the trial design, results, safety profile, and what all of this means for the day-to-day management of food allergies.

• How omalizumab works to prevent allergic reactions: Learn how blocking IgE increases the amount of allergen needed to trigger symptoms, offering protection from small, accidental exposures.
• Who qualified for the OUtMATCH trial and why: Find out which patients were included and how eligibility impacted outcomes.
• What success looked like in this study: Understand how researchers defined protection across multiple allergens.
• Why not everyone responded the same to omalizumab: Explore the variability in results and what it means for clinical care.
• What else the study found beyond food challenges: Hear about safety findings, quality of life data, and the open-label extension.

📌 INFOGRAPHIC to follow along 

The Itch Review, hosted by Dr. Gupta, Kortney, and Dr. Blaiss, explores allergy and immunology studies, breaking down complex research in conversations accessible to clinicians, patients, and caregivers. Each episode provides key insights from journal articles and includes a one-page infographic in the show notes for easy reference.

___

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Genentech for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

When people get hives or swelling, they often think it’s caused by an allergy. But in the case of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), the culprit is often your own immune system. CSU isn’t your typical allergic reaction, instead, it’s frequently an autoimmune condition, where the immune system misfires and activates mast cells without any external trigger.

In this episode, Dr. Payel Gupta and Kortney unpack what it means for CSU to be autoimmune and autoallergic. They explain how IgE and IgG antibodies can trigger histamine release, leading to hives and swelling. You’ll also learn why allergy testing isn’t useful for diagnosing CSU, and how tests like IgG food sensitivity panels can do more harm than good by leading to unnecessary food avoidance and confusion.

What we cover in our episode about autoimmune CSU and chronic hives:

• Is CSU an allergy? Why CSU is often mistaken for an allergic reaction—and why standard allergy tests rarely provide helpful answers.
• How the immune system works in CSU: What mast cells are, how they release histamine, and their central role in chronic spontaneous urticaria.
• Understanding autoimmune CSU: Learn how the immune system can trigger hives from within, including the roles of IgE and IgG antibodies.
• Autoimmune hives explained: We explore how CSU can be autoimmune, why the immune system may attack itself, and what Type I and Type IIb autoimmune CSU really mean.

____

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Novartis for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis (ISM) is a rare but often underrecognized clonal mast cell disorder. From random hives to gut pain and brain fog, ISM can feel like a medical mystery.

We continue our review of “Management of indolent mastocytosis and mast cell activation syndrome - A clinical yardstick,” published in June 2025 in The Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. This is Part 2 of our discussion, with a focus on indolent systemic mastocytosis. We look at what causes it, how it’s diagnosed, and how to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

In this episode, we break down this complex mast cell disease and how doctors use baseline serum tryptase, KIT D816V testing, and HaT screening to find answers. Plus, we explain how treatments like antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and avapritinib can help people live better with ISM.

📌 INFOGRAPHIC to follow along

• Yardsticks explained: Why the ACAAI uses yardsticks as practical, interim guidelines before full consensus statements are available.
• Understanding mast cell diseases: The difference between primary (clonal), secondary (allergic), and idiopathic mast cell disorders.
• Diagnosing ISM: KIT D816V mutation, WHO/ICC criteria, baseline serum tryptase, and when to test for hereditary alpha-tryptasemia (HaT).
• Symptoms of ISM: Why symptoms vary and how they can involve multiple systems, including skin, GI tract, cardiovascular, and even neuropsychiatric.
• Management strategies: Trigger avoidance, antihistamines, leukotriene blockers, sodium cromolyn, aspirin therapy, and, when venom immunotherapy is appropriate.
• Targeted treatment: How avapritinib works and what the PIONEER study shows about its role in ISM.

The Itch Review, hosted by Dr. Gupta, Kortney, and Dr. Blaiss, explores allergy and immunology studies, breaking down complex research in conversations accessible to clinicians, patients, and caregivers. Each episode provides key insights from journal articles and includes a one-page infographic in the show notes for easy reference.

___

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Blueprint Medicines for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a confusing and often misunderstood condition. If you’ve ever wondered about MCAS symptoms, serum tryptase testing, or how treatments like antihistamines, sodium cromolyn, and even omalizumab fit in, this episode is here to help.

We review the findings from “Management of indolent mastocytosis and mast cell activation syndrome - A clinical yardstick,” published in June 2025 in The Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Because the paper covers both diseases, we’ve split it into two parts. This episode focuses on mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS).

GET THE INFOGRAPHIC - summary of this episode

• Yardsticks explained: Why the ACAAI uses yardsticks as practical, interim guidelines before full consensus statements are available.
• Classifying mast cell disorders: Primary (clonal), secondary (allergy/autoimmune), and idiopathic (MCAS).
• MCAS diagnosis criteria: Symptoms in 2 or more organ systems, objective evidence (serum tryptase or urinary metabolites tests), and positive response to therapy.
• Treatment strategies: Include trigger avoidance, H1/H2 antihistamines, leukotriene blockers, mast cell stabilizers (such as cromolyn and aspirin), off-label biologics like omalizumab, and epinephrine.
• Neuropsychiatric symptoms: Brain fog, anxiety, and depression are common and require multidisciplinary management.

The Itch Review, hosted by Dr. Gupta, Kortney, and Dr. Blaiss, explores allergy and immunology studies, breaking down complex research in conversations accessible to clinicians, patients, and caregivers. Each episode provides key insights from journal articles and includes a one-page infographic in the show notes for easy reference.

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Blueprint Medicines for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

As September approaches, many families notice asthma symptoms getting worse. Ragweed pollen, viral infections, cooler nights, and the stress of back-to-school routines all combine to create Asthma Peak Week, a time when asthma attacks and ER visits spike across the country.

Asthma mom, Sherrina Gibson, joins us to share how her family prepares her 11-year-old daughter for fall asthma challenges. She talks about cleaning routines, school planning, and teaching her daughter self-awareness and empowerment. Dr. Payel Gupta adds medical guidance on asthma action plans and seasonal medication adjustments.

You’ll learn how to spot asthma triggers, prepare your home and school, and teach children to recognize symptoms early so they can act before a flare gets worse.

• Parenting with asthma: Sherrina Gibson shares her family’s journey and how they prepare their home and routines each fall.

• Asthma management strategies: Cleaning, decluttering, updating medications, and coordinating with schools and coaches.

• Asthma Peak Week explained: Why symptoms spike in September and how to get ahead of it.

• Asthma action plans: Why every family needs one and how to keep copies at home, school, and on the go.

• Empowering kids with asthma: Teaching children to recognize symptoms, use their inhaler properly, and advocate for themselves at school and in sports.

More episodes about asthma

• Ep. 81: Why asthma attacks rise in September peak week
• Ep. 58: What is controlled Asthma? - Everything you need to know!
• Ep. 117: As-Needed Albuterol–Budesonide in Mild Asthma (BATURA Trial)
• Ep. 124: Asthma peak week and understanding triggers

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to AstraZeneca and Amgen for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

As summer winds down and September approaches, many people with asthma notice their symptoms getting worse. This is no coincidence as more asthma triggers appear during this time of year, from pollen and viruses to stress and weather changes. This combination peaks during Asthma Peak Week, a time when asthma attacks and ER visits spike across the country.

Allergist Dr. Kristin Sokol joins us to discuss seasonal asthma triggers, why fall can be especially risky, and how you can prepare to keep your asthma under control.

You’ll learn how to identify your personal triggers, steps to reduce your exposure, and why staying consistent with your medication routine is critical. We also cover tools like an asthma action plan, preparing for school, and making sure caregivers and teachers know how to respond to an asthma flare.

What we cover in our episode about managing asthma triggers during the fall:

• Understanding asthma: learn why even mild asthma should be reviewed before the fall.
• Identifying triggers: from indoor allergens to seasonal pollen and surprising emotional triggers, know what can set off your asthma.
• Preparing for Asthma Peak Week: discover how viruses, ragweed pollen, and stress combine into a dangerous flare period and how to get ahead of it.
• Staying in control: strategies to avoid or reduce asthma trigger exposure, prepare for school, and keep your asthma action plan up to date.
• Supporting everyone with asthma: special considerations for adults, caregivers, and teachers to stay healthy and ready year-round.

More episodes about asthma

• Ep. 81: Why asthma attacks rise in September peak week
• Ep. 58: What is controlled Asthma? - Everything you need to know!
• Ep. 117: As-Needed Albuterol–Budesonide in Mild Asthma (BATURA Trial)

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to AstraZeneca and Amgen for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Parenting a child with food allergies can feel overwhelming and isolating. We're joined by licensed therapist and food allergy mom Tamara Hubbard, MA, LCPC, to talk about her new book, May Contain Anxiety, and the often overlooked mental health challenges that food allergy parents face.

We explore how chronic stress, fear, and anxiety can affect parenting, relationships, and family dynamics. Plus, why supporting the mental health of allergy parents is crucial for the entire family’s well-being.

Tamara breaks down evidence-based tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help parents manage food allergy anxiety, build confidence, and feel less alone on this lifelong journey.

• Tamara’s journey from substance abuse counselor to food allergy mental health advocate
• Why she wrote May Contain Anxiety and how it’s different from typical self-help books
• A breakdown of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and how it supports allergy parents
• The impact of food allergy anxiety on the whole family system, from parenting dynamics to sibling relationships
• Why this book is valuable for every stage of the allergy journey and helpful for allergists and extended family, too

May Contain Anxiety is available worldwide in English on September 30th, 2025.

Get 30% off by buying it at Hopkins Press and using the code: HMCA25

Do adults with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) have a higher risk of death over time compared to people without hives?

We review the findings from “Mortality in adult patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria: A real-world cohort study,” published in April 2025, in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. While CSU is often considered a non-life-threatening condition, this large study found something surprising: people with CSU had a significantly higher risk of death, especially from suicide.

Dr. G and Dr. Blaiss walk through key takeaways from a dataset of over 272,000 CSU patients and nearly 13 million matched controls. They explore what the results mean for mortality risk, clinical care, mental health screening, and the importance of proper, guideline-based treatment.

• What is CSU? Chronic hives are an unpredictable, itchy, and sometimes painful condition. It lasts for 6 weeks or longer and can continue for years.
• Mental health connection: CSU affects more than skin. Anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts are common and serious concerns.
• Study findings: CSU was associated with higher mortality at 3 months, 1 year, and 5 years. Suicide risk was over 3 times higher than in people without CSU.
• Demographics: Younger and White patients with CSU had the highest increase in risk.
• Treatment impact: Patients using guideline-recommended treatments like second-generation antihistamines or omalizumab had lower death rates.

INFOGRAPHIC

The Itch Review, hosted by Dr. Gupta, Kortney, and Dr. Blaiss, explores allergy and immunology studies, breaking down complex research in conversations accessible to clinicians, patients, and caregivers. Each episode provides key insights from journal articles and includes a one-page infographic in the show notes for easy reference.

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Novartis for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

What happens when you target the root cause of indolent systemic mastocytosis?

In this episode of The Itch Review, we unpack key findings from the article “Avapritinib versus Placebo in Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis,” published on May 23, 2023, in NEJM Evidence.

Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis (ISM) is a rare chronic disease with life-altering symptoms. Until recently, treatment options were limited. We break down new data from Part 2 of the PIONEER study, which evaluated Avapritinib, a targeted therapy designed to inhibit the KIT D816V mutation that drives ISM.

Dr. Gupta and Dr. Blaiss explain how Avapritinib works, how the study was designed, and what outcomes were measured, including the Total Symptom Score (TSS). Most importantly, we explore what this treatment could mean for patients with moderate to severe ISM.

INFOGRAPHIC

• Understanding ISM: How the KIT D816V mutation causes overproduction and overactivation of mast cells.
• Why current treatment falls short: The limitations of best supportive care and why many patients remain symptomatic despite multiple medications.
• How Avapritinib works: A tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets the KIT mutation directly, aiming to reduce mast cell activation at its source.
• Inside the PIONEER trial: Study design, eligibility criteria, and how outcomes like Total Symptom Score (TSS) and serum tryptase were measured.
• What the data showed: Improvements in symptoms, lab markers, and quality of life and what this could mean for long-term ISM care.

The Itch Review, hosted by Dr. Gupta, Kortney, and Dr. Blaiss, explores allergy and immunology studies, breaking down complex research in conversations accessible to clinicians, patients, and caregivers. Each episode provides key insights from journal articles and includes a one-page infographic in the show notes for easy reference.

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Blueprint Medicines for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Is it too early to start planning for school when summer has just begun? Not if your child has food allergies.

Dr. Nikki Chase, a board-certified allergist-immunologist, joins us to share what families need to know to prepare for a safe and successful school year. From school forms and emergency plans to when to self-carry epinephrine and how to teach self-advocacy, this episode is filled with practical, real-life guidance.

We discuss how to make the most of your summer doctor visits, why early planning matters, and how newer epinephrine options, like the nasal spray, may help reduce fear and delay in use. You’ll also hear Dr. Chase’s advice on helping kids build confidence and take ownership of their allergy care.

•  504 plans explained: What they are, how to request one, and why they matter for legal protection and clear school accommodations.
• Anaphylaxis Action Plans: What’s included, how they differ from 504 plans, and why they take the guesswork out of emergencies.
• Epinephrine device options: From auto-injectors to nasal spray, what’s available and how to choose the best fit for your child.
• What to work on this summer to build allergy confidence: The rules, responsibilities, and privileges kids should practice to stay safe and feel more in control.
• Self-advocacy & communication tips: How to help your child speak up, navigate cafeteria dynamics, and respond to food allergy bullying.

• Planning for School with Food Allergies
• School Plans for Students with Food Allergies
• Managing Allergies in Schools: A Guide for Staff
• Epinephrine for Anaphylaxis: What Treatments are Available?
• Food Allergy Treatment & Management

Produced in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to ARS Pharma for sponsoring this episode.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Have you ever wondered what happens after an anaphylactic reaction?

How do you process everything that went down, from ingesting the allergen to using epinephrine? In this candid conversation, Kortney sits down with Tamara Hubbard, a licensed clinical professional counselor, to unpack the emotional aftermath of a severe allergic reaction.

Kortney shares her own recent experience of self-administering epinephrine for the first time after over 30 years of living with food allergies. Together, they explore how guilt, self-doubt, and family dynamics can shape recovery and how to move forward without letting fear or shame take over.

• The moment Kortney realized she needed to self-inject epinephrine and why it felt empowering.
• Why it’s common to second-guess yourself during an allergic reaction.
• The unique guilt and blame that can surface after a reaction, even when you did everything right.
• How to handle well-meaning but unhelpful comments from family and friends.
• Tips for processing the event without letting it define your future.

Tamara Hubbard, MA, LCPC is a licensed clinical professional counselor and the founder of the Food Allergy Counselor Directory & Website. She specializes in helping individuals and families navigate the emotional and mental health challenges that come with managing food allergies. Tamara is passionate about empowering people to build confidence and resilience while living safely with food allergies.

Learn more about Tamara’s work at FoodAllergyCounselor.com.

Do patients and their healthcare teams view the impact of indolent systemic mastocytosis on quality of life in the same way?

In this episode of The Itch Review, we unpack key findings from a May 4, 2025, descriptive study from The Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology, “Patient and Advanced Practitioner Perspectives on Symptom Burden and Symptom Management in Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis.”

Is there a disconnect between what patients feel and what providers think when it comes to indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM)? A new study suggests yes, revealing a mismatch between how patients and advanced practitioners (APs) perceive disease control and what that means for care. This episode dives into whether research like this could help bridge the gap between patient experience and clinical perspective.

• Understanding ISM: What makes indolent systemic mastocytosis a unique multisystem condition?
• Symptom burden explained: Frequency, severity, duration, distress, and functional interference.
• Patient vs practitioner views: Understanding the most impactful symptoms differs from patient to AP. 
• Practical tools: The Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis-Symptom Assessment Form (ISM-SAF) is a validated instrument that can be used to determine symptoms and severity.
• Barriers and solutions: Why tracking symptoms is hard and how clinics can improve coordination.
• AP-focused Toolkit: Resources to help nurse practitioners, PAs, and pharmacists provide patient-centered ISM care.

***

The Itch Review, hosted by Dr. Gupta, Kortney, and Dr. Blaiss, explores the latest allergy and immunology studies, breaking down complex research in conversations accessible to clinicians, patients, and caregivers. Each episode provides key insights from journal articles and includes a one-page infographic in the show notes for easy reference.

***

This podcast is made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Blueprint Medicines for sponsoring today’s episode.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

There have been countless advances in controller therapies for asthma, but our go-to rescue inhaler, a quick-relief bronchodilator, hasn’t changed in decades.

In this episode of The Itch Review, we spotlight “As-Needed Albuterol–Budesonide in Mild Asthma” published in The New England Journal of Medicine, May 19, 2025. This article looks at the BATURA trial, which tested whether adding budesonide to albuterol rescue inhalers cuts exacerbations in adults whose mild asthma remains uncontrolled on occasional albuterol/short-acting beta agonist (SABA) therapy.

Could this combo inhaler really cut severe asthma attacks in people with mild disease?

• Understanding asthma: In asthma, your airways both tighten up and get swollen. Treating both the tightness and the swelling right when you feel symptoms could stop a full-blown attack.
• All-online trial: BATURA used telehealth to enroll 2,516 people with mild asthma from across the U.S. and ran the study until it saw a preset number of 172 serious attacks.
• Big takeaways: The combo inhaler cut serious attacks by almost half, halved yearly flare-ups, and slashed steroid use by 63%. All without people needing to use their medication more often.
• Why it ended early: An independent safety board reviewed the data mid-trial and concluded that the combo inhaler was so clearly better that it would’ve been unfair to continue giving anyone the old treatment.
• What’s next: We still need studies on teens and children to ensure that these same benefits hold true for younger patients.

GET THE INFOGRAPHIC PDF HERE

***

The Itch Review, hosted by Dr. Gupta, Kortney, and Dr. Blaiss, explores the latest allergy and immunology studies, breaking down complex research in conversations accessible to clinicians, patients, and caregivers. Each episode provides key insights from journal articles and includes a one-page infographic in the show notes for easy reference.

***

This podcast is made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to AstraZeneca for sponsoring today’s episode.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Have you ever wondered whether fexofenadine (Allegra®) really doesn’t make you drowsy?

In this episode of The Itch Review, we dissect a July 2024 systematic review from Current Medical Research & Opinion, “Why fexofenadine is considered a truly non-sedating antihistamine with no brain penetration.” 

This rigorous systematic review pools over 60 human studies from PET brain-scan trials and Proportional Impairment Ratio (PIR) tests to driving-simulator research and real-world quality-of-life surveys. It looks to answer one question: Does fexofendine ever sneak past the blood–brain barrier and slow you down like first-generation allergy meds?

This episode looks at the evolution of H1 antihistamines from first-generation drugs like diphenhydramine to today’s second-generation options (cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine) to show how each interacts with the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and why that matters for sedation.

We highlight the review’s key studies:

• PET Imaging: Measuring H1-receptor occupancy. Fexofenadine registers <1%, even at high doses
• PIR Analyses: Proportional Impairment Ratio tests show virtually zero cognitive or motor impairment when taking fexofenadine
• Driving & Aviator Trials: Side-by-side comparisons with diphenhydramine, alcohol, and fexofenadine

Finally, we dive into real-world outcomes on reaction times, work-and-school performance, pediatric safety, and even NASA’s approval for pilot use.

GET THE INFOGRAPHIC TO FOLLOW ALONG

***

The Itch Review, hosted by Dr. Gupta, Kortney, and Dr. Blaiss, explores the latest allergy and immunology studies through 30-minute conversations that are accessible for everyone. This podcast aims to support busy clinicians, patients, and caregivers in staying updated on current research. Each episode provides valuable insights from key journal articles and includes a convenient one-page infographic in the show notes for easy reference.

***

This podcast is made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.

Thanks to Opella for sponsoring today’s episode. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.