Explore every episode of the podcast AAAAI Podcast: Conversations from the World of Allergy

Inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) can mimic asthma and anaphylaxis so it's important allergists keep this disorder in mind. In this episode, Jen Luedders, MD, discusses how to recognize, diagnose and effectively manage this often-overlooked condition.

In this episode Amanda Cox, MD, FAAAAI, walks us through component-resolved diagnostics, why it’s important, and how it helps distinguish primary food allergy from pollen sensitization. We will talk about where it fits alongside the history, skin testing and oral food challenge as we make decisions about our food allergy patients.

Continuing Medical Education credit is available with this episode. Complete the assessment and claim credit. .75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™

Innate lymphoid cells or ILCs respond rapidly to help defend mucosal barriers, maintain tissue homeostasis and shape the adaptive immune response that follows. In this episode, Taylor A. Doherty, MD, FAAAAI, will discuss the importance of ILCs and what we know about these uniquely positioned cells in allergic disease.

Eosinophilia has a broad differential and determining how to most effectively evaluate it can be challenging. In this episode, we’ll work through a clinical case with Paneez Khoury, MD, MHSc, FAAAAI, and discuss how understanding eosinophil biology can guide our evaluation and management.

Gene editing has moved from the laboratory to the clinic and is likely to transform treatment for our patients with inborn errors of immunity. In this episode, Caroline Kuo, MD, explains genome editing technologies and how these tools may enable precise, potentially curative therapies. 

The LEAP trial fundamentally changed our understanding of immune tolerance, demonstrating that early oral exposure can dramatically reduce the risk of developing peanut allergy. In this episode, Edwin Kim, MD, FAAAAI, will help us explore the immunologic mechanisms of early food introduction and tolerance development and what the evidence tells us about other food allergies.

Join us as Kelly Stone, MD, PhD, FAAAAI, explains the evolution of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and its central role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of therapeutics in the United States. We discuss the modern drug approval process from preclinical development through clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance  and explore what makes this pathway different for biologics and biosimilars so you have a better understanding of the therapeutics that we prescribe every day in the clinic.

Biosimilars

MedWatch:The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program

FDA History

Drug Development Process

Join us as Derek Chu, MD, PhD, explores the paradigm shift in treating atopic dermatitis as a systemic, immune-driven disease rather than a localized skin condition. We discuss the updates to the practice parameters including practical guidance on integrating of novel topicals, biologics, and JAK inhibitors into our treatment as well as the upcoming practice parameters on chronic spontaneous urticaria. 

Continuing Medical Education credit is available with this episode. Complete the assessment and claim credit. .75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ 

Join us as Monica Kraft, MD, FAAAAI, provides an evidence-based framework for managing allergic conditions during pregnancy, focusing on the safety of commonly used medications, from inhaled corticosteroids and antihistamines to biologics. We address the risks of undertreated asthma and explore the latest recommendations for penicillin allergy delabeling to optimize maternal-fetal outcomes. The discussion offers practical strategies for collaborating with OB-GYN colleagues to ensure safe, effective treatment throughout every trimester.

View the Work Group Report: Penicillin Allergy Delabeling Can and Should Be Performed in Pregnant Patients: A Work Group Report of the AAAAI Women’s Health in Allergy and Immunology and Adverse Reaction to Drugs, Biologics and Vaccines Committees

In this episode, Christine Cho, MD, FAAAAI, discusses analyzing medical errors within the allergy clinic, from incorrect immunotherapy dosing to the systemic risks of penicillin mislabeling. Dr. Cho explains how shifting from a culture of blame to a "just culture" allows practices to transform "near misses" into learning opportunities that create more robust, reliable systems.

In honor of Food Allergy Awareness Week, we’re stepping out of the clinic and into the heat of the kitchen. Chef Ming Tsai shares an insider’s look at restaurant safety protocols, food allergy legislation and practical strategies physicians need to help patients with food allergies navigate the world with confidence.

Find out more about food allergies. 

In this episode, we discuss the remarkable evolution of allergy and immunology through the lens of a career spanning six decades. Past AAAAI President Phil Lieberman, MD, FAAAAI, explores the pivotal scientific breakthroughs in the field starting with the discovery of IgE as he started in practice and taking us through target therapy has changed the lives of his patients. Dr. Lieberman offers us both historical perspective and guidance for physicians just starting in the field. 

Find out more about Dr. Lieberman. 

Climate change is reshaping the landscape of allergy and immunology in ways that directly affect human health. In this episode, Jeffrey G. Demain, MD, FAAAAI, discusses how rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns and increased carbon dioxide levels are intensifying allergic diseases and altering immune responses worldwide.

AAAAI President Carla Davis, MD, FAAAAI, discusses her journey in allergy / immunology including key mentors and the initiatives in education, research and advocacy that she will be advancing over the next year. Learn how you can access education tailored to your interests through AAAAI Ignite and advocate for your patients through AAAAI Advocate.

AAAAI Advocate

Alpha-gal syndrome has transformed our understanding of food allergy, linking tick bites to delayed anaphylaxis to mammalian meats. In this episode, we explore the epidemiology, immunologic mechanisms, diagnosis and management of alpha-gal syndrome with expert Scott Commins, MD, FAAAAI. Join us for practical clinical pearls and emerging insights into this unique disease.

Continuing Medical Education credit is available with this episode. Visit here to complete the assessment and claim credit. .75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.

Find out more about alpha-gal.

GLP-1 agonists have been blockbuster medications in diabetes and obesity but they may also have a surprising role in the treatment of asthma. Join the conversation as Katherine Cahill, MD, FAAAAI, discusses how GLP-1 agonists may improve asthma control and reduce airway inflammation.

Find out more about asthma. 

Vaccines are a cornerstone of public health, training the immune system to prevent infectious diseases, especially in our most vulnerable patients. In this episode, John Kelso, MD, FAAAAI, reviews recent vaccine developments, including the importance of measles vaccination amid ongoing outbreaks, updates to vaccination schedules, considerations when using vaccines with biologics and evaluation of vaccine allergy. Join us for a practical review of key vaccine updates to help you protect your patients.

 Find out more about the importance of vaccinations across age groups. 

Improving access to penicillin allergy evaluation for millions of older patients would lead to better antibiotic treatment, decreased surgical site infections and fewer cases of C. diff. The Penicillin Allergy Verification and Evaluation Act has the potential to do just this. Priya Bansal, MD, FAAAAI, and Allison Ramsey, MD, FAAAAI, share their valuable insight into the Act and how we can make advocacy a part of our practice. 

Find out more about the Penicillin Allergy Verification and Evaluation Act

Julie Wang, MD, FAAAAI, shares highlights of the upcoming AAAAI Annual Meeting taking place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from February 27 to March 2. Listen in to hear what is in store this year as well as highlights such as the symposium on Philadelphia’s vaccine legacy as well as use of Artificial Intelligence and the new Practice Management Course.

Visit the AAAAI Annual Meeting website.

As immunosuppressive therapies for cancer and autoimmune disease become more common, secondary immune deficiency is increasingly encountered in clinical practice. In this episode, Sara Barmettler, MD, FAAAAI, discusses the causes, diagnosis and management of secondary immune deficiency to help allergy and immunology physicians care for these patients effectively.

Join hereditary angioedema expert Aleena Banerji, MD, FAAAAI, for a discussion about the diagnosis and management of hereditary angioedema, focusing on treatment developments that have dramatically improved the care of patients with HAE.

Continuing Medical Education credit is available with this episode. Visit here to complete the assessment and claim credit. .75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™

Find out more about hereditary angioedema.

US Hereditary Angioedema Association 

Diagnosing Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) can be challenging and once diagnosed, there are few options for treatment other than strict avoidance and waiting for resolution. Sara Anvari, MD, MSc, FAAAAI, discusses the presentation and pathophysiology of FPIES and how treatment options beyond avoidance are evolving.

Continuing Medical Education credit is available with this episode. Visit here to complete the assessment and claim credit. .75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™

FPIES (Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome) Action Plan

How do families know when to give epinephrine and when to go to the ER? How long do we need to observe after an episode of anaphylaxis and who is at risk for recurrent symptoms? We discuss these important questions and more with Tim Dribin, MD, a pediatric emergency medicine physician, who is working to optimize emergency department care for patients with anaphylaxis.

Learn more about anaphylaxis.

From now until December 31, 2025, AAAAI Fellows (those who have achieved the FAAAAI credential) and full members will select the next Board of Directors, including the next Secretary-Treasurer who will eventually ascend to become AAAAI President. Secretary-Treasurer candidates Stuart L. Abramson, MD, PhD, AE-C, FAAAAI, and Mariana C. Castells, MD, PhD, FAAAAI, offer their perspective on a series of questions pertaining to their candidacy during this must-listen episode. (November 3, 2025)

Access the online voting center.

Advising our families with food allergies as they navigate kids in school, holidays, introduction of foods in siblings, etc., can be challenging. Michael Pistiner, MD, MMSc, joins us to talk about resources we can use to help families introduce new foods and work with schools to help advocate for our patients. He also discusses his food allergy buddy program that allows older kids with food allergies to mentor younger kids to help build their community.

Find out more about food allergies.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Building a Healthy Eating Routine for your Baby (Birth to Age 2)

Food Allergy Management in Schools (FAMS)

Latex Allergy has become much less common over the past two decades thanks to widespread changes in healthcare practices but still remains essential to recognize when present. Jay Slater, MD, discusses the history of latex allergy as well as how to recognize and test for this in our patients.

Find out more about latex allergy. 

Drug allergy expert David Khan, MD, FAAAAI, discusses the importance of evaluating patients with reported penicillin allergy and how allergists can partner with other healthcare providers to make sure all the patients with this label are evaluated. 

Penicillin Allergy Toolbox

Urticaria expert Sarbjit (Romi) Saini, MD, FAAAAI, discusses new treatments for chronic urticaria, particularly BTK inhibitors. We discuss the recent trials with these medications, including efficacy and safety, as well as other medications on the horizon.

Listen to our other podcast episodes. 

Many of us are seeing increasing numbers of patients asking us if they might have a mast cell disorder. How do we diagnose this and what clues will help us know whether or not to pursue this? Join Onyinye Iweala, MD, PhD, FAAAAI, as we discuss Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and how to better understand this confusing disorder.

 The Mast Cell Disease Society Inc.

AAAAI President Frank Virant, MD, FAAAAI, discusses his career and how the field of allergy/immunology has changed over time. We also chatted about how his presidential initiatives are designed to help patients and allergists, including increasing the visibility of allergy as a specialty, creating living practice parameters and increasing the pipeline into the field.

Join us as we discuss the work of three amazing scientists and the impact NIH support has had on their work. Leonard Bacharier’s, MD, FAAAAI, work has contributed to improving asthma guidelines in the preschool age group. The work of Corinne Keet, MD, MS, PhD, and Elizabeth Matsui, MD, MHS, FAAAAI, has been instrumental in improving our understanding of the effect of environmental exposures and their effect on pediatric asthma. NIH funding has been instrumental in supporting their work and furthering the field of pediatric asthma. The opinions in this podcast are personal opinions and do not represent institutions. 

View the toolkit to help with the cause.

We all have days where we do not seem to be on the same page as a patient we are seeing. Join Asriani Chiu, MD, FAAAAI, for a discussion of ways to approach difficult conversations, connect with our patients and work together to improve care. 

Juan Carlos Cardet, MD, FAAAAI, offers a detailed and insightful conversation about the evaluation and management of severe asthma. We also discuss the use of SMART/MART and PARTI in our asthma patients so we can choose the best strategy to relieve symptoms and prevent exacerbations. 

Anil Nanda, MD, FAAAAI, talks with us about how to improve our practice management including billing tips and pitfalls, improving clinical efficiency and creating a good culture in your practice. He also gives us a preview of what will be covered in the upcoming Practice Management Workshop in Nashville, TN, on July 18-20.

 Find out more about the Practice Management Workshop.

Join Karla Adams, MD, FAAAAI, for a review of evaluation and management of insect sting allergy so you are ready to care for your patients with sting reactions this summer. We compare testing methods, discuss considerations in starting immunotherapy and review changes in guidelines.

Insect Allergy: Barriers in Training and Practice—A Work Group Report of the AAAAI Anaphylaxis Committee

Even many allergists do not know about the NAB and how it provides accurate pollen counts to patients and physicians across the country. Andrew Rorie, MD, FAAAAI, chair of the Aerobiology Committee, walks us through the NAB as well as how pollen levels are changing over time. He also discusses how you can get involved in monitoring pollen in your area.

Visit the NAB.

To celebrate World EoE day, Evan Dellon, MD, walks us through new developments in eosinophilic esophagitis including our evolving understanding of the pathophysiology (it’s not just about eosinophils) as well as how we diagnose, monitor and treat this fascinating disease. 

Find out more about EoE.

Should patients with mild contrast allergy be premedicated? Learn about the recently published consensus recommendations on the management and prevention of immediate hypersensitivity reactions to contrast media from Allison Ramsey, MD, FAAAAI, and Carolyn Wang, MD. These recommendations were published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice and Radiology and provide both allergy and radiology perspective.  

https://www.jaci-inpractice.org/article/S2213-2198(25)00191-6/fulltext

In this episode, attendees of the recent AAAAI/WAO Joint Congress in San Diego share their highlights from the meeting with us including talks you shouldn’t miss. Recordings of talks from the Joint Congress are now available online. 

Find out more about the 2025 AAAAI/WAO Joint Congress and access the recordings.

The NIH provides the majority of funding for scientific research in all areas of medicine and the proposed budget cuts will drastically effect research now and in the future. President-Elect Carla M. Davis, MD, FAAAAI, discusses a new task force established by the AAAAI Board of Directors that will work to bring more attention to this issue and encourage all of us in allergy/immunology to take action.

Visit the website for the toolkit. 

Genetic testing in our patients with Inborn Errors of Immunity is becoming more common and this episode will help listeners better understand how to incorporate this into their practice. Sarah Henrickson, MD, PhD, walks us through who should consider testing, considerations in ordering the testing, the types of testing available and how to think through the results.

Helpful Links
ClinVar - https://www.clinicalgenome.org/
This is a website by the NIH where you can type in any gene and it will list the variants that have been identified and refer you to the papers where they have been published.

Franklin Genoox - https://franklin.genoox.com/clinical-db/home
This is a website where you can look at the gene or protein of interest and look at how the variant might change the protein structure and function and what has been published.  

GnomAD - https://gnomad.broadinstitute.org/
This is another site where you can look at a gene of interest and how the variant might affect protein structure and function.  It is run by the Broad Institute in Cambridge, MA.

MARRVEL - https://marrvel.org/
This is a website that searches multiple databases for a gene or variant and helps to determine the likelihood that a variant might cause disease.

Join us for a discussion on food challenges and early introduction of foods with Kim Mudd, BSN, MSN, who helps walk us through the nuts and bolts of these processes for clinicians and patients alike. Learn some tips and tricks to help make the process as smooth as possible.

Listen to learn about dissemination and implementation sciences from our guest Stan Szefler, MD, FAAAAI. Dr. Szefler discusses his work on school-based asthma management programs and key elements in building successful collaborations with the community.

Find out more about SA3MPROTM


Applying the dissemination and implementation sciences to allergy and immunology: A Work Group Report from the AAAAI Quality, Adherence, and Outcomes Committee

Join Tanya Laidlaw, MD, FAAAAI, for a detailed and insightful conversation about the pathophysiology of AERD as well as the diagnosis and current management strategies.  

Julie Wang, MD, FAAAAI, discusses her role as the Chair of the AAAAI Annual Meeting Program Committee for the AAAAI / WAO Joint Congress being held February 28 – March 3 in San Diego, CA, USA. She also shares what we have to look forward to at the upcoming meeting. #AAAAI25

Visit the AAAAI / WAO Joint Congress website.

Listen in as Kari Nadeau, MD, PhD, FAAAAI, engages in timely discussion on the impact of air pollution and wildfire smoke on allergic disease, including who is most at risk and ways to mitigate exposures. Dr. Nadeau is a plenary speaker at the upcoming AAAAI / WAO joint congress which is focused on Climate Change and Allergic Disease.

Caroline Sokol, MD, PhD, FAAAAI, discusses her work looking at how sensory neurons talk to the immune system and are key in initiating the allergic response. She also discusses why the allergic responses likely evolved to respond to toxins rather than worms and parasites. We also discuss the upcoming Discovery program at the AAAAI/WAO Joint Congress and advice for the next generation of scientists.

David Stukus, MD, FAAAAI, reflects upon his last six years as host and introduces Rebecca Saff, MD, PhD, FAAAAI, as our new voice. This fun and engaging episode marks a transition for our podcast’s exciting future!

From now until January 6, 2025, AAAAI Fellows (those who have achieved the FAAAAI credential) and full members will select the next Board of Directors, including the next Secretary-Treasurer who will eventually ascend to become AAAAI President. Secretary-Treasurer candidates Stuart L. Abramson, MD, PhD, AE-C, FAAAAI and Leonard B. Bacharier, MD, FAAAAI, offer their perspective on a series of questions pertaining to their candidacy during this must-listen episode.

Dr. Timothy Buckey, MD, MBE, discusses how medical ethics impact every patient encounter and offers practical advice on how to implement into clinical practice. (November 13, 2024)