Episodes

Did you know that 27 million Americans ride horses annually, surpassing both golf and tennis in popularity? This surprising statistic underscores the widespread exposure to potential horse allergens, even in urban areas. In this episode, we tackle the allergies commonly seen in rural environments. We explore the intriguing hygiene hypothesis, comparing asthma rates in Amish and Hutterite communities, and uncover the unexpected prevalence of horse allergies in urban settings. From barn dust to cr...

This episode dives into the intricate world of pet allergies, exploring how testing with allergen components is reshaping our clinical approach to diagnosis and management. Dr. Anne-Marie Schoos, a pediatrician and clinical researcher, shares insights on interpreting sensitization profiles, the predictive value of multiple component sensitizations, and the surprising specificity of male dog allergies. Learn about the clinical benefits of testing with allergen components, including risk assessmen...

As spring allergies subside, clinicians face a new wave of allergy challenges. This episode tackles the often-overlooked summer allergy surge, addressing the shift from tree pollen to grass and ragweed pollen. We explore the critical distinction between Class 1 and Class 2 food allergies, shedding light on cross-reactivity with summer fruits and vegetables. The discussion covers unexpected allergen sources like dust mites in air conditioners and insects like mosquitos as well as non-allergic tri...

Dive into the fascinating world of allergen components and how modifying them is revolutionizing food safety for allergy sufferers. We explore the unexpected ways allergen components affect food allergenicity, and how this knowledge is being leveraged to create safer options. From alpha-Gal-free pigs to ovomucoid-free eggs, we discuss groundbreaking developments in modified foods. We also cover the latest research on reducing allergenicity in peanuts, wheat, and even pet dander. Learn how clinic...

Did you know that urban planners inadvertently created allergy hotspots by favoring male trees in city landscapes? This episode of ImmunoCAST takes listeners on a cross-country journey, exploring how allergies manifest differently across various US regions. We address the challenge of identifying and managing region-specific allergens, from urban environments to coastal areas and the heartland. Topics covered include the impact of imported fire ants in the Southeast, the prevalence of dust mites...

Did you know the average person unknowingly consumes about 2 pounds of insects or insect parts annually? This startling fact underscores the ubiquitous presence of insects in our environment and diet, presenting unique challenges in allergy diagnosis and patient management. This episode of ImmunoCAST explores the multifaceted world of insect-related allergies, moving beyond common respiratory or stinging triggers to uncover lesser-known presentations. We explore the "Pancake Syndrome" and its li...

Many of the 33 million Americans affected by food allergies, start their allergy care journey with a visit to their primary care or family medicine clinician. Tune in as Dr. Ruchi Gupta, a board-certified pediatrician and founding director of the Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research (CFAAR), shares key insights on the current state of food allergies in America as well as impactful diagnostic and management tips that every primary clinician should consider when seeing patients with food al...

In this episode of ImmunoCAST, we share an example of impactful patient education from our friends at Allergy Insider (@allergyinsider). They hosted Dr. Zachary Rubin (@rubin_allergy), a double board-certified pediatrician and allergist and internet sensation, and ImmunoCAST’s own Gary Falcetano, PA, on their recent Instagram Live segment “Ask the Insider” to discuss the allergy symptom threshold. Because Allergy Insider aims to provide patients with evidence-based, educational information abou...

This spring, patients may be reporting that some foods cause their mouth to itch. Is this a food allergy? Or is this pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS)? In this episode of ImmunoCAST tackles the clinical challenge of distinguishing this condition from more severe food allergies. We explore the mechanisms behind PFAS, its relationship to seasonal allergies, and the importance of comprehensive allergy evaluation. Key topics include the role of specific IgE testing, differentiating between true fo...

In partnership with Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), Gary Falcetano discusses the unique challenges of diagnosing and managing Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a red meat allergy triggered by tick bites with Dr. Scott Commins, a leading expert in Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) and distinguished professor at the university of North Carolina. They explore the distinct nature of Alpha-gal as a carbohydrate allergen, the prolonged journey to diagnosis, and the syndrome's expanding geographic prevalence....

Coming out of the winter months and flu season, we dive into the best ways to help prepare patients with asthma for the spring allergy season. From insights into the impact of allergies and viral illnesses on patients with asthma to ways to help reduce exposure to potential allergic triggers, tune in and gain important information on how you can help optimize patient outcomes going into spring. Episode resources and references available at https://www.thermofisher.com/phadia/us/en/resources/immu...

Dr. David Golden is a member of the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters and has directed research programs on insect allergy and anaphylaxis at Johns Hopkins for 30 years, publishing numerous research and review articles. In this episode we speak with Dr. Golden about the latest updates to the anaphylaxis practice parameters, emphasizing critical changes in recommendations around the role of epinephrine and more. Transitioning to stinging insect venom allergy, we discuss the effectiveness of...

This is part 2 of ImmunoCAST, highlighting interesting abstracts presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology’s 2024 meeting. In this episode, we explore nine allergy-related medical case studies that were showcased and piqued our interest. Tune in and discover some of the fascinating ways allergies may present in your patients and what you can do to optimize your diagnosis and management. From shrimp exposure through breast milk to developing a peanut sensitization from ...

ImmunoCAST visited the 2024 American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology meeting and collected some of the most interesting and important research papers which were unveiled during the conference. Whether you’re an allergist or a primary care clinician, tune in to hear some of the most exciting research and insights that are coming out of the field of allergy, including the role of climate change on latex allergy, the role of allergic rhinitis and food allergy on mental health, and much m...

With almost half a million followers on Instagram and over 1.3 million followers on TikTok, allergist Dr. Zachary Rubin has built a huge following of users interested in his allergy insights. Tune in as we interview Dr. Rubin to understand the role of a clinician online, best practices for combating online misconceptions, and how he leverages digital platforms to deliver accurate allergy and immunology education. We also get advice on potential ways primary care providers can help optimize aller...

Because ethanol is too small of a molecule for the body to make antibodies to, there really is no such thing as an "alcohol allergy," but that doesn't mean patients can't have a reaction to substances found within alcohol. In this episode of ImmunoCAST, we address the clinical challenge of distinguishing between alcohol intolerance and true allergy. Tune in as we explore histamine intolerance, sulfite sensitivity, and ALDH2 deficiency, as well as hidden allergens in alcoholic beverages, the role...

Halloween presents unique challenges for clinicians managing patients with food allergies. In this episode, to heighten awareness and preparedness, we explore the emotional impact on children with food allergies, who may often feel excluded from Halloween activities, as well as emphasize the importance of an accurate diagnosis using component resolved diagnostic blood tests to help identify exactly what with in an allergen may be causing a reaction. Additionally, we explore strategies for clinic...

When we picture a patient struggling with respiratory allergies, our mind might immediately jump to spring allergy season. However, fall allergies, while often overlooked, can cause patients to experience reactions just as severe due to the combination of outdoor triggers and viral season. Tune in as we discuss the history of ragweed, its impact on public health, and its connection to oral allergy syndrome. We also dive into the role of outdoor mold as leaves decompose, the impact of flu season,...

ImmunoCAST welcomes Dr. Michael Benninger, Professor and Former Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery in the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, as a guest expert speaker on this special Allergy After Dark episode. With over 200 publications, Dr. Benninger is an expert on respiratory allergies and their impact on sexual function in patients. Tune in to this episode, where Dr. Benninger joins Gary and Luke to discuss the import...

Does your patient have a food allergy or intolerance? Celiac disease or wheat allergy? When it comes intolerances vs. allergies, there’s a lot of symptoms overlap. In this episode of ImmunoCAST, we discuss the mechanisms and differences behind IgE-mediated food allergies, autoimmune conditions like celiac disease, and various types of food intolerances, including metabolic, pharmacologic, and toxic reactions. We also dive into the pitfalls of at-home IgG food intolerance tests that patients may ...

Using the Triple Aim framework to dissect the current status of allergy care in America, this episode delves into the per capita cost, population health, and patient experience of care, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate referrals. Tune in for insights on improving healthcare efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing patient outcomes. Don't miss this informative episode designed to help clinicians better serve their patients. Episode resources and references availab...

Asthma Peak Week is nearly a month away, giving clinicians just enough time to start to help prepare their at-risk patients. Tune into this episode of ImmunoCAST where we break down why in September there is a spike in asthma exacerbations and hospitalizations as well as some tips and insights on how to ensure your patients with asthma are prepared and safe in the coming month. Episode resources and references available at https://www.thermofisher.com/phadia/us/en/resources/immunocast/s2e4.html?...

This episode covers some of the more popular theories on ways patients may develop allergies, such as the epithelial barrier hypothesis, hygiene hypothesis, and microbiome theory. From children to older adults, Gary and Luke discuss the prevalence of food and respiratory allergies and how these allergies may present and change over the course of a patient’s life. Tune in to understand how these changes may impact past diagnoses as well as patient management. Episode resources and references avai...

Whether your patients are Olympians, little league champs, or rec center pros, tune in to discover the fascinating impact that food and respiratory allergies have on athletes. In this episode of ImmunoCAST, Gary and Luke delve into key insights on diagnosing and managing allergies in athletic patients, from examining the prevalence of allergic diseases among Olympians and recreational athletes to unpacking conditions like exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Episode resources and references available a...