Episodes

  • Understanding Alcohol and Allergies: Hidden Risks and Reactions

    Understanding Alcohol and Allergies: Hidden Risks and Reactions
    Nov 4 2024
    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 of alcohol as a cofactor in allergic reactions, and specific allergens found in wine and beer. Discover how to diagnose and manage alcohol-related reactions by learning more about the importance of detailed patient history, specific IgE testing, and the implications of enzyme deficiencies. Episode resources and references available at https://www.thermofisher.com/phadia/us/en/resources/immunocast/s2e10.html?cid=0ct_3pc_05032024_9SGOV4
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    23 mins
  • Food Allergies & Halloween: Balancing Emotional and Physical Health

    Food Allergies & Halloween: Balancing Emotional and Physical Health
    Oct 23 2024
    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 clinicians to help balance safety with inclusion, ensuring that children with food allergies can participate in Halloween festivities without compromising their health. Episode resources and references available at https://www.thermofisher.com/phadia/us/en/resources/immunocast/s2e9.html?cid=0ct_3pc_05032024_9SGOV4
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    16 mins
  • The Overlooked Allergy Season: Challenges with Fall Allergies

    The Overlooked Allergy Season: Challenges with Fall Allergies
    Oct 7 2024
    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, and the importance of managing indoor allergens such as pet dander and dust mites. Listen now and gain helpful tips on how to diagnose, prepare for, and manage patients this fall season. Link to episode resources and references: https://www.thermofisher.com/phadia/us/en/resources/immunocast/s2e8.html?cid=0ct_3pc_05032024_9SGOV4 **Clarification: At 2m12s, the ragweed epidemic Gary is referencing occurred in the 20th century, not the 19th century.
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    14 mins
  • Exploring Allergic Rhinitis and Sexual Health with Dr. Michael Benninger

    Exploring Allergic Rhinitis and Sexual Health with Dr. Michael Benninger
    Sep 23 2024
    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 importance of understanding a patient’s allergic triggers and how they may impact a more intimate side of their life. Episode resources and references available at https://www.thermofisher.com/phadia/us/en/resources/immunocast/s2e7.html
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    17 mins
  • What Should Primary Care Know About Food Intolerance vs. Food Allergy?

    What Should Primary Care Know About Food Intolerance vs. Food Allergy?
    Sep 9 2024
    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 use as well as the importance of clinical history and proper diagnostic testing. Tune in for valuable insights to help optimize your diagnosis and patient management of adverse food reactions. Episode resources and references available at https://www.thermofisher.com/phadia/us/en/resources/immunocast/s2e6.html?cid=0ct_3pc_05032024_9SGOV4
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    18 mins
  • What’s the current state of allergy care in the US? (Triple Aim approach)

    What’s the current state of allergy care in the US? (Triple Aim approach)
    Aug 26 2024
    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 available at https://www.thermofisher.com/phadia/us/en/resources/immunocast/s2e5.html?cid=0ct_3pc_05032024_9SGOV4
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    27 mins
  • Is Your Practice Prepared for Asthma Peak Week?

    Is Your Practice Prepared for Asthma Peak Week?
    Aug 12 2024
    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?cid=0ct_3pc_05032024_9SGOV4
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    15 mins
  • How Do Allergies Change Over a Patient's Lifetime?

    How Do Allergies Change Over a Patient's Lifetime?
    Jul 29 2024
    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 available at https://www.thermofisher.com/phadia/us/en/resources/immunocast/s2e3.html?cid=0ct_3pc_05032024_9SGOV4
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    25 mins