The Itch: Allergies, Asthma, Eczema & Immunology

Have you ever searched for information on mast cell disease only to be overwhelmed by alarming topics like cancer and stem cell transplants? Then this episode is for you!

Our guest, Dr. Marina Kremyanskaya, joins hosts Dr. G and Kortney to provide insight into the progression of systemic mastocytosis and the available treatment options to improve quality of life and extend lifespan.

Dr. Kremyanskaya distinguishes between indolent a...

Why talk to a hematologist about mast cell disease and systemic mastocytosis treatment?

Dr. Douglas Tremblay, a leading hematologist, joins Dr. G and Kortney to discuss the role of a hematologist-oncologist in diagnosing and treating mastocytosis. We discuss bone marrow's vital role in diagnosing and treating systemic mastocytosis. 

Dr. Tremblay discusses the latest KIT inhibitors, a promising group of medications, and explains the...

What is it like when an unpredictable disease like systemic mastocytosis forces you to change the trajectory of your life?

As we continue to unpack mast cell disease, Dr. G and Kortney wanted to get the patient's perspective on living with such a complex disease. Tammie joins the podcast to discuss her journey battling mastocytosis, a rare condition affecting mast cells in the body.

If you eve...

Can a low-histamine diet help with mast cell disease? Why is stress a big trigger for mast cell disease?

Dr. Milner joins us again to discuss two hot topics in managing mast cell disease. We start by demystifying the low histamine diet and sharing when appropriate. The answer may be different from what you expect or want to hear. We also talk about stress, a topic we are learning impacts so many chronic diseases, especially those r...

Where do you begin with mast cell disease treatment when there is such variation among patients? 

Dr. Milner is back with us to discuss the difficulties in treating mast cell activation syndrome and mastocytosis. We will discuss the different approaches to treating mast cell disease and the medications used for mastocytosis treatment. Since no single treatment plan works for everyone, we will explore multipl...

Our episode on eyelash allergies was so interesting we had to bring you more from our favorite eye Doc, Dr. Luk. We delve into the fascinating world of eyelash health and hygiene, from the importance of cleanliness to the latest trends like eyelash serums and magnetic extensions. We discuss the importance of hygiene, eyelash serums, and magnetic eyelash extensions.

What we cover in this episode on how to clean eyelash extensions: <...

Put on your detective hat because we will be diving into how to diagnose mast cell disease!

Dr. G and Kortney are joined by Dr. Josh Milner, one of the top experts in the field of mast cell disease, as they dive into the complexities of diagnosing mast cell disorders, focusing on cases of unexplained anaphylaxis and using this as our guide to understanding all of the tests that doctors do to figure out what ...

Have you ever wondered why your doctor puts their membership in their bios? Why is it relevant to a patient that your allergist is a member of the ACAAI?

This podcast is made possible through Allergy & Asthma Network’s partnership with the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Dr. G and Kortney had the special privilege of inter...

Have you ever considered whether your nasal congestion, IBS, brain fog, and hives are related? 

This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network. We thank Blueprint Medicines for sponsoring this podcast.

Dr. Anne Maitland joins us as we delve into the complex world of mast cell disease. From the confusing range of symptoms to the unpredictable nature of each pers...

Are you allergic to your eyelash extensions?

Eyelash extensions have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a way to achieve fuller, longer lashes without the hassle of applying mascara every day. However, some potential risks are associated with eyelash extensions, including allergic reactions.

Dr. Janice Luk joins Dr. G and K...

The basic science of mast cells is the first episode in our 6-part series exploring Mast cell diseases. To start the series, we explore the intricate workings of mast cells by diving into how they work and what happens when something is off balance.

Have you ever wondered what releases histamine and how this happens? Then this episode is for you!

What we cover in our episode about m...

Fear and anxiety are very common when managing food allergies and anaphylaxis. It can come from the unknown, where the allergen can show up. It can also come from the way your allergies are discussed.  How do you motivate patients to use their epinephrine without causing crippling anxiety?

Dr Golden joins us as we explore the delicate balance of doctors using fear to underscore the urgency of administering epinephrine during anaphy...

Is a needle-free option for administering epinephrine coming out? Yes! 

Dr. Golden joins us again in this episode to explore the new products in development for administering epinephrine.

What we cover in our episode about anaphylaxis and epinephrine:

• The new types of ways to administer epinephrine:

  • Inhaler

  • Nose spray

  • Sublingual film 

• Why it has been challengin...

Biologic medications are supposed to help you live your life as normally as possible, but still, one has to wonder, can you travel while taking biologic medicines?

After releasing the episode on biologics for asthma, Dr. G and Kortney decided to explore how to travel while on a biologic successfully. They unpack what considerations patients need to take when planning their trip. 

What we cover in our episode about traveling while ...

Have you ever wondered if it's anaphylaxis or just a severe allergic reaction? And how do you know when to use epinephrine? Diagnosing anaphylaxis can be challenging, and in this episode, we dive into this topic with our guest, Dr. David Golden.

What we cover in this episode:

• What is anaphylaxis
• When to use an Epinephrine device?
• How to deter...

In the second episode of the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast Series, Dr. G and Kortney dive into the critical topic of controlled and uncontrolled asthma. They shed light on various aspects of asthma, including its types, severity levels, medications, and the importance of asthma action plans.

This...

Itchy, watery eyes? It may be an allergy that only impacts your eyes!

Dr. Luk joins Dr. G and Kortney to discuss ocular allergies, which are allergic reactions that affect the eyes. 

Ocular allergies are common and can cause significant discomfort and impaired vision. However, many people are unaware of the different types of ocular allergies, the treatments available, or the importance of prevention. If you...

Part of the series: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast

This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network, with funding support from AstraZeneca.

In this episode, we explore a new form of asthma treatment, Biologics. These innovative treatments offer targeted relief by addressing the underlying causes of asthma, leading to improved symptom control and a be...

Breaking down the facts behind a bee sting allergy and more!

In this episode, we delve into the world of venom allergies, focusing on allergic reactions caused by flying insects and fire ants. Our hosts are joined by Dr. Farah Khan, who shares her valuable expertise, in explaining the underlying mechanisms of allergic reactions to venom allergies. 

What we cover in this episode:

• What types of insects can cause a venom allergy a...