Episodios

  • What I Wish I Knew About Allergies When I Started Practicing Medicine

    What I Wish I Knew About Allergies When I Started Practicing Medicine
    Dec 17 2025
    In this episode, we sit down with ImmunoCAST host Gary Falcetano, PA, to discuss the insights he wishes he had when he first began treating and managing allergy patients, along with the knowledge he has gathered from speaking with thousands of clinicians across the country. Gary addresses common misconceptions surrounding skin prick testing and in vitro blood testing, highlights region-specific allergen patterns, explores the nuances of risk stratification in asthma and respiratory allergies, and much more. Additional topics include pre-test and post-test probability, diagnostic test selection, patient communication, shared decision-making, adherence challenges, actionable exposure reduction, and effective use of clinical resources. Healthcare providers will come away with clear, evidence-based guidance to strengthen allergy diagnosis and improve patient outcomes. References and resources: https://www.thermofisher.com/phadia/us/en/resources/immunocast/allergy-insights-tips-advice-new-clinicians.html?cid=0ct_3pc_05032024_9SGOV4
    Más Menos
    36 m
  • Unmasking Winter Allergies and Indoor Triggers: Differential Diagnosis and Targeted Management for Healthcare Providers

    Unmasking Winter Allergies and Indoor Triggers: Differential Diagnosis and Targeted Management for Healthcare Providers
    Dec 5 2025
    Over 99% of homes contain at least one allergen, with 75% harboring three to six, yet winter allergies often masquerade as stubborn “colds” or recurrent respiratory infections. This episode confronts the core diagnostic challenge of differentiating allergy-driven symptoms from viral, bacterial, or non-allergic triggers in colder months. We delve into indoor allergen epidemiology, risk stratification for polysensitized patients, syndrome overlap in differential diagnosis, and utility of location-specific respiratory allergen profiles for diagnostic testing and interpretation. Additional topics include guideline-informed approaches to environmental exposure reduction, patient-centered therapeutic strategies, monitoring of symptom thresholds, actionable counseling for managing dust mites, pet dander, molds, mouse and cockroach allergens, and streamlining through tailored lab ordering guides and reflex pet component testing. Clinicians will gain practical insight into identifying sensitizations, guiding targeted exposure minimization, and elevating respiratory care quality for patients with persistent winter symptoms.
    Más Menos
    27 m
  • What Should Primary Care Providers Know About Online Allergy Misinformation? (ft. Dr. Zachary Rubin)

    What Should Primary Care Providers Know About Online Allergy Misinformation? (ft. Dr. Zachary Rubin)
    Nov 17 2025
    In this episode, we tackle the challenge of separating allergy fact from fiction in an age of rampant online misinformation. Dr. Zachary Rubin, a double board-certified pediatrician and allergist, shares insights on common allergy myths circulating on social media. We explore misconceptions about food allergies vs. intolerances, respiratory allergies, eczema management, anaphylaxis treatment, and allergy testing interpretation. Learn how to navigate patient conversations about gluten sensitivity, pet allergies, and "natural" allergy cures. This episode provides primary care clinicians with practical strategies to address patient concerns rooted in online misinformation and optimize allergy diagnosis and management in clinical practice.
    Más Menos
    36 m
  • Unraveling Complex Allergy Case Studies With the Power of Allergen Components

    Unraveling Complex Allergy Case Studies With the Power of Allergen Components
    Nov 3 2025
    Did you know that a dog allergy could be linked to unexplained infertility? This episode delves into fascinating allergy case studies and how component-resolved diagnostics can help uncover hidden connections. From wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis in children to severe sesame reactions despite negative clinical history, learn what these interesting cases can teach us about the impact of allergen component sensitization and how innovative testing using components can broaden our understanding. This episode also explores the latest insights into wheat and sesame allergen components as well as how these tools can enhance your clinical decision-making, improve diagnostic accuracy, and optimize allergy management strategies. For episode resources and references, visit: https://www.thermofisher.com/phadia/us/en/resources/immunocast/allergy-case-studies-component-diagnostics-dog-sensitization-wheat-allergy-sesame-reactions.html?cid=0ct_3pc_05032024_9SGOV4
    Más Menos
    31 m
  • How Can Clinicians Address Mental Health in Food Allergy Patients? (ft. Tamara Hubbard, MA, LCPC)

    How Can Clinicians Address Mental Health in Food Allergy Patients? (ft. Tamara Hubbard, MA, LCPC)
    Oct 13 2025
    Imagine a child diagnosed with a life-threatening food allergy – how does this impact their mental health and family dynamics? In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked psychological aspects of food allergies. Licensed therapist Tamara Hubbard, MA, LCPC, shares insights on helping patients and families navigate anxiety, risk assessment, and social challenges. We discuss strategies for clinicians to address mental health concerns during allergy diagnoses, manage family conflicts, and recognize when to refer for counseling. Learn how to empower food allergy patients to live fully while staying safe, balancing avoidance with quality of life, and fostering resilience in children and parents alike. For episode resources and references, visit: https://www.thermofisher.com/phadia/us/en/resources/immunocast/mental-health-strategies-food-allergy-patients-tamara-hubbard.html?cid=0ct_3pc_05032024_9SGOV4
    Más Menos
    24 m
  • From Anxiety to Inclusion: Reimagining Halloween for Food Allergy Patients

    From Anxiety to Inclusion: Reimagining Halloween for Food Allergy Patients
    Oct 7 2025
    Did you know that peanut-triggered anaphylaxis jumps by 85% during Halloween? This startling statistic underscores the critical need for healthcare providers to address food allergy management proactively. This episode tackles the complex interplay between food allergies and Halloween festivities, offering insights into accurate diagnosis, emotional impact assessment, and practical safety strategies. We discuss the importance of allergen component-resolved diagnostics in risk stratification, the underutilized mental health resources for food allergy patients, and innovative community initiatives like the Teal Pumpkin Project. Learn how to guide your patients towards a safe, inclusive Halloween experience while optimizing your allergy management approach year-round. Resources and references: https://www.thermofisher.com/phadia/us/en/resources/immunocast/halloween-food-allergy-management-peanut-tree-nut.html?cid=0ct_3pc_05032024_9SGOV4
    Más Menos
    23 m
  • What's the Link Between Pollen and Nut Allergies? Diagnostic Insights for Clinicians

    What's the Link Between Pollen and Nut Allergies? Diagnostic Insights for Clinicians
    Sep 22 2025
    Did you know that up to 70% of adults with seasonal allergies may experience symptoms of pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS)? This often-overlooked condition can mimic true nut allergies, leading to unnecessary dietary restrictions. In this episode, we tackle the challenge of differentiating PFAS from primary nut allergies. We explore the molecular basis of cross-reactivity between pollen and food proteins, discuss key diagnostic approaches using testing with allergen components, and provide insights on risk stratification. Learn about the unique presentation of pollen food allergy syndrome with tree nuts and peanuts, understand the role of labile versus storage proteins in symptom manifestation, and gain practical tips for patient management and dietary advice. Resources and references: https://www.thermofisher.com/phadia/us/en/resources/immunocast/link-between-pollen-and-nut-allergies-diagnostic-insights.html?cid=0ct_3pc_05032024_9SGOV4
    Más Menos
    26 m
  • Navigating the Expanding Landscape of Alpha-Gal Syndrome in Primary Care

    Navigating the Expanding Landscape of Alpha-Gal Syndrome in Primary Care
    Sep 8 2025
    A tick bite in Maine leads to an unexpected diagnosis, challenging our understanding of alpha-Gal syndrome's geographic boundaries. This episode unravels the expanding reach of this unique allergic condition, now found from coast to coast and linked to multiple tick species. We explore recent case studies that highlight the need for increased clinical suspicion, even in non-endemic areas. Learn about the diverse symptom presentation, from delayed anaphylaxis to chronic urticaria and GI distress, and the potential cardiovascular implications. Discover how alpha-Gal syndrome intersects with common medications and why it's becoming a crucial consideration in idiopathic anaphylaxis and IBS workups. Gain insights into emerging diagnostic approaches and legislative efforts to address this growing public health concern. Resources and references available at: https://www.thermofisher.com/phadia/us/en/resources/immunocast/unmasking-alpha-gal-new-vectors-regions-concerns.html?cid=0ct_3pc_05032024_9SGOV4
    Más Menos
    24 m
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_DT_webcro_1694_expandible_banner_T1