ImmunoCAST

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 allergy care before specialist referrals, as well as some of the pitfalls they should avoid when managing patients with allergies. From social media tips to optimizing your practice, you’re not going to want to miss this episode.

Episode resources and references available at https://www.thermofisher.com/phadia/us/en/resources/immunocast/s2e11.html?cid=0ct_3pc_05032024_9SGOV4

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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 at: https://www.thermofisher.com/phadia/us/en/resources/immunocast/s2e2.html?cid=0ct_3pc_05032024_9SGOV4