The Allergist CSACI

“Early introduction is the time-proven and research-proven prevention target for every child and every food.” -- Prof. Jonathan Hourihane

Venture into the evolving landscape of food allergy management as Dr. Mariam Hanna welcomes Professor Jonathan Hourihane, a leading figure in pediatric allergy and immunotherapy from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Together, they explore the latest strategies in dietary advancement therapies and the critical role of early food introduction.

On this episode:

Early Introduction: Professor Hourihane emphasizes the importance of introducing allergenic foods early to prevent long-term allergies. He challenges traditional cautious approaches and highlights the effectiveness of starting reintroductions at home for allergens like milk and egg.


Impact of Parental Anxiety: How parental emotions play a crucial role. Professor Hourihane shares his findings on the negative effects of high parental anxiety on the success of food reintroduction. He underscores the need for allergists to provide support to help parents navigate these challenges confidently.


Advocacy in Allergy Management: Reflecting his passion for patient advocacy, Professor Hourihane advocates for a proactive approach to managing food allergies. He discusses the necessity of empowering both patients and their families to take informed steps toward reintroducing allergenic foods safely and effectively.


Shifting Perspectives: They discuss how these approaches necessitate a shift in how allergists view food allergies—from a condition to be feared to one that can be actively managed through strategic, informed actions.


Join Dr. Hanna and Professor Hourihane for an insightful discussion that promises to reshape your understanding of food allergy management, emphasizing early intervention and patient empowerment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in allergy care, offering essential insights that could transform your clinical approach. 



Visit the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Find an allergist using our helpful tool

Find Dr. Hanna on X, previously Twitter, @PedsAllergyDoc or CSACI @CSACI_ca

The Allergist is produced for CSACI by PodCraft Productions

“I guarantee you, within the next five years or within my lifetime, there may be a permanent solution to a lot of medical conditions including (asthma)."  -- Dr. Jason Lee


Asthma remains a formidable foe, particularly when it escalates to its severe form. This episode of "The Allergist," Dr. Mariam Hanna, explores the complexities of severe asthma and the revolutionary impact of biologic therapies.


Dr. Jason Lee, a leading expert in allergy and immunology, sheds light on the evolution of asthma treatment. Gone are the days when inhalers and corticosteroids were our only options. Today, biologics offer a promising frontier, not just to manage but potentially to rewrite the course of the disease. Dr. Lee demystifies these powerful medications, tackling common concerns and highlighting the essential role of patient education in fostering adherence.


Dr. Lee offers several actionable tips for physicians on managing severe asthma with biologics. He advises on the importance of patient education about the mechanisms and benefits of biologics to enhance adherence and reduce anxiety about these new treatments. He emphasizes the need for regular monitoring of lung function and inflammation markers to tailor therapy effectively. And Dr. Lee highlights the use of stepped-care approaches and discusses strategic timing for introducing or discontinuing biologic therapy based on patient response and overall asthma control. 


For allergists and healthcare professionals keen on cutting-edge treatments for severe asthma, this discussion is a treasure trove of practical insights and innovative strategies.


Visit the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Find an allergist using our helpful tool

Find Dr. Hanna on X, previously Twitter, @PedsAllergyDoc or CSACI @CSACI_ca

The Allergist is produced for CSACI by PodCraft Productions

“(Urticaria) is not an allergic condition, it's an autoimmune condition, one. Two, it's not dangerous, but it can last long. Three, we have very good strategies to control it.”                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                - Dr. Moshe Ben-shoshan


Hives are probably one of the most misunderstood rashes by the general public. Hives are not life-threatening, but they're debilitating. They're not an allergy, but they're often blamed for being one. They're a marker of autoimmunity with little to do with one particular disease and their course and triggers in one particular person is at best challenging to predict.


Dr. Moshe Ben-shoshan tackles the intriguing world of chronic urticaria; cutting through common misconceptions, and walking us through the latest in diagnostic strategies and management options for hives. From the targeted effectiveness of second-generation antihistamines to the advanced treatment possibilities offered by biologics like omalizumab, and even the role of immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine. Special attention is given to the nuances of chronic urticaria in children versus adults.


Emphasizing the critical role of disease scoring systems, Dr. Ben-shoshan explains how these tools are vital for assessing severity and guiding treatment decisions. The conversation also sheds light on the diagnostic value of blood tests, showcasing the multifaceted approach required to effectively manage hives.


Dr. Ben-shoshan tip-toes into the delicate territory of how to handle the increasing requests for testing and dietary modifications. We also take a quick glimpse into the future of urticaria management including targeted pediatric guidance and new biologics on the horizon. 


This episode offers an indispensable resource for allergists and healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of chronic urticaria. It’s packed with practical insights and a look towards promising advancements in the field.



Visit the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Find an allergist using our helpful tool

Find Dr. Hanna on X, previously Twitter, @PedsAllergyDoc or CSACI @CSACI_ca

The Allergist is produced for CSACI by PodCraft Productions

“Worst allergy season ever? Might not be an exaggeration for that patient.” 
                                                                                                                                   -- Dr. Adam Byrne


On this episode, Dr. Mariam Hanna is joined by Dr. Adam Byrne, an expert allergist and clinical immunologist, to unravel the complex relationship between climate change and allergic diseases. Dr. Byrne sheds light on how rising global temperatures, increased pollution, and changing ecosystems are not just environmental issues but are directly impacting the prevalence and severity of allergic conditions.


Together, they dissect the science behind why we're seeing an uptick in cases of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. But the conversation doesn't stop at diagnosis and treatment; it also covers practical advice for allergists and patients alike on mitigating the health impacts of climate change. From advocating for cleaner air policies to adjusting daily routines, Dr. Byrne offers actionable strategies to address the evolving landscape of allergies.


This episode is essential listening for anyone in the allergy field, providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in managing allergies in a changing climate. Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone navigating the complexities of living with allergies, Dr. Byrne's insights offer valuable guidance for adapting to our planet's new normal.



Visit the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Find an allergist using our helpful tool

Find Dr. Hanna on X, previously Twitter, @PedsAllergyDoc or CSACI @CSACI_ca

The Allergist is produced for CSACI by PodCraft Productions

“Food allergy tests are not screening tests…I will pause for dramatic effect…Food allergy tests are not screening tests.” Dr. David Stukus


Dr. Mariam Hanna is joined by Dr. David Stukus, a leading pediatric allergist and clinical immunologist from Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Together, they dive into the critical issues surrounding food allergy diagnostics and the latest advancements in treatment options, including developments in the field of oral immunotherapy (OIT) and the recent FDA approval of Omalizumab for food allergies.


Dr. Stukus debunks common misconceptions about testing and emphasizes the importance of a nuanced approach to interpreting results when diagnosing food allergies He advocates for evidence-based practices and the necessity of individualized treatment plans, highlighting the role of clinicians in guiding patients through the complexities of managing food allergies.


The conversation also explores the future of food allergy treatments, with Dr. Stukus expressing optimism about the potential for more personalized therapies that cater to the unique needs of each patient. He stresses the importance of shared decision-making between clinicians and patients, ensuring that treatment choices are informed, thoughtful, and tailored to achieve the best possible outcomes.


This episode is a must-listen for allergists aiming to keep ahead of the evolving landscape of food allergy management, offering deep insights into the challenges, innovations, and hopes for the future. 


Visit the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Find an allergist using our helpful tool

Find Dr. Hanna on X, previously Twitter, @PedsAllergyDoc or CSACI @CSACI_ca

The Allergist is produced for CSACI by PodCraft Productions

“People think leadership has to be a loud person standing in front of everybody, declaring themselves the leader. Leadership isn't a dictatorship. Leadership is not always that loud person.”  -- Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman


On this episode of "The Allergist," we explore what leadership in medicine actually means with Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman, an accomplished allergist and clinical immunologist. Dr. Abdurrahman, who wears many hats including that of an assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at McMaster University and the incoming president-elect of the Ontario Medical Association, shares her insights on what it means to be a leader in the medical field.


Leadership, as Dr. Abdurrahman explains, is not just about being at the forefront; it's about inspiring and motivating others, guiding teams towards a common goal, and sometimes, leading from behind to allow others to shine. This episode is not just about the theoretical aspects of leadership but also about its practical applications in the challenging landscape of healthcare.


Dr. Abdurrahman's journey is a testament to the diverse forms leadership can take, from being the team lead in mock codes to shaping the future direction of healthcare in Ontario. She discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with being a female leader in medicine, breaking stereotypes, and paving the way for future generations.

So, whether you're an aspiring leader, a medical professional, or someone curious about the intersection of leadership and medicine, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Join Dr. Mariam Hanna and Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman on "The Allergist" as they explore the essence of leadership in medicine and how it shapes the healthcare landscape.
Visit the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Find an allergist using our helpful tool

Find Dr. Hanna on X, previously Twitter, @PedsAllergyDoc or CSACI @CSACI_ca

The Allergist is produced for CSACI by PodCraft Productions