The Itch: Allergies, Asthma, Eczema & Immunology The Itch: Allergies, Asthma & Immunology

How is the black community impacted by food allergies?
Dr. Carla Davis joins Dr. G and Kortney to discuss the impact of social determinants of health on food allergy outcomes within the Black community. Dr. Davis highlights historical factors like redlining and insurance disparities that exacerbate health disparities, resulting in higher prevalence rates of food allergies and multiple allergies among Black patients. These disparities often lead to increased emergency room visits and barriers to accessing allergen-free foods, compounded by socioeconomic challenges and food insecurity.
Dr. Davis also underscores how cultural differences significantly influence the management of food allergies within families, particularly during gatherings, and emphasizes the crucial role of media representation in raising awareness and promoting acceptance.
We discuss the critical need for increased Black representation in research trials, recognizing the challenges posed by longstanding mistrust in the medical community among Black patients.
Key Points Covered in This Episode:
Health Disparities: Social factors significantly impact food allergy outcomes in the Black community.
Limited Healthcare Access: Redlining and insurance disparities restrict healthcare access, worsening health outcomes.
Food Insecurity: Challenges in accessing allergen-free foods are heightened by food insecurities and food deserts.
Cultural Factors in Food Allergy Management: Cultural influences play a crucial role in managing food allergies within families.
Resources for Food Allergies: Essential support from food banks and allergy organizations for managing allergies and food insecurity.
Communication Tips for Patients: Practical advice for effective communication and advocacy with healthcare providers.
Historical Mistrust of the Medical Community: Historical discrimination contributes to mistrust in healthcare, affecting access and outcomes.
Helpful Resources
Health Disparities in Allergy, Asthma and Immunologic Diseases (New Webinar July 16, 2024): https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/webinars-updates/health-disparities-diseases/
Black People Like Me Virtual Conference Series 2024: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/trusted-messengers-project/black-people-like-me-2024/
Food Allergy Resources: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/allergies/ 
School Plans for Students with Food Allergies: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/school-plans-students-food-allergies/
Food Equality Initiative - Food Allergy Friendly Food Bank Resource: https://www.foodequalityinitiative.org/

Dr. Payel and Kortney discuss the process of diagnosing chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), the roles of allergists and dermatologists, and the importance of a thorough medical history and physical examination. Dr. Payel also explains the limited tests involved in confirming a CSU diagnosis and the common misconceptions surrounding allergy testing and food restrictions. They also discuss the role of autoimmune diseases in CSU.

Kortney and Dr. Gupta discuss chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), defining it as a medical condition commonly known as hives. They discuss the itchy and transient nature of hives and emphasize that CSU can vary in appearance depending on skin tone.

As temperatures rise and weather patterns become more unpredictable, the effects of climate change on respiratory health become even more noticeable.
Dr. Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir, an expert in respiratory health, joins Dr. G and Kortney to discuss how climate change exacerbates respiratory conditions like asthma, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. 
The episode explores why we should consider the connection between climate change and asthma. Understanding the mechanisms behind it is crucial. Dr. Lovinsky-Desir explains how increased temperatures lead to higher levels of air pollution and create “heat islands" in urban areas. Heat islands are urban areas that are significantly warmer than their surrounding rural areas due to human activities. These islands intensify health risks by trapping heat and pollutants, worsening air quality and increasing respiratory distress.
Dr. Lovinsky-Desir and Dr. G share practical measures that are easy to implement and can significantly help us navigate poor air quality. These include wearing masks during high pollution and monitoring air quality through initiatives like the State of the Air Report or your weather app. She also highlights the role of organizations like the American Lung Association in providing resources and support for improving indoor air quality.
We hope this episode helps you better understand climate change's impact on air quality, the overall environment, and lung health. Hopefully, you can take meaningful steps towards a healthier future for all. If you are in doubt about the impacts of climate change, this episode is for you!
What we cover in our about climate change, air pollution and lung health
The relationship between air pollution, air quality and climate change
The impact of climate change on season allergies
The effect of air quality on lung health
The populations most impacted by poor air quality
Poor housing and its effects on lung health
Programs and resources help make housing healthier 
What you can do to keep your lungs safe
How to explain to someone why they need to care about climate change and asthma
Helpful links
More about our sponsor, Chiesi: https://www.chiesiusa.com/
Pollen Report from Allergy Asthma Network: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/weather/ 
State of the Air Report from The Lung Association: https://www.lung.org/research/sota
Tips to Manage Asthma and Allergies Caused by Climate Change: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/climate-change-what-you-can/
Lifestyle Changes to Manage Asthma: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/what-is-asthma/lifestyle-changes-to-manage-asthma/

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 and aggressive systemic mastocytosis, shedding light on warning signs indicating disease progression. She offers a detailed exploration of treatment approaches for aggressive mastocytosis, highlighting the evolving treatment plan and differing prognosis from indolent cases. Additionally, Dr. Kremyanskayaa delves into the concept of myeloid malignancy, providing insight into the more challenging aspects of advanced systemic mastocytosis progression.
We also dive into stem cell transplants as a potential cure for advanced systemic mastocytosis. Dr.  Kremyanskaya explains why this option is not immediately pursued due to the complexity of the procedure and the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), a potential complication associated with stem cell transplants.
What we cover in this episode about advanced systemic mastocytosis:
Understanding indolent systemic mastocytosis
Signs indicating progression to advanced mastocytosis.
Treatment strategies for aggressive mastocytosis and associated prognosis.
Explanation of advanced systemic mastocytosis with or without hematologic malignancy.
Definition of myeloid malignancy.
Understanding the impact of advanced systemic mastocytosis on organs.
The effectiveness of early treatment in slowing down the progression.
The role of stem cell transplant in treating mastocytosis.
Stem cell transplant and associated risks
Role of chemotherapy in stem cell transplant.
Overview of graft-versus-host disease.
Addressing whether stem cell transplant serves as a cure for mast cell disease.

Resources about mast cell disease:
Mast Cell Disease Overview: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/health-a-z/mast-cell-diseases/
What is Anaphylaxis? https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/anaphylaxis/
What is Epinephrine? https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/anaphylaxis/what-is-epinephrine/
The Mast Cell Disease Society: https://tmsforacure.org/

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 difference between indolent and advanced systemic mastocytosis. He clarifies how KIT inhibitors work and emphasizes the importance of managing side effects. Finally, Dr. Tremblay provides insights into the future of KIT inhibitor approval and explores the possibility of participating in a clinical trial for Bezulastinib. 
What we cover in this episode about treating systemic mastocytosis:
What is a hematologist looking at with mast cell disease patients?
Mast cell diseases and the role of bone marrow
Bone marrow biopsy for systemic mastocytosis 
What is a bone marrow biopsy?
Information bone marrow biopsy provides for diagnosis

KIT mutation 
KIT mutation testing in bone marrow and blood (digital droplet PCR)
Indolent Mastocytosis versus Advanced Mastocytosis
Current research for treating mast cell disease
How KIT inhibitors work
Do KIT inhibitors weaken the immune system?
KIT Inhibitors discussed in this episode:
Avapritinib
Bezulastinib
Elenestinib

Are KIT inhibitors a cure for mast cell disease?
Determining the tolerance for side effects of medications when researching and adding new medicines for diseases 
The meaning of ‘NIB’ in the medication names
The timeline for the new KIT inhibitors approval
The type of patient that can participate in the clinical trials for Bezulastinib
Resources about mast cell disease:

Dr. Tremblay: https://profiles.mountsinai.org/douglas-a-tremblay

Dr. Tremblay’s email: douglas.tremblay@mssm.edu 



Mast Cell Disease Overview: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/health-a-z/mast-cell-diseases/


What is Anaphylaxis? https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/anaphylaxis/


What is Epinephrine? https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/anaphylaxis/what-is-epinephrine/


The Mast Cell Disease Society: https://tmsforacure.org/


Current studies enrolling patients: https://tmsforacure.org/clinical-trials/