AAFAnoon Chats

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

AAFAnoon Chats, a podcast of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), discusses news, research, and information to help you manage asthma and allergies.

  1. One Fire, Many Flames: The Immune Response Fueling Allergies, Asthma, and Eczema

    May 19

    One Fire, Many Flames: The Immune Response Fueling Allergies, Asthma, and Eczema

    Asthma. Seasonal allergies. Food allergies. Eczema. Nasal polyps. Eosinophilic esophagitis. What if these aren’t separateproblems – but different expressions of the same one? We're pulling back the curtain on a common thread linking many of these conditions — an overactive immune response called type 2 inflammation. Think of it as a fire burning inside the body. Depending on where it flares, it might show up asitchy skin, a wheezing chest, a constantly runny nose, or a reaction to certain foods. This immune response leads to a community of diseases and understanding how it works is changing everything about how these diseases are treated. We discuss why so many people have more than one of these conditions, and how treatments are now targeting the root cause — not just the symptoms. In this episode: How the immune system’s “alarm system” gets stuck in the “on” positionWhy allergic conditions so often occur togetherHow some treatments target, block, or change the immune system’s response Making the most of your allergy appointment – what information to share and how to ask better questions at your next doctor’s visit (0:00) Introduction (0:32) Understanding Allergies and Immune Response (2:14) Types of Allergic Conditions and Their Connections (4:11) Advancements in Allergy Treatments (5:38) When to Consult an Allergist (6:57) Preparing for Your Allergist Appointment (8:38) Personalized Treatment Approaches Resources: Type 2 Inflammation: https://aafa.org/programs/collaborations/type-2-inflammation/Asthma: https://aafa.org/asthma/Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE): https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/living-with-food-allergies/what-is-a-food-allergy/eosinophilic-esophagitis-eoe/Nasal Polyps: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-triggers-causes/health-conditions-that-trigger-asthma/nasal-polyps/Atopic Dermatitis: https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-symptoms/skin-allergies/eczema/Food Allergies: https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/food-allergies/AAFA Online Support Community for People with Asthma and Allergies:  https://aafa.org/join  Disclosure: This episode was produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible in part by support from Sanofi and Regeneron. Its contents are solelythe responsibility of AAFA and the guest speakers, and do not necessarily represent the official views of the sponsors.

    12 min
  2. The Confident Table: Food Allergy Treatment Options

    May 14

    The Confident Table: Food Allergy Treatment Options

    Choosing a food allergy treatment is a big decision. It starts with understanding the current options. Then thinking about what is important to you and your family, and assessing the requirements, benefits, and side effects or risks.   In this episode of AAFAnoon Chats, host Zulema Chavez interviews board-certified allergist, Dr. Dave Stukus. Dr. Stukus discusses: Allergen avoidanceOral immunotherapyBiologics (omalizumab)Personalized care and shared decision-making (00:00) Introduction (0:46) Introduction to Food Allergy Management (2:19) Food Allergy Treatment Options (5:10) How to Find the Right Treatment Options (6:56) Food Allergy Resources   Resources: A Decision Guide for Food Allergy Treatment Options: https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/food-allergy-treatment-decision-aid.pdf   Disclosures: Dave Stukus, MD, is a board-certified allergist/immunologist and a member of AAFA’s Medical Scientific Council.This episode was produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible in part by support from Genentech. Its contents are solely the responsibility of AAFA and the guest speakers, and do not necessarily represent the official views of the sponsors.

    9 min
  3. When Allergies Attack the Wrong Plant: Cross-Reactivity and Food Allergies

    Apr 21

    When Allergies Attack the Wrong Plant: Cross-Reactivity and Food Allergies

    Sometimes proteins in one plant are similar to proteins in another plant and the immune system gets confused and sees them as the same. This can cause false positive allergy tests or in some cases, an allergic reaction. In this episode of AAFAnoon Chats, host Zulema Chavez interviews board certified allergists, Dr. Michael Pistiner, and Dr. Nowak-Wegrzyn. Dr. Pistiner and Dr. Nowak-Wegrzyn discuss: Cross-reactivity and the role it plays with food allergiesWhat Food-Pollen Allergy Syndrome (PFAS) and Latex-Food Allergy Syndrome are. Management and treatment options for these syndromes. How these syndromes are diagnosed. (0:00) Intro (1:00) Understanding Cross-Reactivity (3:31) Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (Oral Allergy Syndrome) Explained (12:20) Differentiating Food Allergies (19:30) Latex Fruit Syndrome Overview (24:10) Allergy Testing and Diagnosis (30:20) Managing Dietary Restrictions Resources: Understanding Oral Allergy Syndrome (Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome): https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/understanding-oral-allergy-syndromePollen Allergy: https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/pollen-allergy/Food Allergies and Cross-Reactivity: https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/living-with-food-allergies/what-is-a-food-allergy/food-allergies-and-cross-reactivity/Latex Allergy: https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/latex-allergy/How Do Doctors Diagnose Allergies?: https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-diagnosis/AAFA Online Support Community for People with Asthma and Allergies: https://aafa.org/joinKids with Food Allergies (KFA) Online Support Community: https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/join Disclosure: This episode was produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible in part by support from Genentech. Its contents are solely the responsibility of AAFA and the guest speakers, and do not necessarily represent the official views of the sponsors.

    34 min
  4. 2026 Allergy Capitals Report®: The Most Challenging Places to Live in the U.S. with Seasonal Allergies

    Mar 19

    2026 Allergy Capitals Report®: The Most Challenging Places to Live in the U.S. with Seasonal Allergies

    In this episode of AAFAnoon Chats, host Zulema Chavez interviews Dr. Neeta Ogden, medical spokesperson for AAFA, and Hannah Jaffee, AAFA’s Research Director. Dr. Ogden and Hannah discuss: Findings from AAFA’s 2026 Allergy Capitals® report, which is released every March. The impacts of seasonal allergies.How to manage pollen allergy and mold allergy.Allergy treatment options such as over the counter medicines, and immunotherapy or allergy shots. Resources: Allergy Capitals: https://aafa.org/asthma-allergy-research/allergy-capitals/ Pollen Allergy: https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/pollen-allergy/Mold Allergy: https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/mold-allergy/Nasal Allergies (Rhinitis): https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-symptoms/rhinitis-nasal-allergy-hayfever/Allergy Symptoms: https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-symptoms/Allergy Treatments: https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-treatments/Allergy Diagnosis: https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-diagnosis/AAFA Online Support Community for People with Asthma and Allergies: https://aafa.org/join Disclosure: This episode was produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible in part by support from Opella, makers of Allegra. Its contents are solely the responsibility of AAFA and the guest speakers, and do not necessarily represent the official views of the sponsors.

    16 min
  5. Reaching Rural Communities

    Feb 17

    Reaching Rural Communities

    In this episode, we focus on AAFA’s Health Equity Advancement and Leadership (HEAL) program, and outreach efforts in Alabama to address asthma disparities that exist in rural communities with Dr. Ellen Buckner and Dr. Linda Gibson-Young. We discuss what health equity and health disparities are, steps to address these issues and improve asthma outcomes, and how people can connect with the HEAL program.   Resources: Health Equity: aafa.org/healthequityAsthma Facts and Figures: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-facts/Asthma Triggers: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-triggers-causes/Healthier Homes Checklist: https://aafa.org/allergies/prevent-allergies/healthier-home-indoor-air-quality/ Asthma-Friendly Home Checklist: https://aafa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/asthma-care-for-adults-lesson-2-asthma-triggers-home-checklist.pdf AAFA Online Support Community for People with Asthma and Allergies:  https://aafa.org/join Black Women’s Asthma Alliance, private Facebook group for Black women who live with asthma or are caregivers to people with asthma: https://aafa.org/joinbwaaAlabama Asthma Ambassadors: https://alabamaasthmaambassadors.org  Disclosure: This episode was produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible in part by support from Genentech, Sanofi, and Regeneron. Its contents are solely the responsibility of AAFA and the guest speakers, and do not necessarily represent the official views of the sponsors.

    31 min
  6. Managing Asthma and Allergies During Pregnancy

    Jan 23

    Managing Asthma and Allergies During Pregnancy

    In this episode, we discuss managing asthma and allergies during pregnancy with Dr. Jennifer Namazy. We discuss whyit’s important, tips to manage these conditions during pregnancy, asthma medicine safety during pregnancy, and resources available for patients, caregivers, and health professionals. Resources: Asthma During Pregnancy: https://aafa.org/asthma/living-with-asthma/asthma-during-pregnancy/Breathe 4 Baby: Supporting Asthma Health During Pregnancy and Lactation: https://aafa.org/programs/collaborations/breathe-for-baby-asthma-during-pregnancy/Pregnancy and Lactation Asthma Action Plan: https://aafa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pregnancy-and-lactation-asthma-action-plan.pdfHealthier Homes Checklist: https://aafa.org/allergies/prevent-allergies/healthier-home-indoor-air-quality/ Asthma-Friendly Home Checklist: https://aafa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/asthma-care-for-adults-lesson-2-asthma-triggers-home-checklist.pdf Allergy Information: https://aafa.org/allergies/ AAFA Online Support Community for People with Asthma and Allergies:  https://aafa.org/join Disclosure: This episode was produced by the Asthmaand Allergy Foundation of America and made possible in part by support from Genetech. Its contents are solely the responsibility of AAFA and the guest speakers, and do not necessarily represent the official views of the sponsors.

    22 min
  7. Asthma Management and Control

    12/22/2025

    Asthma Management and Control

    In this episode, we talk about asthma management and control with Dr. William Anderson and Dr. Matthew Greenhawt. We discuss: What asthma is How to manage itCurrent inhaled treatment options Differences between quick relief medicines and controller medicinesResources: Asthma Symptoms: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-symptoms/Asthma Treatment: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-treatment/How to Correctly Use Your Asthma Devices (PDF): https://aafa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/asthma-care-for-adults-lesson-4-how-to-properly-use-your-asthma-devices.pdfTake Control of Your Asthma (YouTube playlist): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrLBy23tjd-IXLcHspZiiV7G4QIX4wisKAsthma Action Plan: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-treatment/asthma-treatment-action-plan/Asthma Prevention: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-prevention/AAFA Online Support Community for People with Asthma and Allergies:  https://aafa.org/join Disclosure: This episode was produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible in part by support from AstraZeneca. Its contents are solely the responsibility of AAFA and the guest speakers, and do not necessarily represent the official views of the sponsors.

    34 min
  8. Food Allergies and Parental Stress, Anxiety, and Fear

    11/21/2025

    Food Allergies and Parental Stress, Anxiety, and Fear

    In this episode, Tamara Hubbard discusses mental health support and resources available to empower families managing food allergies. She discusses the social, mental, and relational impacts of food allergies on parents and children, as well as strategies to help families overcome these challenges. Tamara is a licensed clinical professional counselor and family therapist. Related resources: Mental Health Care Is Important for People Affected by Food Allergies (blog): https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/mental-health-care-food-allergiesManaging Food Allergies at School: https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/living-with-food-allergies/planning-for-school/AAFA’s Online Support Community for Parents Managing Food Allergies: https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/joinGet Support: https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/get-involved/get-support/  Disclosure: This episode was produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible in part by support from Genentech. Its contents are solely the responsibility of AAFA and the guest speakers, and do not necessarily represent the official views of the sponsors.

    23 min
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About

AAFAnoon Chats, a podcast of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), discusses news, research, and information to help you manage asthma and allergies.

Information

  • Creator
    Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
  • Show Website
    AAFAnoon Chats