Are Allergy Ladders Baked into Immunotherapy?

“We don't do any fresh food skin testing because they have not been validated.  And we know, if we put food on skin, we may well get a positive test, but we have no idea how to interpret that. And I think that's really important.” -- Dr. Douglas MackOn this episode of "The Allergist," we're climbing the food ladder with Dr. Douglas Mack, a pediatric allergy, asthma, and immunology specialist. Dr. Mack brings his expertise to the table, discussing the nuances of milk and egg allergies in children. Are all allergies created equal? Spoiler alert: they're not. We dive into the world of phenotypes, genetic markers, and the big question – can we predict who's going to outgrow their allergies and who's in it for the long haul?We're not just talking science; we're talking practical, real-world applications. Dr. Mack sheds light on the shift from 'ladders' for non-IgE mediated food allergy to IgE mediated ones. It's a journey through the evolution of allergy treatments.And for those thinking, "What about the risks?" – we've got you covered. Dr. Mack doesn't shy away from discussing the potential dangers and the importance of understanding patient-specific risks. It's a candid conversation about the realities of treating food allergies, the challenges allergists face, and the hope for future advancements.So, grab your headphones and join us. Whether you're a seasoned allergist or just starting to climb the allergy ladder, "The Allergist" is here to guide you every step of the way. Have an idea for the show or a comment, send us a text!Visit the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyFind an allergist using our helpful toolFind Dr. Hanna on X, previously Twitter, @PedsAllergyDoc or CSACI @CSACI_caThe Allergist is produced for CSACI by PodCraft Productions