#72 Preparing for Immunotherapy: Dr. Dave Stukus on Tests, Challenges, and Expectations

Send us Fan MailMy second guest for this special podcast season guiding listeners through the immunotherapy process welcomes back Dr. David Stukus, Director of the Food Allergy Treatment Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio and  President-Elect of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI).Dr. Stukus shares his clinical approach to preparing patients for food allergy immunotherapy, including the role of diagnostic testing, oral food challenges, and threshold challenges in clarifying treatment decisions. The discussion also addresses the mental preparation required for immunotherapy, common fears and hesitations families experience, and what realistic benefits patients can expect during and "after" treatment.Listeners will gain insight into:What medical tests and food challenges may be recommended and whyHow allergists assess readiness for immunotherapyThe common “bumps in the road” during treatmentWhat happens once maintenance is reachedAnd how to think about long-term outcomes when treatment is considered “done”This episode offers practical, evidence-based guidance for families seeking clarity before beginning food allergy treatment.-Follow Dr. Stukus on Instagram @pedsallergydoc-Retail Food Equivalents for OIT article:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2213219822010650 -Dr. Stukus' first appearance on the Don't Feed the Fear podcast (Episode 18):https://www.buzzsprout.com/2371319/episodes/16808272Follow me on social media @thefoodallergypsychologist and sign up for my newsletter on my website for updates on my book, From Fear to Freedom: A Workbook for Navigating Allergy Immunotherapy, coming in June!https://www.thefoodallergypsychologist.com/connectSpecial thanks to Kyle Dine for permission to use his song The Doghouse for the podcast theme!www.kyledine.comFind Dr. Whitehouse:-thefoodallergypsychologist.com-Instagram: @thefoodallergypsychologist-Facebook: Dr. Amanda Whitehouse, Food Allergy Anxiety [email protected]