AAFAnoon Chats

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, andDr. 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 RestrictionsResources: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/joinDisclosure: 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.

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/joinDisclosure: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Dr. Matthew Greenhawt, leading expert on food allergies, explains a recent study about a significant drop in peanut allergy diagnoses. The study covered by the media and got viral attention. But the reporting on the study is not entirely correct. The study notes that the drop in peanut allergy rates coincided with changes to feeding guidelines that now recommend early introduction of allergenic foods. However, there is not enough evidence the newer guidelines are the sole cause of the reduced peanut allergy rates. Dr. Greenhawt explains the evolution of feeding guidelines (including the 2015 LEAP study) which shifted recommendations to introduce allergenic foods between 4-6 months of age. Early introduction helps reduce risk, but the risk is not zero. Some kids will still develop allergies. Food allergies are complicated and there are many factors that contribute to whether someone has a food allergy.

In this episode, we talk about the latest research and guidelines for treating anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction. Drs. Matthew Greenhawt and Katherine Anagnostou explain:Symptoms of allergic reactions and what anaphylaxis meansWhy using epinephrine is importantWhy guidelines have evolvedThe research behind the first validated anaphylaxis action plan Details about how the plan provides a decision tree to help people decide course of action and provide prompt treatment of anaphylaxis. Resources:Allergy Action Plan for the Treatment of Anaphylaxis (for Food, Drug, Stinging Insect, or Latex Allergy): https://aafa.org/allergyplanA Major Advancement in Allergy Care: New Anaphylaxis Definition and Guidance (blog): https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/a-major-advancement-in-allergy-care-new-anaphylaxis-definition-and-guidanceSchool Planning Resources for Parents: https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/living-with-food-allergies/planning-for-school/school-planning-resources-for-parents/Resources for School & Care Centers: https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/living-with-food-allergies/planning-for-school/resources-for-school-care-centers/[MC1] [MC2] Kids with Food Allergies (KFA) Online Support Community: https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/joinDisclosure: This episode was produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible in part by support from ARS Pharmaceuticals and the AmericanCollege of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Its contents are solely the responsibility of AAFA and the guest speakers, and do not necessarily represent the official views of the sponsors or the employers of Dr. Anagnostou.

In this episode, we talk about managing allergies during the summer. Dr. Jeffrey Demain discusses common allergens seen during the summer such as stinging insects and pollen, and how people can protect themselves if they have bee allergy, ant allergy, or grass allergy. Resources:- AAFA Online Support Community for People with Asthma and Allergies: https://aafa.org/join - Bee Sting Allergies: https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/insect-allergy/bee-wasp-hornet-yellow-jacket/- Fire Ant Allergy: https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/insect-allergy/fire-ant-allergy/- Grass Pollen Allergy: https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/pollen-allergy/grass-pollen-allergy/- Allergens and Allergic Asthma: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-triggers-causes/allergic-asthma/- Asthma Prevention: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-prevention/- Allergy Prevention: https://aafa.org/allergies/prevent-allergies/- Healthier Home Checklist: https://aafa.org/allergies/prevent-allergies/healthier-home-indoor-air-quality/Dr. Demain is the Founder, of the Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Center of Alaska; Clinical Professor, at the University of Washington School of Medicine; Adjunct Professor, at the University of Alaska; and the Founder, of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Alaska Chapter. He is a member of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation ofAmerica’s Medical Scientific Council. Disclosure:This episode was produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible in part by support from American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Its contents are solely the responsibility of AAFA and the guest speakers, and do not necessarily represent the official views of the sponsors.

In this episode, Naomi Seiler, JD talks about health policies and how they affect people’s access to affordable care and treatments for asthma and allergies. May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. This year’s theme is Make Asthma and Allergy Treatments Accessible for All.  Resources:- Advocacy Action Center: aafa.org/advocacy- Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month Information and Activities: aafa.org/awareness- AAFA Online Support Community for People with Asthma and Allergies: aafa.org/join- AAFA’s Online Support Community for Parents Managing Food Allergies: kidswithfoodallergies.org/join- Subscribe to AAFA’s Breathe Newsletter: aafa.org/subscribe- Drug Assistance Programs: aafa.org/drugassistance- What You Need to Know About the $35 Price Cap on Asthma Inhalers (blog): community.aafa.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-35-price-cap-on-asthma-inhalers- What to Do If You Can't Afford Your Asthma Medicines (blog): community.aafa.org/blog/what-to-do-if-you-can-t-afford-your-asthma-medicines - What to Do If You Can't Afford Epinephrine (blog):community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/what-to-do-if-you-cant-afford-epinephrine-auto-injectors Disclosure: This episode was produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible in part bysupport from Amgen and Genentech. Its contents are solely the responsibility of AAFA and the guest speakers, and do not necessarily represent the official views of the sponsors or of The George Washington University.

In this episode, Kathleen M. Buchheit, MD explains what nasal polyps are, why people with asthma or allergies have a greater chance of developing them, as well as treatment and management options currently available. Resources:- Nasal Polyps: aafa.org/nps- A Guide to Nasal Polyps (PDF): aafa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/guide-to-managing-nasal-polyps.pdf- Life with Nasal Polyps Report: aafa.org/nasalpolypslife- AAFA’s Online Support Community: aafa.org/join Disclosure: This episode was produced independently by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible in part by support from Amgen, 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 sponsor.

In this episode, Jenna Riemenschneider, AAFA’s Vice President of Advocacy and Policy, and Hannah Jaffee, AAFA’s Director of Research talk about allergies and our AllergyCapitals report. This report analyzes data from across the United States and ranks the 100 largest cities where it is challenging to live with allergies. The episode also highlights the impacts of climate change, tips to manage allergies, and steps communities can take to improve the quality of life for people with pollen allergies. Resources:- Allergy Capitals Report: allergycapitals.org- Pollen Allergy: aafa.org/pollen- Advocacy: aafa.org/advocacy- AAFA Online Support Community: aafa.org/join

In this episode, AAFA talks to Linda Nozart-Frierson, MPH, BSRT, RRT, AE-C about community health, asthma disparities, and the role of respiratory therapists. Linda shares her personal journey with asthma and emphasizes the importance of understanding the seriousness of the condition and advocating for better health outcomes. This episode highlights the need for better access to resources for communities with the highest rates and burden of asthma.  Resources:- AAFA Online Support Community for People with Asthma and Allergies: community.aafa.org/join- Black Women with Asthma Alliance (Facebook Group): aafa.org/joinbwaa- Asthma Disparities in America Report: aafa.org/asthmadisparities- Continuing Education for Nurses and Respiratory Therapists on Asthma Management: aafa.org/ameo- Thee Asthma Lady: https://www.youtube.com/@theeasthmaladyrtDisclosure: 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 sponsor.

In this episode, Jennifer Namazy, MD, talks about how pregnancy can affect asthma and the importance of managing asthma while pregnant. She discusses the importance of medicine, the RSV vaccine and the Breathe 4 Baby initiative. The episode also highlights the significance of education for both people with asthma and health care professionals. Resources:Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): aafa.org/RSV- AAFA’s online support community: aafa.org/join- Black Women with Asthma Alliance: aafa.org/joinbwaa- Asthma during pregnancy: aafa.org/pregnancy Pregnancy and Lactation Asthma Action Plan Pregnancy and Lactation Asthma Control Test Medicine safety fact sheets Disclosure: This episode was produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America with support provided under a cooperative agreement (5 NU59 EH001252) with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Environmental Health, Atlanta, Georgia. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In this episode, Dr. Michael Pistiner and Dr. Amanda Cox talk about food allergies and severe allergic reactions in infants and toddlers. They discuss the definition and symptoms of anaphylaxis, the importance of recognizing signs in young children, and the latest research impacting management and treatment options. The conversation also highlights the emotional and social challenges faced by families and the need for support systems and action plans to manage food allergies.Resources:About epinephrine: https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/living-with-food-allergies/food-allergy-treatment/epinephrine-auto-injectors/Join the Kids with Food Allergies support community for parents: https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/joinMental health care is important for people affected by food allergies: https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/mental-health-care-food-allergiesAAFA's research on infant/toddler food allergies and anaphylaxis: https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/research/our-food-allergy-research/food-allergy-anaphylaxis-in-infants/Chart of signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis in young children: https://aafa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/anaphylaxis-signs-and-symptoms-in-infants-toddlers-chart.png

Kenny Mendez, AAFA’s President and CEO, and Jenna Riemenschneider, AAFA’s Vice President of Advocacy and Policy discuss indoor air quality, its impacts on human health, and how you can advocate for better indoor air.  Join our online community at aafa.org/join to learn about more ways you can help.

Neeta Ogden, MD explains steps you can take to protect your and your family's lung health during the asthma peak in September. AAFA released its 2024 Asthma Capitals report during the asthma peak to help raise awareness about the nationwide impacts of asthma.For the full list of rankings, visit https://asthmacapitals.comLearn more about the September Asthma peak at https://aafa.org/asthmapeak⁠ and for ongoing support to help you manage your asthma, join our community at https://aafa.org/join⁠

Every September, there is a spike in asthma-related ER visits and hospital stays. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America explains what causes this asthma peak and what to do to protect your and your family's lung health.Melanie Carver, AAFA's Chief Mission Officer, talks about how fall seasonal allergies, extreme weather and fires, respiratory infections, and school building environments all influence the asthma peak this time of year.With millions of children returning to school, the time to take action is now.