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

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” position * Why allergic conditions so often occur together * How 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/ [https://aafa.org/programs/collaborations/type-2-inflammation/] * Asthma: https://aafa.org/asthma/ [https://aafa.org/asthma/] * Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE): https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/living-with-food-allergies/what-is-a-food-allergy/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/ [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/ [https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-symptoms/skin-allergies/eczema/] * Food Allergies: https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/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 [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.

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 avoidance * Oral immunotherapy * Biologics (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 [https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/food-allergy-treatment-decision-aid.pdf] * Anaphylaxis Action Plan (Food Allergy Emergency Care Plan): https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-treatments/anaphylaxis-action-plan/ [https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-treatments/anaphylaxis-action-plan/]   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.

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 allergies * What 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-syndrome [https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/understanding-oral-allergy-syndrome] * Pollen Allergy: https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/pollen-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/ [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/ [https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/latex-allergy/] * How Do Doctors Diagnose Allergies?: https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-diagnosis/ [https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-diagnosis/] * AAFA Online Support Community for People with Asthma and Allergies: https://aafa.org/join [https://aafa.org/join] * Kids with Food Allergies (KFA) Online Support Community: https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/join [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.

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/ [https://aafa.org/asthma-allergy-research/allergy-capitals/ ] * Pollen Allergy: https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/pollen-allergy/ [https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/pollen-allergy/] * Mold Allergy: https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/mold-allergy/ [https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/mold-allergy/] * Nasal Allergies (Rhinitis): https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-symptoms/rhinitis-nasal-allergy-hayfever/ [https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-symptoms/rhinitis-⁠nasal-allergy-hayfever/] * Allergy Symptoms: https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-symptoms/ [https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-symptoms/] * Allergy Treatments: https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-treatments/ [https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-treatments/] * Allergy Diagnosis: https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-diagnosis/ [https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-diagnosis/] * AAFA Online Support Community for People with Asthma and Allergies: https://aafa.org/join [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.

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/healthequity [https://aafa.org/health-equity/]Asthma Facts and Figures: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-facts/ [https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-facts/] * Asthma Triggers: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-triggers-causes/ [https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-triggers-causes/]Healthier Homes Checklist: https://aafa.org/allergies/prevent-allergies/healthier-home-indoor-air-quality/ [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 [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 [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/joinbwaa [https://aafa.org/joinbwaa] * Alabama Asthma Ambassadors: https://alabamaasthmaambassadors.org [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.