Hope & Histamine: The Paediatric Allergy Podcast

Ibuprofen Allergy or NSAID Hypersensitivity in Children? Diagnosis and Management Guide

NSAID hypersensitivity in children can be challenging to recognise, diagnose, and manage safely. In this episode of Hope & Histamine: The Paediatric Allergy Podcast, we explore paediatric NSAID hypersensitivity, including reactions to commonly used medicines such as ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. We discuss the different types of NSAID reactions, how to distinguish true hypersensitivity from other adverse effects, and the importance of a careful clinical history. The episode also covers diagnostic approaches, the role of drug provocation testing, cross-reactive versus selective NSAID reactions, and practical management strategies for children who need safe pain relief or fever treatment. This episode is aimed at clinicians, trainees, healthcare professionals, and interested parents who want a clearer understanding of NSAID allergy and hypersensitivity in children. Listen to learn about: * How NSAID hypersensitivity presents in children * The difference between NSAID allergy, intolerance, and adverse drug reactions * Ibuprofen-related reactions and when to suspect hypersensitivity * Cross-reactive and selective NSAID hypersensitivity * Diagnostic pathways and the role of supervised drug challenges * Safe alternatives and practical management advice A practical, evidence-informed discussion to help improve confidence in recognising and managing NSAID hypersensitivity in paediatric practice. Sources:  1. Cousin, M., Chiriac, A., Molinari, N., Demoly, P. and Caimmi, D. (2016) 'Phenotypical characterization of children with hypersensitivity reactions to NSAIDs', Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 27, pp. 743-748. 2. Guvenir, H., Misirlioglu, E.D., Capanoglu, M., Buyuktiryaki, B., Onay, Z.R., Ginis, T., Toyran, M., Civelek, E. and Kocabas, C.N. (2018) 'The Frequency of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Hypersensitivity in Children with Asthma', International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, 176(1), pp. 26-32. 3. Kidon, M., Blanca-Lopez, N., Gomes, E., Terreehorst, I., Tanno, L., Ponvert, C., Chin, C.W., Caubet, J.C., Soyer, O., Mori, F., Blanca, M. and Atanaskovic-Markovic, M. (2018) 'EAACI/ENDA Position Paper: Diagnosis and management of hypersensitivity reactions to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in children and adolescents', Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 29, pp. 469-480. 4. Mori, F., Atanaskovic-Markovic, M., Blanca-Lopez, N., Gomes, E., Gaeta, F., Sarti, L., Bergmann, M.M., Tmusic, V., Valluzzi, R.L. and Caubet, J.C. (2020) 'A Multicenter Retrospective Study on Hypersensitivity Reactions to Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in Children: A Report from the European Network on Drug Allergy (ENDA) Group', The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, 8(3), pp. 1022-1031. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast and on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition. Please don't ignore or delay seeking medical advice based on content from this podcast or website. Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/goodlifecreations [https://coff.ee/goodlifecreations] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509328/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509328/support] Brought to you by - Goodlife Creations (2026).  Music by - Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay.

Penicillin Allergy in Children: Myths, Diagnosis, Delabelling, and Safe Antibiotic Choices

Penicillin allergy is one of the most commonly reported drug allergies in children — but many children labelled as “penicillin allergic” are not truly allergic. In this episode, we explore why penicillin allergy labels matter, how they can affect antibiotic choices, and why accurate assessment is so important for safer, better care. We discuss the difference between true allergic reactions and common childhood rashes, the key features clinicians look for in the history, and when referral or allergy testing may be needed. The episode also looks at penicillin allergy “delabelling” — the process of safely removing an inaccurate allergy label — and how this can help children access first-line antibiotics, reduce unnecessary use of broad-spectrum alternatives, and support antimicrobial stewardship. This episode is ideal for parents, healthcare professionals, medical trainees, nurses, pharmacists, and anyone interested in paediatric allergy and safe antibiotic prescribing. Listen now to understand penicillin allergy in children, how it is diagnosed, and why many allergy labels deserve a second look. Sources: 1. Barbaud, A., Garvey, L.H., Torres, M., Laguna, J.J., Arcolaci, A., Bonadonna, P., Hofmeier, K.S., Chiriac, A.M., Cernadas, J., Caubet, J.C. and Brockow, K. (2024) 'EAACI/ENDA position paper on drug provocation testing', Allergy, 79, pp. 565-579. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/all.15996. 2. Romano, A., Atanaskovic-Markovic, M., Barbaud, A., Bircher, A.J., Brockow, K., Caubet, J.C., Celik, G., Cernadas, J., Chiriac, A.M., Demoly, P., Garvey, L.H., Mayorga, C., Nakonechna, A., Whitaker, P. and Torres, M.J. (2020) 'Towards a more precise diagnosis of hypersensitivity to beta-lactams – an EAACI position paper', Allergy, 75, pp. 1300-1315. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/all.14122. 3. Zambonino, M.A., Corzo, J.L., Muñoz, C., Requena, G., Ariza, A., Mayorga, C., Urda, A., Blanca, M. and Torres, M.J. (2014) 'Diagnostic evaluation of hypersensitivity reactions to beta-lactam antibiotics in a large population of children', Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 25, pp. 80-87. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/pai.12155. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast and on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition. Please don't ignore or delay seeking medical advice based on content from this podcast or website. Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/goodlifecreations [https://coff.ee/goodlifecreations] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509328/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509328/support] Brought to you by - Goodlife Creations (2026).  Music by - Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay.

Alpha-Gal Syndrome Explained: Tick-Bite Meat Allergy, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Management

In this episode of Hope & Histamine, we explore Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) — a fascinating and increasingly recognised form of tick-bite-related allergy that can cause delayed allergic reactions to red meat and other mammalian-derived products. We break down what Alpha-Gal Syndrome is, how tick bites can trigger sensitisation to the alpha-gal molecule, and why symptoms often appear several hours after eating foods such as beef, lamb, pork or venison. The episode also covers the key clinical features of AGS, including urticaria, angioedema, gastrointestinal symptoms, respiratory symptoms and anaphylaxis. Designed for clinicians, families and anyone interested in allergy medicine, this episode discusses how Alpha-Gal Syndrome is diagnosed, the role of allergy testing, common hidden sources of mammalian products, and practical approaches to management, avoidance and emergency planning. Tune in for a clear, practical and evidence-informed guide to Alpha-Gal Syndrome, tick-bite meat allergy, delayed anaphylaxis and red meat allergy. Sources: 1. Carson, A.S., Gardner, A. and Iweala, O.I. (2022) 'Where's the Beef? Understanding Allergic Responses to Red Meat in Alpha-Gal Syndrome', The Journal of Immunology, 208(2), pp. 267-277. 2. Kersh, G.J., Salzer, J., Jones, E.S., Binder, A.M., Armstrong, P.A., Choudhary, S.K., Commins, G.K., Amelio, C.L., Kato, C.Y., Singleton, J., Biggerstaff, B.J., Beard, C.B., Petersen, L.R. and Commins, S.P. (2023) 'Tick bite as a risk factor for alpha-gal-specific immunoglobulin E antibodies and development of alpha-gal syndrome', Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 130, pp. 472-478. 3. Mehlich, J., Fischer, J., Hilger, C., Swiontek, K., Morisset, M., Codreanu-Morel, F., Schiener, M., Blank, S., Ollert, M., Darsow, U., Biedermann, T. and Eberlein, B. (2019) 'The basophil activation test differentiates between patients with alpha-gal syndrome and asymptomatic alpha-gal sensitization', Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 143, pp. 182-189. 4. Platts-Mills, T.A.E., Gangwar, R.S., Workman, L. and Wilson, J.M. (2025) 'The Immunology of Alpha-Gal Syndrome: History, Tick Bites, IgE, and Delayed Anaphylaxis to Mammalian Meat', Immunological Reviews. 5. Wilson, J.M., Erickson, L., Levin, M., Ailsworth, S.M., Commins, S.P. and Platts-Mills, T.A.E. (2024) 'Tick bites, IgE to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose and urticarial or anaphylactic reactions to mammalian meat: The alpha-gal syndrome', Allergy, 79, pp. 1440-1454.  🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast and on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition. Please don't ignore or delay seeking medical advice based on content from this podcast or website. Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/goodlifecreations [https://coff.ee/goodlifecreations] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509328/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509328/support] Brought to you by - Goodlife Creations (2026).  Music by - Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay.

Chronic Urticaria Treatment Explained: Antihistamines, Biologics and New Therapies for Long-Term Hives

Chronic urticaria can be frustrating, unpredictable and deeply disruptive — but modern treatment has moved far beyond “just take an antihistamine.” In this episode of Hope & Histamine, we explore the pharmacological treatment of chronic urticaria, from regular non-sedating antihistamines and dose escalation to specialist therapies such as omalizumab and emerging treatment options. We discuss how chronic spontaneous urticaria is managed using a stepwise approach, when to consider treatment escalation, why sedating antihistamines and repeated steroid courses are usually avoided, and how newer biologic therapies are changing outcomes for patients with persistent hives and angioedema. Designed for clinicians, trainees, parents and curious listeners, this episode breaks down chronic urticaria treatment in a clear, practical and evidence-informed way — helping turn itch, wheals and uncertainty into better understanding and control. Sources: 1. Agache, I., Akdis, C.A., Akdis, M., Brockow, K., Chivato, T., del Giacco, S., Eiwegger, T., Eyerich, K., Giménez-Arnau, A., Gutermuth, J., Guttman-Yassky, E., Maurer, M., Ogg, G., Ong, P.Y., O’Mahony, L., Schwarze, J., Warner, A., Werfel, T., Palomares, O. and Jutel, M. (2022) 'EAACI Biologicals Guidelines—Omalizumab for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria in adults and in the paediatric population 12–17 years old', Allergy, 77(1), pp. 17-38. 2. Antia, C., Baquerizo, K., Korman, A., Alikhan, A. and Bernstein, J.A. (2018) 'Urticaria: A comprehensive review: Treatment of chronic urticaria, special populations, and disease outcomes', Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 79(4), pp. 617-633. 3. Kolkhir, P., Fok, J.S., Kocatürk, E., Li, P.H., Okas, T.-L., Marcelino, J. and Metz, M. (2025) 'Update on the Treatment of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria', Drugs, 85, pp. 475-486. 4. Maurer, M., Church, M.K., Gonçalo, M., Sussman, G. and Sánchez-Borges, M. (2015) 'Management and treatment of chronic urticaria (CU)', Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 29(Suppl. 3), pp. 16-32. 5. Nochaiwong, S., Chuamanochan, M., Ruengorn, C., Awiphan, R., Tovanabutra, N. and Chiewchanvit, S. (2021) 'Evaluation of Pharmacologic Treatments for H1 Antihistamine–Refractory Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis', JAMA Dermatology, 157(11), pp. 1316-1327.  🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast and on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition. Please don't ignore or delay seeking medical advice based on content from this podcast or website. Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/goodlifecreations [https://coff.ee/goodlifecreations] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509328/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509328/support] Brought to you by - Goodlife Creations (2026).  Music by - Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay.

Chronic Urticaria in Children: Clinical Features, Pathogenesis and Diagnostic Evaluation

In this episode of Hope & Histamine: The Paediatric Allergy Podcast, we explore chronic urticaria in children, including its key clinical features, underlying pathogenesis, and practical approach to diagnostic evaluation. Chronic urticaria can be distressing for children and families, often causing recurrent itchy wheals, angioedema, sleep disruption and anxiety about possible triggers. This episode breaks down how chronic urticaria presents, why it happens, and how clinicians can distinguish chronic spontaneous urticaria from inducible forms and other important differential diagnoses. We discuss the role of mast cells, histamine and immune dysregulation, while also addressing common misconceptions around food allergy, infection and extensive allergy testing. The episode highlights a structured, evidence-informed approach to history taking, examination and investigations, with a focus on avoiding unnecessary tests and supporting families with clear explanations. Whether you are a paediatrician, allergy clinician, trainee, GP, nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, parent or caregiver, this episode offers a practical overview of chronic urticaria diagnosis and assessment in children. Sources: 1. Fricke, J., Ávila, G., Keller, T., Weller, K., Lau, S., Maurer, M., Zuberbier, T. and Keil, T. (2020) 'Prevalence of chronic urticaria in children and adults across the globe: Systematic review with meta-analysis', Allergy, 75, pp. 423–432. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/all.14037. 2. Kolkhir, P., Bonnekoh, H., Metz, M. and Maurer, M. (2024) 'Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Review', JAMA, 332(17), pp. 1464–1477. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.15568. 3. Lang, D.M. (2022) 'Chronic Urticaria', New England Journal of Medicine, 387(9), pp. 824–831. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra2120166.  🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast and on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition. Please don't ignore or delay seeking medical advice based on content from this podcast or website. Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/goodlifecreations [https://coff.ee/goodlifecreations] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509328/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509328/support] Brought to you by - Goodlife Creations (2026).  Music by - Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay.