Food Allergy and Your Kiddo
If you are the parent of a child with food allergy, then this podcast is made for you. Join board-certified allergist Dr. Alice Hoyt, MD, as she dives into all things food allergy. Hear interviews with other allergists, advocates, and food allergy families, just like yours. Listeners have come to this podcast for years for answers to their food allergy questions and for strategies to live with less stress and more joy. Welcome!
Dr. Hoyt’s RAST Framework: What Parents Should Do After a Food Allergy Diagnosis
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In this episode, Dr. Alice Hoyt shares a practical and empowering mental model—the RAST framework—to help families navigate the complexities of food allergies with confidence. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing food allergies for years, this approach offers clarity and actionable steps to enhance your journey.
Pre-order "Navigating Food Allergies," releasing April 21: https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/53936/navigating-food-allergies?srsltid=AfmBOoo9RbQ49M6Nk6PB6TAIV5UG4w9lNHCSn4z_KfAmAlozGFUKENpP
food allergy diagnosis, new food allergy parent, epinephrine, allergist advic...
Why It’s Okay That Palforzia is Going Away
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In this new episode of “Food Allergy and Your Kiddo,” Dr. Hoyt discusses the recent news regarding Palforzia, the first FDA-approved treatment for peanut allergies, which is set to be discontinued. She explains how Palforzia works, its significance in oral immunotherapy (OIT), and the implications of its discontinuation for patients. Dr. Hoyt also addresses the challenges and limitations of Palforzia, including insurance coverage and the preferences of parents for more accessible alternatives like peanut butter. The conversation emphasizes the importance of discussing transitioning options with allergists and the ongoing viab...
Inside the FDA Panel on Epinephrine Access: What Families Need to Know
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Dr. Alice Hoyt discusses her recent experience speaking at a panel in Washington, D.C., focused on improving access to epinephrine for anaphylaxis. She emphasizes the importance of making epinephrine available over the counter and addresses the challenges faced by schools and families in accessing this life-saving medication. Dr. Hoyt also highlights the role of education in ensuring proper use of auto-injectors and shares insights from the FDA's evolving approach to non-prescription drugs.
Mentioned Links
Panel: https://youtu.be/99rUAtMGfYI?si=Sw4IrjqNGXG2-6...Wally the Seafood-Allergic Walrus, Read by Dr. Alice Hoyt
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"Wally the Seafood-Allergic Walrus" is a fun children's story for children, parents, and educators. The story emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing food allergies, being prepared with necessary medications like an "EpiFriend," and displaying empathy in emergency situations. It also highlights the significance of forgiveness and friendship, demonstrating that these values can turn even the most difficult circumstances into opportunities for growth and understanding.
Resources
📖 Navigating Food Allergies: A Parent’s Guide to Care, Coverage, and Confidence by Dr. Alice Hoyt - pre...
What ChatGPT Thinks Parents Want to Know About OIT
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In this episode, Dr. Alice Hoyt discusses oral immunotherapy (OIT) for children with food allergies, addressing common parental concerns about safety, the treatment process, expected outcomes, and emotional support for children undergoing OIT. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the risks and benefits of OIT, the practical steps involved in the treatment, and the emotional aspects of managing food allergies in children.
Resources
📖 Navigating Food Allergies: A Parent’s Guide to Care, Coverage, and Confidence by Dr. Alice Hoyt - preorder from...
Disney’s New Food Allergy Policy: What Families Need to Know
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In this episode, Dr. Alice Hoyt dives deep into Disney’s recent and surprising change to its food allergy policy. After releasing an episode outlining how her family safely plans for Disney, the policy shifted — servers are no longer required to ask diners if they have food allergies.
To get clarity for food allergy families, Dr. Hoyt traveled to Orlando for a speaking engagement and then headed straight to Disney Springs to get firsthand insight. She shares what she learned from cast members, managers, and her own dini...
Four Proven Strategies To Plan Your Food Allergy Family's Walt Disney World Vacation
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In this episode, Dr. Alice Hoyt shares her insights on planning a Disney World trip with food allergies. She discusses her personal experiences and offers four key strategies:Â
Theme your tripPick your prioritiesPlan your days Dining safely with specific strategies (tune in to hear more!)Dr. Hoyt emphasizes the importance of communication with Disney staff to ensure a magical and safe experience for families with food allergies.
Resources
📖 Navigating Food Allergies: A Parent’s Guide to Care, Coverage, and Confidence by Dr. Ali...
How Food Allergy Parents Can Process the News on Early Introduction and Food Allergy Prevention
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In this episode of "Food Allergy and Your Kiddo," Dr. Alice Hoyt welcomes back Tamara Hubbard (@foodallergycounselor) to discuss the impact of recent studies on peanut allergy prevention and how parents of children with food allergies may be feeling about this news.
The conversation highlights the importance of community support, evolving guidelines, and the emotional journey of parenting children with food allergies.Â
Let us know how YOU are feeling by sharing your thoughts in the comments! Subscribe to YouTube: @hoytfoodallergy
Instagram: @hoytfoodallergy
Facebook: H...
Tamara Hubbard Shares Strategies on Navigating Food Allergy Anxiety
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In this episode, Dr. Alice Hoyt interviews Tamara Hubbard about her new book, 'May Contain Anxiety,' which addresses the challenges of parenting children with food allergies. They discuss the emotional journey of writing the book, the realities of food allergy-related anxiety, and practical strategies for parents to manage their fears while fostering resilience in their children. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication with allergists, understanding values in parenting, and recognizing unhelpful approaches to anxiety. Tamara shares insights from her clinical experience and personal journey, providing valuable resources...
OIT in 2025: How Advances in Oral Immunotherapy are Treating Food Allergies in Kids - Dr. Alice Hoyt and Dr. Tom Chacko
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Dr. Alice Hoyt welcomes Dr. Tom Chacko, a board-certified allergist from Atlanta, to dive into the complexities of food allergies, focusing on oral immunotherapy (OIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). They discuss Dr. Chacko's journey into the field, the importance of whole foods in treatment, and collaborative efforts within the FAST network. The conversation also addresses the need for patient-centric care in allergy treatment.Â
Resources
📖 Navigating Food Allergies: A Parent’s Guide to Care, Coverage, and Confidence by Dr. Alice Hoyt - preorder from Am...
5 Plans All New Food Allergy Moms Must Have
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Receiving a food allergy diagnosis for your child can feel like the world has suddenly shifted beneath your feet. What was once a simple trip to the grocery store now involves scrutinizing labels, and family gatherings transform into potential hazard zones. But here's the truth: with the right plans in place, you can navigate this journey with confidence rather than fear.
In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Alice Hoyt welcomes back co-host Pam Lestage to share five essential plans every mother new to food allergies needs. Drawing from...
Is Xolair (omalizumab) really "superior" to multi-food oral immunotherapy (OIT)?
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The world of food allergy treatment has been buzzing with headlines claiming that Xolair (omalizumab) is "superior" to oral immunotherapy for treating multiple food allergies. As a board-certified allergist who both prescribes Xolair and performs multi-food OIT, I'm here to cut through the hype and provide clarity on what these treatments actually offer.
Let me take you behind those headlines to examine the OUtMATCH study that sparked these claims and we will decide whether Xolair truly is superior to OIT.
Links I mention:
...
How to Prescribe Stock Epinephrine to Schools and Other Entities
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Accidental ingestions of food allergens happen all too often, so kids with food allergies need access to epinephrine. While them having their own epi is ideal, that just isn't always the reality.
Stock epinephrine is epinephrine prescribed to a school or other entity to be used to treat a child or adult having an anaphylactic emergency. In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Hoyt shares a training she led for fellow prescribers. In this training, she teaches the ins and outs of stock epinephrine. In this episode...
How to Feed Babies to Prevent Food Allergies: The Safety of "Early" Food Introduction
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This episode focuses on the importance of early introduction of allergenic foods in preventing food allergies in infants. Tune in to hear Dr. Hoyt discuss the LEAP and EAT studies, which illustrate how feeding babies common allergens early can significantly reduce their risk of developing allergies. You'll come away from the episode with a better understanding of:
• The rising rates of food allergies and changing recommendations
• The significance of early introduction
• The LEAP and EAT studies and their findings
• The safety of early introduction
Transforming Food Allergy Management in Children: A Deep Dive into Oral Immunotherapy with Dr. Richard Wasserman
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Oral immunotherapy (OIT) has revolutionized the way we manage food allergies in children. Join Dr. Alice Hoyt as she interviews Dr. Richard Wasserman, a true pioneer in this groundbreaking treatment.Â
Dr. Wasserman shares his journey on how and why he started offering OIT to patients over 15 years ago. Dr. Hoyt and Dr. Wasserman discuss the history of OIT and its similarities to allergy shots. They also emphasize the importance of collaboration among allergists to make life-changing therapies more accessible worldwide.
OIT presents unique challenges across d...
Confirming Your Child's Food Allergy Diagnosis: The Power of Ingestion Challenges
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What is the gold standard in diagnosing an anaphylactic food allergy? It's not a skin test. It's not a blood test. It's an ingestion challenge.
In this episode,Dr. Alice Hoyt discusses the critical role of ingestion challenges when it comes to accurately diagnosing IgE-mediated food allergies. By consuming the suspected allergen under the careful supervision of a board-certified allergist, patients can achieve a precise diagnosis, which is pivotal before embarking on treatment plans like oral immunotherapy or long-term avoidance strategies. She shares valuable insights and tips...
Unpacking the Newest Anaphylaxis Practice Parameters with Dr. Dave Stukus: Expert Insights into Anaphylaxis Management
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Anaphylaxis is a a severe allergic reaction. How allergists manage anaphylaxis and how they advise their patients to manage anaphylaxis can mean the difference between life or death. That medical decision-making needs to be shared and have a foundation of evidence.
In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Alice Hoyt discusses the newest updates to the Anaphylaxis Practice Parameters, which were published in late 2023. You'll learn the data on:
A New Option for Food Allergy Families: Xolair Prevents Severe Allergic Reactions to Foods
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In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Alice Hoyt, the caring doctor voice behind the Food Allergy and Your Kiddo Show, and the eminent Dr. Dave Stukus, a trailblazer from Nationwide Children's Hospital, unpack the exciting news about Xolair (omalizumab).Â
After two decades of lending a helping hand to asthma sufferers, Xolair is now FDA-approved to combat severe allergic reactions from food allergies. The deep-dive discussion zeros in on how this well-seasoned medication works its magic by cozying up to allergic antibodies, decreasing the fright from accidental food allergen e...
Real Questions Asked On Social Media about Food Allergies
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Have you ever posted a food allergy question on social? Don't miss this episode in which Pam poses real food allergy questions from social media to Dr. Hoyt!
Resources
📖 Navigating Food Allergies: A Parent’s Guide to Care, Coverage, and Confidence by Dr. Alice Hoyt - preorder from Amazon and more
For Parents ➡️ Office Hours for Parents
For Providers ➡️ Food Allergy Pediatric Hub
For Schools ➡️ Code Ana
For Potential Patients ➡️ Hoyt Institute of Food All...
OIT: All You Need to Know in Under 10 Minutes
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Take a deep dive into the world of oral immunotherapy with Dr. Alice Hoyt, a trusted board-certified allergist and mother, and Pam Lestage, a devoted mom navigating food allergies. They break down the essentials of OIT — from understanding what it is to exploring the risks and benefits. Whether you're an OIT skeptic or enthusiastic supporter, this episode promises insights that will deepen your understanding and enhance your decision-making process.
The Science of OIT
OIT is one method that reprograms the body's immune response, te...
Don't set a resolution - do this instead for you and your kiddo with food allergies.
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With the new year comes the talk of New Year's resolutions. Dr. Hoyt loves goal-setting but not with the traditional "resolution" type of goal-setting. Tune in to this episode to learn Dr. Hoyt's 3-step plan for making effective plans for the New Year and how these simple steps can help you and your kiddo with food allergies.
Resources
📖 Navigating Food Allergies: A Parent’s Guide to Care, Coverage, and Confidence by Dr. Alice Hoyt - preorder from Amazon and more
Can SLIT induce remission in babies and littles with peanut allergies?
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Dr. Alice Hoyt interviews Dr. Edwin Kim about his research in sublingual immunotherapy in children with peanut allergies.
Guest Dr. Edwin Kim
Dr. Kim is a renowned pediatric allergist and immunologist who has extensive experience in treating children with food allergies. In this episode, he shares his research on sublingual immunotherapy, a method of allergy treatment that is gaining popularity among allergists and parents of children with food allergies.
SLIT
Sublingual immunotherapy, also known as "SLIT," is a form...
Food Allergies and Shared Decision-Making: What Parents Need to Know
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Food allergy is a complex medical condition, so it's no surprise that navigating life with food allergies can be challenging. Shared decision-making can help.
Join Dr. Alice Hoyt as she interviews colleague Dr. Sakina Bajowala on shared decision-making, especially as it pertains to food allergies and immunotherapy.
Resources
📖 Navigating Food Allergies: A Parent’s Guide to Care, Coverage, and Confidence by Dr. Alice Hoyt - preorder from Amazon and more
For Parents ➡️ Office Hours for Parents <...
The Risks of OIT and SLIT in Food Allergy - What You Need to Know
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If you have heard of OIT or SLIT (oral immunotherapy and sublingual immunotherapy, respectively), then you've probably wondered how these therapies treat food allergies and, if they are so great, why isn't everyone doing them? Well, in part, it's due to potential risks, but there are also some other factors to consider.
Join Dr. Hoyt as she discusses all this with her colleague Dr. Sakina Bajowala. Dr. Bajowala is a board-certified allergist with specific expertise in the treatment of food allergies. She practices outside of Chicago and...
An Easy Approach to Early Food Allergen Introduction with Dr. Katie Marks Cogan
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Did you know that many food allergies can be prevented? Early introduction of potentially allergenic foods, such as peanuts, can actually prevent the development of food allergies. Awesome, right?
But how exactly are you supposed to feed a baby peanuts? You aren't - peanuts themselves absolutely are a choking hazard, so you have to use a developmentally appropriate form of a peanut-containing food.Â
That's where it gets tricky.
Dr. Katie Marks-Cogan, board-certified pediatric and adult allergist, had the same concerns, so she and h...
"How long will my kiddo be on OIT?" - 5 Minutes with a Food Allergist
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On this episode of Food Allergy and Your Kiddo's 5 Minutes with a Food Allergist, Dr. Alice Hoyt answers a dad's question about how long kiddos are on OIT.
Resources
📖 Navigating Food Allergies: A Parent’s Guide to Care, Coverage, and Confidence by Dr. Alice Hoyt - preorder from Amazon and more
For Parents ➡️ Office Hours for Parents
For Providers ➡️ Food Allergy Pediatric Hub
For Schools ➡️ Code Ana
For Potential Patient...
How to be a Food Allergy-Informed Parent
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Are you wondering, "Do I really know what I need to know to best parent my kiddo who has food allergies?" Wonder no more. In this episode, Dr. Hoyt and Pam discuss the 3 must-do's to be an amazing, food allergy-informed parent!
Resources
📖 Navigating Food Allergies: A Parent’s Guide to Care, Coverage, and Confidence by Dr. Alice Hoyt - preorder from Amazon and more
For Parents ➡️ Office Hours for Parents
For Providers ➡️ Food Allergy Pediatric Hub
Fo...
What to Expect at Your Kiddo's Food Allergy Appointment
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When you are waiting for your kiddo's allergy appointment, you may be wondering what to expect at the appointment.
Will the doctor do allergy testing that day?
How should you prepare your kiddo?
In this episode, Pam and Dr. Hoyt discuss the 3 stages of most food allergy appointments. Don't miss this tactical, informative, peace-of-mind-providing discussion!
Check out the FREE tool "7 Questions Your Allergist Will Probably Ask You About Food Allergy Reactions" along with other great downloadables and courses on the Hoyt Institute...
After an Allergic Reaction: 4 Steps to Being Prepared (and How to Have Some Peace of Mind!) before Your First Food Allergy Appointment
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Food allergy reactions can be super scary, especially the first reaction when you haven't seen an allergist and have so so so many questions.
Has that happened to you?
Tune in to this episode in which food allergy mama Pam and board-certified allergist Dr. Alice Hoyt share their 4 steps to feeling comfortable during that time of limbo between reaction and the allergist appointment.
Resources
📖 Navigating Food Allergies: A Parent’s Guide to Care, Coverage, and Confidence by Dr. Alice Hoyt...
Fun, Screen-Free Activities to Keep Kiddos Occupied During Long Appointments
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Long appointments can be challenging for kiddos and for parents. How do you keep kiddos occupied without allowing them to stare at a screen for hours? Tune in to this episode to hear Dr. Hoyt and Pam talk with the Dr. Betty Choi about her top tips for fun, appointment activities that don't involve a screen!
Join our FREE newsletter to submit YOUR questions! https://foodallergyandyourkiddo.com
Are you in need of an allergist in your area? Check out...
Dr. Hoyt talks all things Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) with Dr. Hugh Windom
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OIT and SLIT are two relatively new ways to treat food allergies, but are they the right approach for every patient?
Tune in to the great discussion in which Dr. Alice Hoyt discusses all things OIT and SLIT with her fellow OIT-allergist colleague Dr. Hugh Windom.
What they say may surprise you!
Don't miss Dr. Hoyt's newest food allergy course: Oral Immunotherapy: Primer for Parents.
Join our FREE newsletter to submit YOUR questions! https://foodallergyandyourkiddo.com<...
The Eczema Episode! (Part 2)
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There's absolutely a strong connection between eczema and food allergies, that connection may not be what you think it is! Read this post to learn how these two conditions are related...
Tune in to this second part of our eczema-focused episode where Pam and Dr. Hoyt answer YOUR questions on all things eczema!
Join our FREE newsletter and submit YOUR questions! https://foodallergyandyourkiddo.com
Are you in need of an allergist in your area? Check out these allergist...
The Eczema Episode! (Part 1)
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If you have a child with eczema or food allergy or both, chances are you've wondered what causes these two disorders. In fact, there's absolutely a strong connection between the two.
But that connection may not be what you think it is...
Tune in to this episode of the podcast where Pam and Dr. Hoyt answer YOUR questions on all things eczema!
What's your food allergy question? Submit it, join our FREE newsletter, and learn more about food allergy and YOUR kiddo...
Preventing Nut Allergies, One Puff At A Time!
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Does the thought of your child developing a nut allergy keep you up at night? If so, you're not alone. Nut allergies can be life-threatening, and they can dramatically impact a child's entire family.Â
But there is good news: some food allergies CAN BE PREVENTED. Tune in to this episode to learn more about "early introduction" of foods and one mom's journey that is helping families across the world.
BONUS: Check out https://foodallergyandyourkiddo.com/preventing-nut-allergies-one-puff-at-a-time/ for a 20% discount code for Mission MightyMe goodies!
3 back-to-school strategies for food allergy families
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Back-to-school time can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially for food allergy families. Meeting new teachers and starting new classes can be stressful enough, but add food allergy management to the mix, and the worry factor can jump ten-fold.
But rest easy!
Food allergy mom Pam Lestage and food allergist Dr. Hoyt recently discussed their three simple strategies to an awesome back-to-school. Check out this episode of the podcast for all the details!
Stop wondering about food allergy testing! Check out Dr...
Inside the Mind of a Food Allergist: Classifying Adverse Reactions to Foods
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Have you ever wondered what an allergist is really thinking when that allergist is asking very specific, particular questions about your kiddo's reaction to a food? That's because the allergist is trying to determine the underlying type of reaction.Â
While some adverse reactions to foods are food allergies, other reactions are not immune-mediated and, thus, are not allergies. And not all food allergies have the same clinical presentations or treatments!
It's so very important to identify and understand the type of adverse reaction to food t...
Top 3 Tips for an Awesome Summer with Food Allergies
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Are you excited about summer? (We sure are!!!) And with summer come new yet familiar challenges regarding food allergies.
Tune in to this fantastic, tactical episode in which Pam and Dr. Hoyt discuss their top 3 must-do's to have a wonderful, safe, low-stress summer. SPOILER ALERT: it's all about being prepared!
Stop wondering about food allergy testing! Check out Dr. Hoyt's ebook The Food Allergy Mamma's Guide to Food Allergy Skin & Blood Testing: What It All Really Means!
What's...
Bonus Episode! Seasonal allergies have met their match with this treatment plan!
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*The information in this and all episodes is for educational purposes only and is NOT medical advice. Talk with your doctor before starting any regimen.*
Do seasonal allergies get you down?
Is the itchy/drippy/sneezy just over-the-top?
And are you tired of staring at all those meds in the allergy aisle without really knowing what any of them really do or what you should spend your money on?
Tune in to this special BONUS episode to hear Dr. Hoyt discuss...
All About Oral Immunotherapy with Dr. Hugh Windom
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*We apologize in advance for the sound quality and plan to re-record a similar episode soon. So why did we post this? Well, there is a LOT of good info in this episode, so we decided to make it available to you even though it does not meet our standard for sound quality.*
If your kiddo has a food allergy, you may have heard about OIT.
What is OIT?
"OIT" stands for Oral ImmunoTherapy. It is a months to years long process in...
FPIES with Dr. Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn
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If you have a child with a food allergy, you've likely heard of IgE-mediated food allergies. But there's another type of food allergy that is less well-known - FPIES. Although FPIES is not an IgE-mediated food allergy, it can still be a severe and potentially life-threatening condition.
On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Hoyt interviews THE WORLD RENOWN EXPERT on FPIES: Dr. Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn. Drs. Nowak-Wegrzyn and Hoyt described the symptoms of FPIES, best practices for management, and some very good news about this disorder.
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