The Allergic Reaction – Carla McGuire Davis, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and Director of the Food Allergy Program at Texas Children's Hospital – New Research and Effective Treatments for Allergies of All Kinds

Carla McGuire Davis, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine; and Chief, Section of Immunology, Allergy and Retrovirology, as well as Director, Food Allergy Program at Texas Children's Hospital discusses her work, touching on topics, such as autoimmune diseases, immunology, and allergies.

Podcast Points:

• What are some of the most common food allergies?
• How does oral immunotherapy work?
• Should I be concerned about anaphylactic shock?

Dr. Davis talks about her background, and how early in her career as a pediatrician she came to realize that many children were highly impacted by allergic skin disease and food allergies. As she dug deeper, she found that while there was some research going on in these areas, the amount of research was small.

She discusses particular cases that pushed her towards her current field, touching on anaphylactic shock, and severe allergic reactions, especially related to foods.

The allergy and immunology expert provides details on some of the tests they have done regarding peanut allergies. As she states, it becomes a huge problem when someone with a peanut allergy 'thinks' they are eating a safe food, but then later ends up in the hospital.

She discusses her studies, and immunotherapy protocols, such as oral immunotherapy which can increase an allergic person's tolerance for the substance by introducing low levels into the body.

Dr. Davis goes on to discuss medications that are being used to treat eczema, atopic dermatitis, and asthma that can stop the immune system in process, in order to help prevent reactions.

Continuing, the research doctor discusses further studies that have been effective in treatment of allergy issues, including a discussion of appropriate dosing and issues related to the various effective options, such as peanut patches and other types of oral immunotherapy.

Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK