Why talk to a hematologist about mast cell disease and systemic mastocytosis treatment? Dr. Douglas Tremblay, a leading hematologist, joins Dr. G and Kortney to discuss the role of a hematologist-oncologist in diagnosing and treating mastocytosis. We discuss bone marrow's vital role in diagnosing and treating systemic mastocytosis.  Dr. Tremblay discusses the latest KIT inhibitors, a promising group of medications, and explains the difference between indolent and advanced systemic mastocytosis. He clarifies how KIT inhibitors work and emphasizes the importance of managing side effects. Fi ..read more

What is it like when an unpredictable disease like systemic mastocytosis forces you to change the trajectory of your life? As we continue to unpack mast cell disease, Dr. G and Kortney wanted to get the patient's perspective on living with such a complex disease. Tammie joins the podcast to discuss her journey battling mastocytosis, a rare condition affecting mast cells in the body. If you ever feel alone on your chronic health journey, know you aren’t! Tammie's resilience and wisdom serve as a beacon of hope. We hope this inspires you to approach your health journey with determination and a s ..read more

Can a low-histamine diet help with mast cell disease? Why is stress a big trigger for mast cell disease? Dr. Milner joins us again to discuss two hot topics in managing mast cell disease. We start by demystifying the low histamine diet and sharing when appropriate. The answer may be different from what you expect or want to hear. We also talk about stress, a topic we are learning impacts so many chronic diseases, especially those related to mast cells. Stress can worsen symptoms, and in this episode, both doctors emphasize the importance of stress management techniques.   What we cov ..read more

Where do you begin with mast cell disease treatment when there is such variation among patients?  Dr. Milner is back with us to discuss the difficulties in treating mast cell activation syndrome and mastocytosis. We will discuss the different approaches to treating mast cell disease and the medications used for mastocytosis treatment. Since no single treatment plan works for everyone, we will explore multiple strategies that can be helpful in managing this condition. A note: when you hear MCAS mentioned, it stands for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. What we cover in our episode about treat ..read more

Put on your detective hat because we will be diving into how to diagnose mast cell disease! Dr. G and Kortney are joined by Dr. Josh Milner, one of the top experts in the field of mast cell disease, as they dive into the complexities of diagnosing mast cell disorders, focusing on cases of unexplained anaphylaxis and using this as our guide to understanding all of the tests that doctors do to figure out what is happening with your mast cells.  From histories to blood and urine tests to Darier's sign, bone marrow biopsies and more, we dig into the many tests needed for the detective work di ..read more

Have you ever wondered why your doctor puts their membership in their bios? Why is it relevant to a patient that your allergist is a member of the ACAAI? This podcast is made possible through Allergy & Asthma Network’s partnership with the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Dr. G and Kortney had the special privilege of interviewing Dr. Gailen Marshall, the president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI). He explains what the ACAAI, also known as the College, does and why this matters to patients. We learn about the resources provided by t ..read more

Have you ever considered whether your nasal congestion, IBS, brain fog, and hives are related?  This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network. We thank Blueprint Medicines for sponsoring this podcast. Dr. Anne Maitland joins us as we delve into the complex world of mast cell disease. From the confusing range of symptoms to the unpredictable nature of each person's experience, we unravel the mysteries that make mast cell disorders so uniquely difficult to tackle. Dr. Maitland is an expert in allergy and immunology and sheds light on the diverse manifestations of ma ..read more

Are you allergic to your eyelash extensions? Eyelash extensions have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a way to achieve fuller, longer lashes without the hassle of applying mascara every day. However, some potential risks are associated with eyelash extensions, including allergic reactions. Dr. Janice Luk joins Dr. G and Kortney to discuss eyelash extensions and what happens when things go wrong. We dive into eyelash extension allergies and contact dermatitis, what the reactions look like, how to treat the reactions best and why you need to take care of your biofilm. No one ..read more

The basic science of mast cells is the first episode in our 6-part series exploring Mast cell diseases. To start the series, we explore the intricate workings of mast cells by diving into how they work and what happens when something is off balance. Have you ever wondered what releases histamine and how this happens? Then this episode is for you! What we cover in our episode about mast cell disease: What are mast cells, and what do they do? What are the different types of mast cell diseases? Mastocytosis Mast Cell Activation Syndrome Hereditary Alpha-tryptasemia The 7 types of m ..read more

Fear and anxiety are very common when managing food allergies and anaphylaxis. It can come from the unknown, where the allergen can show up. It can also come from the way your allergies are discussed.  How do you motivate patients to use their epinephrine without causing crippling anxiety? Dr Golden joins us as we explore the delicate balance of doctors using fear to underscore the urgency of administering epinephrine during anaphylaxis. We discuss the crucial interplay between fear and anxiety, emphasizing the need for a sensitive approach to motivate patients to use their epinephrine wi ..read more