#116 - Why Fexofenadine Is Considered a Truly Non-Sedating Antihistamine
Have you ever wondered whether fexofenadine (Allegra®) really doesn’t make you drowsy?
In this episode of The Itch Review, we dissect a July 2024 systematic review from Current Medical Research & Opinion, “Why fexofenadine is considered a truly non-sedating antihistamine with no brain penetration.”
This rigorous systematic review pools over 60 human studies from PET brain-scan trials and Proportional Impairment Ratio (PIR) tests to driving-simulator research and real-world quality-of-life surveys. It looks to answer one question: Does fexofendine ever sneak past the blood–brain barrier and slow you down like first-generation allergy meds?
This episode looks at the evolution of H1 antihistamines from first-generation drugs like diphenhydramine to today’s second-generation options (cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine) to show how each interacts with the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and why that matters for sedation.
We highlight the review’s key studies:
PET Imaging: Measuring H1-receptor occupancy. Fexofenadine registers <1%, even at high doses
PIR Analyses: Proportional Impairment Ratio tests show virtually zero cognitive or motor impairment when taking fexofenadine
Driving & Aviator Trials: Side-by-side comparisons with diphenhydramine, alcohol, and fexofenadine
Finally, we dive into real-world outcomes on reaction times, work-and-school performance, pediatric safety, and even NASA’s approval for pilot use.
GET THE INFOGRAPHIC TO FOLLOW ALONG
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The Itch Review, hosted by Dr. Gupta, Kortney, and Dr. Blaiss, explores the latest allergy and immunology studies through 30-minute conversations that are accessible for everyone. This podcast aims to support busy clinicians, patients, and caregivers in staying updated on current research. Each episode provides valuable insights from key journal articles and includes a convenient one-page infographic in the show notes for easy reference.
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This podcast is made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.
Thanks to Opella for sponsoring today’s episode.
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.
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35:16
#115 - Managing Food Allergies in College-Aged Students (Ages 18-21)
Stepping into young adulthood also means stepping up as the primary manager of your food allergies.
For teens and young adults with food allergies, early adulthood is an exciting but challenging shift. It’s the first time you’re the primary communicator, managing everything from dining halls to doctor’s appointments on your own. Add in new living spaces, new friends, and a growing social life, and there’s a lot to navigate.
Dr. Theresa Bingemann joins Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta to unpack how food allergy management changes as you step into early adulthood. We cover self-advocacy skills, emergency preparedness, how to create allergy-friendly spaces in shared housing, and tips for navigating social life safely. Plus, we dive into practical advice for managing stress, staying emotionally healthy, and finding your footing in this new phase of life.
What we cover in our episode about managing food allergies in young adults:
Self-advocacy matters. Learn how to speak up about your allergies with confidence.
Planning ahead for emergencies. Practicing with an epinephrine device is not just for kids! Plus, knowing the available campus resources is key to feeling secure in your food allergy management.
Creating a safe living space. Tips for setting up allergy-friendly dorm rooms and kitchens with roommates.
Navigating social life. How to handle parties, dating, and dining out while staying safe.
Managing emotional well-being. Support strategies for handling anxiety, stress, and the transition to independence.
Episode 6 in our “Food Allergies: Ages & Stages” series
Across six episodes, we explore how food allergies show up and shift through different phases of life, from introducing solids in infancy to navigating school and adapting in adulthood. We’re here with evidence-based info, expert insights, and lived experience to guide you through it all.
Episode 110: Early Allergen Introduction
Episode 111: Food Allergy Basics for Newly Diagnosed Families
Episode 112: Managing Food Allergies in Babies and Toddlers
Episode 113: Managing Food Allergies in School-Age Children
Episode 114: Managing Food Allergies in Teens
AAAAI Ages & Stages PDFs
Food Allergy Stages: Young Adults (18–21 years)
Thanks to Genentech and Aquestive for sponsoring this episode.
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.
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42:29
#114 - Managing Food Allergies in Teenagers (Ages 12–18)
Independence, risk-taking, and peer pressure. Welcome to the teenage years with food allergies!
Managing food allergies during the teen years poses new challenges. Tweens and teens are gaining independence, navigating social pressures, and taking more responsibility for their health. But this is also the stage where risky behavior peaks, and the risk for severe allergic reactions is highest. That’s why clear communication and trust matter more than ever.
In this episode of our Food Allergy Stages Series, Dr. Travis Miller joins Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta to unpack how food allergy management changes from ages 12 to 18. We talk about empowering teens through shared decision-making, building trust between parents and teens, and developing essential life skills like label reading, restaurant communication, and self-advocacy. We also dive into difficult topics like bullying, alcohol, and mental health. Finally, we address why emotional support is just as important as carrying an epinephrine auto-injector.
What we cover in our episode about managing food allergies in teens:
Why trust matters. Teens are more likely to follow allergy routines when they feel heard and involved.
Empowering independence. From grocery shopping to reading labels, this is the age to start turning over the reins.
Talking about risky behavior. Alcohol and dating can put teens with food allergies at higher risk.
Bullying and boundaries. Learn how to spot signs of bullying and who can help your teen feel safe and supported.
Mental health and identity. Food allergies can affect confidence. We share ways to support emotional wellness and self-esteem.
Episode 5 in our “Food Allergies: Ages & Stages” series
Across six episodes, we explore how food allergies show up and shift through different phases of life, from introducing solids in infancy to navigating school and adapting in adulthood. We’re here with evidence-based info, expert insights, and lived experience to guide you through it all.
Episode 110: Early Allergen Introduction
Episode 111: Food Allergy Basics for Newly Diagnosed Families
Episode 112: Managing Food Allergies in Babies and Toddlers
Episode 113: Managing Food Allergies in School-Age Children
Thanks to Genentech and Aquestive for sponsoring this episode.
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.
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36:29
#113 - Managing Food Allergies in Children (Ages 5–11)
How do you help your child go from knowing they have a food allergy to actually managing it in everyday life?
This is the stage when everything starts to shift. Between the ages of 5 and 11, your child is learning how to describe symptoms, speak up at school, and navigate birthday parties. They’re also watching you closely and picking up how to talk about food allergies based on how you do it.
In this episode of our Food Allergy Stages & Stages Series, pediatric allergist and immunologist Dr. Dave Stukus joins Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta to talk about how food allergy care changes in the early school years.
What we cover in our episode about managing food allergies in ages 5 to 11:
Build awareness early. Teach kids to name their allergens, recognize symptoms, and use simple words to describe how they feel.
Model safe behavior. Kids learn by watching you read labels, ask questions, and stay calm.
Normalize epinephrine. Practice with a trainer and talk about it openly so it feels familiar, not scary.
Prepare for real-life situations. From school to parties, give kids scripts and strategies to feel confident and included.
Support emotional wellness. Watch for signs of anxiety and help your child feel empowered, not afraid.
Episode 4 in our “Food Allergies: Ages & Stages” series
Across six episodes, we explore how food allergies show up and shift through different phases of life, from introducing solids in infancy to navigating school and adapting in adulthood. We’re here with evidence-based info, expert insights, and lived experience to guide you through it all.
Episode 1: Early Allergen Introduction (Ep. 110)
Episode 2: Food Allergy Basics for Newly Diagnosed Families (Ep. 111)
Episode 3: Managing Food Allergies in Babies and Toddlers (Ep. 112)
Made in partnership with the Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to Genentech and Aquestive for sponsoring today’s episode.
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.
Timestamps
01:42 Breaking down food allergy care by age group
02:58 What kids need to know about living with food allergies
04:47 Sharing allergy information without creating fear
06:40 Talking to children about symptoms
08:40 What to tell kids about epinephrine
11:04 Helping kids without passing on fear or anxiety
13:18 Mental health signs related to food allergies
16:04 Managing allergens in the home environment
19:50 The pros and cons of allergy tables at school
21:42 Communicating with schools and daycares
25:29 Preparing for parties and sleepovers
27:33 Final tips for parenting kids with food allergies (ages 5–11)
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30:09
#112 - Managing Food Allergies in Babies and Toddlers (Ages 0–5)
How do you keep a baby or toddler safe with food allergies when they put everything in their mouths and can’t yet explain how they feel?
This stage of life is full of firsts, not just for your child, but for you as a parent managing food allergies. From introducing new foods to navigating daycare and watching for reactions in a child who can’t speak yet, there are countless moments you’ll need to manage. This episode focuses on building safe habits early, empowering caregivers, and showing how simple routines (like label reading or toy wiping) can make a big difference.
Allergist Dr. Basil Kahwash joins Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta to explore how food allergy care evolves from infancy through preschool. They cover real-life, practical strategies from wiping toys and watching for symptoms to managing daycare risks and building early self-advocacy skills.
What we cover in our episode about managing food allergies in toddlers:
Why age matters. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers each need different safety strategies.
What symptoms look like. Learn how reactions can show up in babies who can’t talk.
Introducing new foods. Why early introduction still matters even after a new food allergy diagnosis.
Daycare safety tips. How to prep caregivers and keep your child protected.
Building habits early. From label reading to toy wiping, young kids learn by watching you.
Episode 3 in our “Food Allergies: Ages & Stages” series
Across six episodes, we explore how food allergies show up and shift through different phases of life, from introducing solids in infancy to navigating school and adapting in adulthood. We’re here with evidence-based info, expert insights, and lived experience to guide you through it all.
Episode 1: Early Allergen Introduction (Ep. 110)
Episode 2: Food Allergy Basics for Newly Diagnosed Families (Ep. 111)
Episodes to build a better food allergy foundation:
Episode 59: What is Anaphylaxis and When to Use Epinephrine
Episode 95: The Science Behind Allergic Reactions
Episode. 97: The Nuances of Food Allergy Testing
Episode 98: Food Allergy Treatment and Management
Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network.
Thanks to Genentech and Aquestive for sponsoring today’s episode.
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.
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