“I felt I was actually controlling my condition. It wasn't controlling me.”                                                                                                                         -- Patient of Dr. Philippe BeginJoin Dr. Mariam Hanna as she sits down with Dr. Philippe Begin, a renowned expert in allergy and immunology from the University of Montreal. They dive into the complexities of adult food allergies, distinguishing them from childhood allergies and discussing both clinical insights and patient experiences.On this episode:Understanding Adult Food Allergies: Dr. Begin explains the unique characteristics of adult food allergies, including the differences in allergens and symptoms between adults and children. He sheds light on the under-researched area of adult food allergy practice.Diagnosis and History: Learn about the critical elements in diagnosing IgE-mediated food allergies in adults. Dr. Begin emphasizes the importance of timing, symptom duration, and consistency in patient history to accurately identify food allergies.Management Strategies: Dr. Begin shares his approach to managing adult food allergies, highlighting the importance of recognizing patients' experiential knowledge and their tolerance to risk. He discusses the role of food challenges and the careful use of food diaries.Psychosocial Aspects: Explore the psychological and social dimensions of living with food allergies as an adult. Dr. Begin talks about the varying reactions to food allergies, from fear to confidence, and how past experiences shape these responses.Empowering Patients: Discover how empowering patients to manage their food allergies can transform their lives. Dr. Begin's stories of patients taking control of their conditions provide valuable insights for both patients and healthcare providers.Tune in to this episode for a comprehensive look at the evolving field of adult food allergies, offering practical advice and expert perspectives that are essential for anyone dealing with this condition.Visit the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyFind an allergist using our helpful toolFind Dr. Hanna on X, previously Twitter, @PedsAllergyDoc or CSACI @CSACI_caThe Allergist is produced for CSACI by PodCraft Productions