06/20/2022

Friends of Franz Podcast S1 E22: Childhood Asthma, Allergies, and Vaccines with Dr. Manisha Relan

Beyond the cries, the toys, and the snot, some of the common conversations when it comes to children are asthma, allergies, and their vaccination series. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 8% (or over 6 million) of American children have asthma, a chronic inflammatory airway disease. According to the Food Allergy Research and Education, almost 6 million children under the age of 18 have food allergies; that's about one to two children in every thirteen-person classroom! Ever heard of the infamous peanut and shellfish allergies for children that they are taught to know and inform food servers about when eating outside? And the most divisive topic of them all (and much more so over the past two years): vaccinations. Though different vaccine series for infants and children, like Hepatitis A and B, MMR, and DTap/Tdap, have been known for the past decades, the raging news of pediatric immunizations against COVID-19 has truly stirred dinner (and social media) table talks. With our pediatric population being so vulnerable, we truly need an expert opinion! Beyond honored to have one on board for our episode today: double-board certified pediatric allergist and immunologist Dr. Manisha Relan.

Completing her Pediatrics residency and further fulfilling an Allergy and Immunology fellowship, Dr. Relan is currently practicing in Central New York where she manages the care of children, prevents illness exacerbation, and ensures the preservation of life within the realm of allergic, respiratory, and immunologic diseases.

What are the most common allergies that kids have? Does childhood asthma truly remain in childhood, or is it just "quiescent" until a trigger during adulthood sparks the condition once more? Do children's immune systems truly differ from that of adults, and if so, how does this affect reaction to vaccinations? How important is the vaccination series for pediatrics, such as for Hepatitis A and B, MMR, and DTap/Tdap? What happens when the pediatrics specialist has a different thought on what is "best" for a child compared to that of their parents? Having spent almost two decades delving into the science and management of allergies and the immune system, Dr. Relan gives her thoughts on the most controversial topics regarding our young ones not only as a doctor but also as a mother. The best of both worlds!