Episode 052
Optimizing Allergy Care with Regional Respiratory Profiles
Episode summary
A large 2024 study found that a comprehensive respiratory allergen profile captured more than 98% of seasonal sensitizations, highlighting a major challenge in respiratory allergy care: testing with single allergens can miss the full picture. In this episode, we explore the most optimized regional respiratory profiles and how they improve diagnostic yield, reduce duplicate testing, and help clinicians identify polysensitization across trees, weeds, molds, and indoor allergens. We also discuss how symptom patterns, geographic prevalence, cross-reactivity, and reflex testing with allergen components can sharpen interpretation and guide more personalized management. For primary care providers managing recurrent spring allergy symptoms, this episode offers practical insights into diagnostic strategy, exposure reduction, and when to consider referral for advanced care.
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- Kwong KY et al. Optimizing Identification of Allergic Sensitization to Seasonal Inhalant Allergens in the USA: Implications for Constructing Optimal Panels to Evaluate Patients with Allergy. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2024;185(9):848-855.
- Ciprandi G et al. Characteristics of patients with allergic polysensitization: the POLISMAIL study. Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008 Nov;40(3):77-83
- “Managing Cat Allergens - Landmark Purina Study.” Purina, www.purina.com/product-innovation/managing-cat-allergens. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
- Malick A, Meadows JA. Allergy and Immunology Physician Workforce: Where do we stand today? Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2021 Nov;127(5):522-523.
