Send us a text

Welcome back to Part 2 of our essential Back to School series! If you missed Part 1, be sure to go back and listen. In this episode, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – are diving deeper into the strategies you need to ensure a safe and healthy school year for your child with allergies and asthma.

They demystify 504 plans and IEPs, explaining what they are, who qualifies, and how to start the process to get the accommodations your child needs. They also tackle the dreaded "peak week" – the third week of September – explaining why this time is a perfect storm for allergy and asthma flares due to a combination of pollen, mold, viruses, and schedule changes. Learn proactive tips to get ahead of this challenging season, the importance of having extra supplies like spacers at school, and how to best communicate with your doctor's office to make the back-to-school shuffle a breeze.


EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:40 The 'Perfect Storm': Why Asthma Flares at the Start of School
03:26 Proactive Planning: How to Work with Your Doctor's Office
04:05 Don't Forget the Spacer! Essential School Supplies
05:06 What is a 504 Plan and Does My Child Need One?
10:05 'Peak Week' Explained: Ragweed, Mold, Viruses & More

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Show Sponsor: Molekule
This episode is proudly sponsored by Molekule. Learn more about their FDA-cleared air purification solutions, which use PECO technology to destroy pollutants 1000x smaller than the HEPA standard, helping you create a healthier indoor environment.
GET 15% OFF Molekule Air Purifier → https://creators.molekule.com/MKUL-ALLERGYACTUALLY

WRITE A PODCAST REVIEW

SEND US A SUGGESTION
allergyactually@gmail.com

ABOUT HOSTS
KARA WADA, MD
Dr. Kara Wada is a quadruple board-certified physician in allergy, immunology, and lifestyle medicine, and founder of the Immune Confident Institute. As a Sjogren’s patient and life coach, she combines modern medicine with lifestyle and mindset practices to help patients harness their body's ability to heal.
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok

AMBER PATTERSON, MD
Dr. Amber Patterson is a world-renowned allergy and immunology expert pioneering the future of immunotherapy. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™ (a 3-injection allergy shot protocol), she is redefining allergy care through her practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni ILIT Learning Network.
Website
Instagram
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube

MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.

Instagram

Send us a text

The chaos of back-to-school season is real, and for families managing allergies and asthma, it can be downright overwhelming. How do you prepare your child for a new environment, a new teacher, and new potential triggers?

In Part 1 of this essential back-to-school series, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – break down the crucial first steps to ensure a safe and healthy school year.

They dive into the nitty-gritty of scheduling appointments, navigating the confusing world of school forms, and planning ahead for medication refills (especially for epinephrine!). Learn why August is the busiest time for allergists, how to streamline the paperwork process with your doctor, and the critical importance of having a clear, accessible action plan from day one. This is the practical advice every allergy and asthma parent needs to hear.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
01:51 Why August is "Back-to-School" Chaos for Allergists
03:22 Navigating School Forms & Anaphylaxis Action Plans
06:55 Planning for Medication Refills & Your "Allergy Toolbox"
11:13 The Epinephrine Dilemma: Getting Enough Two-Packs for School
13:54 Where is the Epi Kept? Crucial Questions for Your School
14:30 Is Your Child Ready to Self-Carry Their Medication?

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Show Sponsor: Molekule
This episode is proudly sponsored by Molekule. Learn more about their FDA-cleared air purification solutions, which use PECO technology to destroy pollutants 1000x smaller than the HEPA standard, helping you create a healthier indoor environment.
GET 15% OFF Molekule Air Purifier → https://creators.molekule.com/MKUL-ALLERGYACTUALLY

WRITE A PODCAST REVIEW

SEND US A SUGGESTION
allergyactually@gmail.com

ABOUT HOSTS
KARA WADA, MD
Dr. Kara Wada is a quadruple board-certified physician in allergy, immunology, and lifestyle medicine, and founder of the Immune Confident Institute. As a Sjogren’s patient and life coach, she combines modern medicine with lifestyle and mindset practices to help patients harness their body's ability to heal.
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok

AMBER PATTERSON, MD
Dr. Amber Patterson is a world-renowned allergy and immunology expert pioneering the future of immunotherapy. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™ (a 3-injection allergy shot protocol), she is redefining allergy care through her practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni ILIT Learning Network.
Website
Instagram
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube

MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.

Instagram

Send us a text

For decades, the primary treatment for food allergy has been one word: avoidance. But what happens when accidents occur? And is there a way to build tolerance and create a safety net?

In this deeply personal and informative episode of Allergy Actually, Dr. Kara Wada shares her own scary experience with her daughter's egg allergy, setting the stage for a discussion on the groundbreaking new treatments that are changing lives. Your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – explore the modern landscape of food allergy therapy.

They dive into Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) like the FDA-approved Palforzia for peanut, Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT), and the powerful biologic medication Xolair (Omalizumab). This episode is a beacon of hope for families navigating food allergies, offering a clear overview of the active treatment options available today.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:10 Dr. Kara's Personal Food Allergy Story
04:03 Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) & Palforzia Explained
06:00 Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) for Food Allergies
06:54 The Truth About Food Ladders (Egg & Milk Only!)
08:17 How Xolair (Omalizumab) Works for Food Allergies

WRITE A PODCAST REVIEW

SEND US A SUGGESTION
allergyactually@gmail.com

ABOUT HOSTS
KARA WADA, MD
Founder of the Immune Confident Institute. Quadruple board-certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology & lifestyle medicine physician, Sjogren’s patient and life coach shares her recipe for success combining anti-inflammatory lifestyle, trusting therapeutic relationships, modern medicine & our minds to harness our body’s ability to heal.

Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok

AMBER PATTERSON, MD
A world-renowned allergy and immunology expert based in Findlay, Ohio. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™, a 3-injection allergy shot protocol, she’s redefining allergy care through her solo-private practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni ILIT Learning Network. Dr. Patterson’s leadership extends to nearly a decade on the American Academy of Allergy committee and her role as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Toledo College of Medicine.

Website
Instagram
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube

MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
A board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience providing personalized care for allergies, asthma, and immunodeficiency. She specializes in advanced immunotherapy and practical, evidence-based treatment strategies to improve quality of life. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Shepherd is known for her focus on helping patients with allergy-conscious living — designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that support both wellness and comfort.

Instagram
Facebook Website

Send us a text

Is it just a tummy ache, or could it be a food allergy? This is one of the most common questions patients bring to their allergist. In this episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – put on their detective hats to help you sort it out.

They discuss the crucial difference between a true, life-threatening food allergy and a food intolerance. Learn why "testing for everything" can do more harm than good by leading to false positives, unnecessary food avoidance, and even nutritional deficiencies. The doctors explain what symptoms define a true food allergy (IgE-mediated reaction), the importance of your personal story in guiding testing, and how a diverse diet is key to a healthy gut microbiome.


EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:15 Is it a tummy ache or a food allergy?
00:53 The Problem with "Just Test Me for Everything"
02:02 Dangers of Over-testing: False Positives & Unnecessary Avoidance
03:24 Why Your Story is the Most Important Test
05:12 The Ripple Effect of Food Avoidance on Family & Social Life
06:28 The Surprising Link Between a Diverse Diet & Gut Health
08:48 What a TRUE Food Allergy Reaction Looks Like (IgE-Mediated)
10:53 The Importance of a Care Plan for Food Allergies

WRITE A PODCAST REVIEW

SEND US A SUGGESTION
allergyactually@gmail.com

ABOUT HOSTS
KARA WADA, MD
Founder of the Immune Confident Institute. Quadruple board-certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology & lifestyle medicine physician, Sjogren’s patient and life coach shares her recipe for success combining anti-inflammatory lifestyle, trusting therapeutic relationships, modern medicine & our minds to harness our body’s ability to heal.

Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok

AMBER PATTERSON, MD
A world-renowned allergy and immunology expert based in Findlay, Ohio. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™, a 3-injection allergy shot protocol, she’s redefining allergy care through her solo-private practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni ILIT Learning Network. Dr. Patterson’s leadership extends to nearly a decade on the American Academy of Allergy committee and her role as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Toledo College of Medicine.

Website
Instagram
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube

MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
A board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience providing personalized care for allergies, asthma, and immunodeficiency. She specializes in advanced immunotherapy and practical, evidence-based treatment strategies to improve quality of life. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Shepherd is known for her focus on helping patients with allergy-conscious living — designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that support both wellness and comfort.

Instagram
Facebook Website

Send us a text

"When in doubt, use epi." This is the life-saving mantra every person with severe allergies needs to know.

In this essential "How-To" episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – tackle one of the most important and often feared topics: using epinephrine during anaphylaxis.

They discuss why hesitation is common (even for doctors!), explain the crucial new 2023 anaphylaxis guidelines that change what you do after using epi, and provide step-by-step demonstrations for the most common epinephrine devices on the market. From traditional auto-injectors like EpiPen and Auvi-Q to the needle-free nasal spray Neffy, this is your complete guide to using epinephrine with confidence and saving a life.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
03:20 How to Use: The Generic Auto-Injector (Adrenaclick-style)
05:20 How to Use: The EpiPen ("Blue to the sky, orange to the thigh")
07:57 How to Use: The Auvi-Q (The Talking Auto-Injector)
09:27 How to Use: Neffy (The Needle-Free Nasal Spray Option)
11:46 Future Technology: Anaphylm (The Under-the-Tongue Film)
12:43 What If My Epinephrine is Expired?

WRITE A PODCAST REVIEW

SEND US A SUGGESTION
allergyactually@gmail.com

ABOUT HOSTS
KARA WADA, MD
Founder of the Immune Confident Institute. Quadruple board-certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology & lifestyle medicine physician, Sjogren’s patient and life coach shares her recipe for success combining anti-inflammatory lifestyle, trusting therapeutic relationships, modern medicine & our minds to harness our body’s ability to heal.

Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok

AMBER PATTERSON, MD
A world-renowned allergy and immunology expert based in Findlay, Ohio. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™, a 3-injection allergy shot protocol, she’s redefining allergy care through her solo-private practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni ILIT Learning Network. Dr. Patterson’s leadership extends to nearly a decade on the American Academy of Allergy committee and her role as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Toledo College of Medicine.

Website
Instagram
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube

MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
A board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience providing personalized care for allergies, asthma, and immunodeficiency. She specializes in advanced immunotherapy and practical, evidence-based treatment strategies to improve quality of life. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Shepherd is known for her focus on helping patients with allergy-conscious living — designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that support both wellness and comfort.

Instagram
Facebook Website
LinkedIn

Send us a text

Do air purifiers actually work for allergies?

In this episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – dive into the world of portable, in-home air purification.

They discuss who can benefit most from an air purifier (and who can probably skip it!), how to choose the right size for your space, and what to look for in terms of technology. Learn why they are particularly helpful for airborne allergens like pollen, mold, and pet dander, but less so for heavy allergens like dust mites. The doctors also share their preferred air purifier brand, Molekule, explaining its advanced PECO technology and user-friendly features.

Get the allergist-approved take on whether an air purifier is a worthy investment for your allergy relief plan.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:46 Who Needs an Air Purifier for Allergies?
02:47 How to Choose the Right Size Air Purifier
05:14 Our Preferred Air Purifier Brand & Show Sponsor: Molekule
06:19 Molekule's HEPA & PECO Technology
08:58 The Bottom Line: Is an Air Purifier a Good Investment for You?

Mentioned in This Episode:
Air Purifier Technology: HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, PECO (Photo Electrochemical Oxidation) technology.
Show Sponsor: Get 15% OFF -> Molekule - Learn more about their FDA-cleared air purification solutions that destroy pollutants 1000x smaller than the HEPA standard.

Website → https://www.allergyactually.com/
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/allergyactually

WRITE A PODCAST REVIEW

SEND US A SUGGESTION
allergyactually@gmail.com

ABOUT HOSTS
KARA WADA, MD
Founder of the Immune Confident Institute. Quadruple board-certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology & lifestyle medicine physician, Sjogren’s patient and life coach shares her recipe for success combining anti-inflammatory lifestyle, trusting therapeutic relationships, modern medicine & our minds to harness our body’s ability to heal.

Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok

AMBER PATTERSON, MD
A world-renowned allergy and immunology expert based in Findlay, Ohio. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™, a 3-injection allergy shot protocol, she’s redefining allergy care through her solo-private practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni ILIT Learning Network. Dr. Patterson’s leadership extends to nearly a decade on the American Academy of Allergy committee and her role as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Toledo College of Medicine.

Website
Instagram
Instagram
Facebo

Send us a text

Curious about the most natural way to treat your allergies at the root cause?

In this episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara, Dr. Amber, and Dr. Meagan – explore the world of immunotherapy. They break down traditional allergy shots (SCIT), allergy drops (SLIT), the newer OMIT (oral mucosal immunotherapy), and dive deep into the game-changing ILIT (Intralymphatic Immunotherapy) – a 3-injection protocol pioneered in the US by Dr. Patterson.

Learn about the science, pros, cons, time commitment, and effectiveness of each, so you can understand your options for lasting allergy relief.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:19 - What is Immunotherapy? Treating Allergies Naturally
01:54 - Allergy Shots (SCIT): The Basics, Risks & Time Commitment
09:11 - Allergy Drops (SLIT): At-Home Convenience & Effectiveness
11:55 - OMIT: Toothpaste Immunotherapy - A New Frontier?
13:30 - ILIT Explained: 3 Injections vs. Years of Shots (Dr. Amber Patterson's Expertise)
17:32 - The Auni ILIT Learning Network: Advancing Allergy Care

Website → https://www.allergyactually.com/
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/allergyactually

WRITE A PODCAST REVIEW

SEND US A SUGGESTION
allergyactually@gmail.com

ABOUT HOSTS
KARA WADA, MD
Founder of the Immune Confident Institute. Quadruple board-certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology & lifestyle medicine physician, Sjogren’s patient and life coach shares her recipe for success combining anti-inflammatory lifestyle, trusting therapeutic relationships, modern medicine & our minds to harness our body’s ability to heal.

Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok

AMBER PATTERSON, MD
A world-renowned allergy and immunology expert based in Findlay, Ohio. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™, a 3-injection allergy shot protocol, she’s redefining allergy care through her solo-private practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni ILIT Learning Network. Dr. Patterson’s leadership extends to nearly a decade on the American Academy of Allergy committee and her role as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Toledo College of Medicine.

Website
Instagram
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube

MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
A board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience providing personalized care for allergies, asthma, and immunodeficiency. She specializes in advanced immunotherapy and practical, evidence-based treatment strategies to improve quality of life. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Shepherd is known for her focus on helping patients with allergy-conscious

Send us a text

Which over-the-counter allergy tablet is ACTUALLY the best for your allergic rhinitis (hay fever)? Our allergist moms have different favorites!

In this episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – dive deep into the world of OTC allergy tablets and nasal sprays. They share their personal preferences (and friendly debates!) about Zyrtec (Cetirizine), Allegra (Fexofenadine), and Claritin (Loratadine), discussing pros, cons, side effects like drowsiness, and why one might work better for you.

Plus, get expert tips on the best OTC nasal sprays (like Fluticasone Furoate/Sensimist) and crucial advice on when to start your allergy meds for maximum relief.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:31 Which Allergy Tablet is Best? Doctor's Top Picks Revealed
03:15 Understanding Antihistamine Generations (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
06:51 When should I use my antihistamines?
07:39 Favorite OTC Nasal Sprays for Allergy Relief
10:07 When to START Taking Your Allergy Medications
11:39 Memory Trick: The Valentine's Day Rule for Allergy Season

Website → https://www.allergyactually.com/
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/allergyactually

WRITE A PODCAST REVIEW

SEND US A SUGGESTION
allergyactually@gmail.com

ABOUT HOSTS
KARA WADA, MD
Founder of the Immune Confident Institute. Quadruple board-certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology & lifestyle medicine physician, Sjogren’s patient and life coach shares her recipe for success combining anti-inflammatory lifestyle, trusting therapeutic relationships, modern medicine & our minds to harness our body’s ability to heal.

Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok

AMBER PATTERSON, MD
A world-renowned allergy and immunology expert based in Findlay, Ohio. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™, a 3-injection allergy shot protocol, she’s redefining allergy care through her solo-private practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni ILIT Learning Network. Dr. Patterson’s leadership extends to nearly a decade on the American Academy of Allergy committee and her role as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Toledo College of Medicine.

Website
Instagram
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube

MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
A board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience providing personalized care for allergies, asthma, and immunodeficiency. She specializes in advanced immunotherapy and practical, evidence-based treatment strategies to improve quality of life. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Shepherd is known for her focus on helping patients with allergy-conscious living — designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that support both wellness and comfort.

Website
LinkedIn