Ep. 226 Managing Allergy Symptoms Amid Environmental Changes with Dr. Jennifer Villwock and Dr. William Reisacher

Are your allergies getting worse, or is it the environment? In this episode of Backtable ENT, Dr. Jennifer Villwock, a rhinologist at the University of Kansas, and Dr. William Reisacher, an otolaryngologist at New York Presbyterian Hospital, join the podcast to discuss the impact of environmental extremes on the unified airway with hosts Dr. Ashley Agan and Dr. Gopi Shah. --- SYNPOSIS Topics include the increasing prevalence of allergies and asthma due to climate change, the effects of environmental pollutants and particulates on respiratory health, and the role of healthcare providers in educating and advocating for patients. The conversation also addresses practical strategies for managing symptoms, the importance of urban planning and sustainable practices, and the hope that collective individual efforts can lead to meaningful change. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 01:43 - Understanding the Unified Airway03:09 - Patient Concerns and Environmental Factors10:24 - Impact of Temperature and CO2 on Allergies14:57 - Barometric Pressure and Migraines21:03 - Pollution, Particulate Matter, and Solutions24:49 - Urban Planning29:32 - Epigenetics and Environmental Impact34:15 - Indoor Air Quality and Mold Issues41:01 - Advocacy and Environmental Health45:46 - Final Thoughts and Hope for the Future --- RESOURCES Dr. Jennifer Villwockhttps://www.kumc.edu/jvillwock.html Dr. William Reisacher https://weillcornell.org/wreisacher