PODCAST · health
Allergy Actually
by Kara Wada, Amber Patterson, Meagan Shepherd
Welcome to Allergy Actually — where real talk meets real science. We’re your bestie allergist moms—Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd—and we’re here to help you stop sneezing, scratching, and second-guessing your allergy care. With a combined 40+ years of clinical experience, we break down the science behind allergies into practical, real-life solutions. From pollen to peanuts, asthma to anxiety, we unpack it all with empathy, humor, and honest conversations. Whether you're a parent navigating a child’s food allergies or someone just trying to breathe easier, you'll find clarity, community, and calm here. Subscribe for weekly episodes that mix evidence-based medicine, lifestyle tips, and the kind of advice you’d expect from your smartest, kindest mom friend. Because living well with allergies shouldn’t feel so hard—and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Episodes
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Why You Have to Wait 30 Minutes After Your Allergy Shot | Episode 35
Send us Fan Mail Do I Really Have to Wait 30 Minutes After My Allergy Shot? (The Life-Saving Reason Why) It's the most common question heard in any allergist's office: "Do I really have to wait 30 minutes after my allergy shot?" We get it—the wait feels long and inconvenient. In this essential...
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Is It Just a Cold? Understanding Your Child's Symptoms (Allergies vs. Flu vs. Colds) | Episode 34
Send us Fan Mail If your kid seems "always sick," it might not just be a bad immune system—it might be a complex mix of allergies and infections. With overlapping symptoms like cough, congestion, and fatigue, how can parents tell what's really going on? In this essential episode of Allergy...
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Military Eligibility: Why an Old Asthma Inhaler Can Still Disqualify Your Teen | Episode 33
Send us Fan Mail Did you know that having a history of an Albuterol inhaler prescription—even if you outgrew your asthma—can automatically disqualify a potential military recruit years later? Many parents are blindsided when their child's medical history affects their military or flight school...
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Why Families Travel Across the Country for Allergy Treatment (ILIT™ Protocol) | Episode 32
Send us Fan Mail Plastic surgery tourism is everywhere, but we are seeing a different trend: medical tourism for allergies. Moms are flying across the country—and even internationally—so their kids and family members can finally breathe, sleep, and live without constant allergy medication. In…
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The MITE on Your Eyelashes Causing Rosacea & Chronic Styes (Demodex Explained) | Episode 31
Send us Fan Mail When we say "mites," you probably think of dust mites. But there’s another microscopic critter living on your skin—specifically, in your eyelash follicles—that could be causing your chronic eye issues, styes, blepharitis, and even rosacea. Meet the Demodex mite. In this…
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How to Stop a Runny Nose in the Cold (Allergists’ Ski Survival Guide) | Episode 30
Send us Fan Mail Does your family love skiing, but your kid (or you!) turns into a "snot fountain" on day one? You're not alone! That constant drip in the cold isn't always allergies—it's often a condition called non-allergic (vasomotor) rhinitis, and it's manageable. In this essential "How-To"...
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New Year, New Immune System: Why You Should Start Allergy Immunotherapy NOW | Episode 29
Send us Fan Mail It's a brand new year, which means fresh calendars, fresh intentions... and the same old allergies waiting for their spring comeback. But not this year! In this episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd –...
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The Allergy Mom Survival Kit: What We ACTUALLY Carry in Our Bags | Episode 28
Send us Fan Mail The Allergy Mom Survival Kit: What We ACTUALLY Carry in Our Bags Every mom has her go-to bag of tricks, but allergy moms take it to a whole new level! From EpiPens to safe snacks, wet wipes to inhalers, our bags practically run a mini clinic. In this fun and highly practical...
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Is Ozempic Helping Your Allergies & Asthma? (GLP-1 Drugs, Hives & Inflammation Explained) | Episode 27
Send us Fan Mail GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) are everywhere, but the conversation is shifting from just weight loss to their powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Are these drugs helping with asthma, chronic hives, and allergic inflammation? In this essential episode of Allergy...
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Is 5 Years of Allergy Shots Worth It? Pros & Cons of Immunotherapy (ft. Allergist Expert) | Episode 26
Send us Fan Mail Love the idea of allergy shots but don't have 3-5 years to commit to weekly appointments? In this essential episode, your bestie allergist moms are joined by esteemed colleague Dr. Christopher Brooks, Assistant Clinical Professor of Allergy Immunology at the Ohio State University...
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5 Gifts to NEVER Give Someone with Allergies, a Holiday Gift Guide | Episode 25
Send us Fan Mail Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts That Feel Good (Allergy & Sensitivity Friendly) If you’ve ever tried to find the perfect holiday gift for someone with food allergies, asthma, eczema, or fragrance sensitivities, you know it can feel overwhelming. What is safe? What won't trigger a...
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Is a Real or Fake Christmas Tree Better for Allergies? (The Mold & Dust Truth) | Episode 24
Send us Fan Mail Holiday Allergy Hacks: Real vs. Fake Christmas Trees & Handling Dusty Decor If you love decorating for Christmas but hate the sneezing, wheezing, and itchy eyes that sometimes follow, this episode of Allergy Actually is for you. In this cozy and practical episode, your bestie...
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Thanksgiving Holiday Allergy Hacks: How to Be a Good Guest & Stay Safe (Food, Pets, Perfume) | Episode 23
Send us Fan Mail Thanksgiving Allergy Hacks: How to Be a Great Guest (Without Feeling Like a Burden) Thanksgiving and holiday get-togethers are supposed to be fun, but when you have food allergies, asthma, or environmental sensitivities, being a guest can come with a lot of stress. Today, your...
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Overcome the Fear of Swallowing Pills: 3 Simple Tricks for Kids & Adults | Episode 22
Send us Fan Mail Do you or your child dread swallowing pills? You are not alone! Up to 40% of people struggle with it, but it's a skill you can learn. In this essential "How-To" episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd –...
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How to Stop Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) Attacks: 3 Breathing Exercises
Send us Fan Mail If you've ever struggled with a sudden, scary episode of difficulty breathing that feels like your throat is closing up, you might be experiencing Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD). Often confused with asthma, VCD requires a completely different set of tools to manage. In this…
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How to Get a Dog Even if You Have Pet Allergies (Allergist's #1 Tip) | Episode 20
Send us Fan Mail The "Hypoallergenic" Dog Myth: An Allergist's Guide to Pet Allergies You’ve heard the term "hypoallergenic dog," but is there really such a thing? Can choosing a dog with hair instead of fur, or one that doesn't shed, actually prevent your allergies? In this myth-busting episode…
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Itching & Burning? It Might NOT Be a Yeast Infection (Vaginal Dermatitis Explained) | Episode 19
Send us Fan Mail If you've ever dealt with itching, burning, or irritation in your most sensitive areas and been repeatedly told it must be a yeast infection or BV, you are not alone. For many women, the real culprit isn't an infection at all—it's an allergic reaction. In this candid and crucial...
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Why Your Allergies Are Suddenly Worse in Your 40s (Perimenopause & Hormones) | Episode 18
Send us Fan Mail Did Your Allergies Come Back in Your 40s? It Might Be Your Hormones. Did your allergies suddenly get worse (or appear out of nowhere) in your 30s or 40s? Do your allergy or asthma symptoms seem to flare at certain times of the month? You’re not losing it—it’s in your hormones AND...
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Halloween Allergy & Asthma Hacks: An Allergist's Guide for Parents
Send us Fan Mail Halloween Allergy Hacks: A Parent's Guide to a Safe & Fun Spooky Season Spooky season should be fun, not frightening because of allergies! From candy swaps to costume hacks, your bestie allergist moms are here to help you make Halloween safe, inclusive, and stress-free. In this…
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How Food Immunotherapy (OIT & SLIT) Works to Prevent Allergic Reactions
Send us Fan Mail You've heard about peanut immunotherapy, but what is food immunotherapy, actually? How do treatments like Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) work, and which one might be right for your family? In this game-changing episode of Allergy Actually, your…
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The Hygiene Hypothesis Explained: How Dirt, Pacifiers & Dishwashers Affect Allergies | Allergy Actually
Send us Fan Mail The Hygiene Hypothesis: Could Being "Too Clean" Cause Allergies? Could hand sanitizer, spotless homes, and a fear of germs actually be contributing to the rise in allergies, asthma, and eczema? It's a fascinating and counterintuitive idea known as the Hygiene Hypothesis. In this...
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A Tick Bite Can Make You Allergic to Red Meat? | Alpha-Gal Syndrome Explained by Allergists
Send us Fan Mail Is It A Tummy Ache or A Tick Bite? Understanding Alpha-Gal Syndrome How can a tiny tick bite make you allergic to your favorite steak or burger? What if your unexplained tummy aches are actually a delayed allergic reaction to the meal you ate hours ago? This is the strange…
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Allergy Shots 2.0: Is ILIT the Future of Allergy Relief?
Send us Fan Mail Love the idea of allergy shots but don't have 3-5 years to commit to weekly appointments? Tired of the struggle to adhere to daily allergy drops? What if there was a faster, more convenient, and highly effective way to treat your allergies at the root cause? In this game-changing...
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That Nagging Cough Could Be Asthma (Even Without Wheezing) | Cough-Variant Asthma Explained | Allergy Actually
Send us Fan Mail Do your allergies sometimes make it hard to breathe? Do you find yourself coughing or wheezing when pollen counts are high? The connection between allergies and asthma is real and significant, but often misunderstood. In this powerful and personal episode of Allergy Actually…
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How to Use a Nasal Spray CORRECTLY for Allergy Relief (Allergist's Top Tips)
Send us Fan Mail Are you using nasal sprays for your allergies but not getting the relief you expected? You might be making one of the common mistakes we see as allergists all the time. Nasal sprays are the #1, first-line treatment for managing allergic rhinitis symptoms, but they have to be used...
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Quitting Daily Allergy Meds After Decades: A Patient's ILIT Journey
Send us Fan Mail 3 Shots vs. 5 Years? A Patient's Journey with ILIT Allergy Treatment Patient testimonials are a powerful way to understand the real-world impact of a medical treatment. In this special episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms are joined by a very special guest,...
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Does Your Child Need a 504 Plan for Allergies or Asthma? (Back to School Part 2)
Send us Fan Mail 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…
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The Ultimate Back-to-School Allergy & Asthma Checklist for Parents (Part 1) | Allergy Actually
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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New Treatments for Food Allergies (OIT, SLIT, Xolair) | Your Bestie Allergist Moms Guide | Episode 7
Send us Fan Mail 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…
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Tummy Ache or Food Allergy? How to Tell the Difference (Allergist Advice) | Episode 06
Send us Fan Mail 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…
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How to Use Epinephrine (Adrenaclick, EpiPen, Auvi-Q, Neffy, Anaphylm): A Step-by-Step Guide by Allergists | Episode 05
Send us Fan Mail "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...
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Do Air Purifiers Work for Pet & Pollen Allergies? Allergists’ Honest Review | Episode 04
Send us Fan Mail 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...
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The Most Natural Way to Treat your Allergies: Comparing Shots, Drops & ILIT | Episode 03
Send us Fan Mail 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…
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Best OTC Allergy Medicine for Allergic Rhinitis? Allergist Moms Debate (Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin) | Episode 02
Send us Fan Mail 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…
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Pollen Count High? Top Tips to Manage Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) | Episode 01
Send us Fan Mail Are you looking for REAL ways to survive hay fever season? Pollen counts are soaring, and if you have hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis), you know the struggle is real! Join your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – on Allergy...
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What IS Allergy, Actually? Understanding Hay Fever, Asthma Triggers & Beyond | Welcome to Allergy Actually | Episode 0
Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Allergy Actually! Join your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – as they break down everything you need to know about allergies. From the science behind the sniffles to the latest treatments like ILIT, get practical...
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Allergy Actually - Trailer
Send us Fan Mail Tired of confusing allergy information and conflicting advice? Welcome to Allergy Actually, the podcast and YouTube channel hosted by your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meaghan Shepherd. We're breaking down everything you need to know about...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Allergy Actually — where real talk meets real science.
We’re your bestie allergist moms—Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd—and we’re here to help you stop sneezing, scratching, and second-guessing your allergy care.
With a combined 40+ years of clinical experience, we break down the science behind allergies into practical, real-life solutions. From pollen to peanuts, asthma to anxiety, we unpack it all with empathy, humor, and honest conversations.
Whether you're a parent navigating a child’s food allergies or someone just trying to breathe easier, you'll find clarity, community, and calm here.
Subscribe for weekly episodes that mix evidence-based medicine, lifestyle tips, and the kind of advice you’d expect from your smartest, kindest mom friend.
Because living well with allergies shouldn’t feel so hard—and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
HOSTED BY
Kara Wada, Amber Patterson, Meagan Shepherd
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Allergy Actually have?
Allergy Actually currently has 37 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Allergy Actually about?
Welcome to Allergy Actually — where real talk meets real science. We’re your bestie allergist moms—Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd—and we’re here to help you stop sneezing, scratching, and second-guessing your allergy care. With a combined 40+ years of clinical...
How often does Allergy Actually release new episodes?
Allergy Actually has 37 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Allergy Actually?
You can listen to Allergy Actually on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Allergy Actually?
Allergy Actually is created and hosted by Kara Wada, Amber Patterson, Meagan Shepherd.
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