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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, your bestie allergist moms get vulnerable, sharing their own real-life stories with asthma. Dr. Kara Wada recounts a dramatic and unexpected asthma attack in the middle of O'Hare airport, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd opens up about her journey with severe, cough-variant asthma.
They dive deep into the "one airway" theory, explain why asthma is far more complex than just "allergic" vs. "non-allergic," and reveal the most overlooked symptom of asthma (hint: it's not always wheezing!). They also discuss how controlling your indoor environment with tools like high-quality air purifiers from our sponsor, Molekule, can be a crucial part of an asthma management plan. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who suspects their allergies are affecting their breathing.
EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:32 The Allergy-Asthma Connection: Why It Happens
01:11 Dr. Kara's Real-Life Airport Asthma Attack Story
04:14 Dr. Meagan's Journey with Severe, Cough-Variant Asthma
08:17 Proactive Management & At-Home Lung Monitoring
12:18 Overlooked Asthma Symptoms: Cough, "Bronchitis" & "Asthmmonia"
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.
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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.
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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.
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MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd