Allergy Actually

Allergy Actually

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

August 4, 2025 12 mins

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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 tha...

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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 intole...

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"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 c...

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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 tec...

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 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) – ...

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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...

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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 Actually as they share their top allergist-approved tips to help you manage pollen exposure and breathe easier. From simple home str...

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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 insider advice, real-mom empathy, and learn how taking control of your allergies can dramatically improve your life. In this first episode, meet ...

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May 22, 2025 3 mins

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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 allergies, from the science behind the sniffles to the latest treatments, with practical insider advice and a healthy dose of re...

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