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Allergy Actually

Allergy Actually

By: Kara Wada Amber Patterson Meagan Shepherd
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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.

© 2025 Allergy Actually
Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • How to Use Epinephrine (Adrenaclick, EpiPen, Auvi-Q, Neffy, Anaphylm): A Step-by-Step Guide by Allergists | Episode 05
    Jul 21 2025

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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 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?


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    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

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    14 mins
  • Do Air Purifiers Work for Pet & Pollen Allergies? Allergists’ Honest Review | Episode 04
    Jul 14 2025

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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 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

    Molekule
    Molekule: FDA-cleared air purifiers with PECO tech destroy pollutants 1000x smaller than HEPA.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • The Most Natural Way to Treat your Allergies: Comparing Shots, Drops & ILIT | Episode 03
    Jul 7 2025

    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

    Molekule
    Molekule: FDA-cleared air purifiers with PECO tech destroy pollutants 1000x smaller than HEPA.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Show More Show Less
    20 mins

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