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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 fun and practical episode of Allergy Actually, Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd share their top tricks and treats for navigating the holiday. They cover everything from the life-saving Teal Pumpkin Project to the hidden dangers in different-sized candies that every food allergy parent needs to know about.

Whether you're managing food allergies, asthma triggers from foggy nights and campfires, or eczema flare-ups from costumes, this episode is your ultimate survival guide. Learn how to prepare, what to watch out for, and how to empower your child to have a fantastic and safe Halloween.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
02:22 The Teal Pumpkin Project: Making Halloween Inclusive
04:29 The Hidden Danger: Why Candy Labels Change with Size
09:03 Managing Asthma & Eczema Triggers on Halloween Night
10:42 Pro Tips: Where to Keep Epinephrine & The "Candy Swap"
14:25 Navigating Classroom Parties & Empowering Your Child

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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.
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok

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™ Protocol (a 3-injection allergy shot protocol), she is redefining allergy care through her practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni® ILIT™ Learning Network.
Website
Instagram
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube

MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.

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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 bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – break down the two leading cutting-edge treatments for food allergies. They compare OIT (eating tiny, controlled doses of the allergen) with SLIT (placing drops under the tongue) to help you understand these life-altering therapies.

Learn about the different goals of treatment—from achieving "bite safety" against accidental exposure to reintroducing a food completely into the diet. The doctors discuss the pros, cons, risks, time commitment, and what to expect from each approach, giving you the knowledge to have an informed conversation with your allergist.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:45 What is Food Immunotherapy?
01:37 OIT vs. SLIT: The Key Differences
04:00 What's Your Goal? "Bite Safety" vs. Full Reintroduction
06:24 OIT: The "Aggressive" Approach (Higher Risk, Potentially Faster)
06:36 SLIT: The "Gentle" Approach (Lower Risk, Slower Pace)

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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.
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok

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™ Protocol (a 3-injection allergy shot protocol), she is redefining allergy care through her practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni® ILIT™ Learning Network.
Website
Instagram
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube

MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.

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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 episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – dive deep into the science of "a little dirt." They explore how early life exposure to a diverse range of microbes "trains" our immune system to be less reactive.

Learn about the compelling research comparing Amish communities to modern Western societies, the crucial role of the skin barrier in preventing food allergies, and why the advice to delay introducing allergenic foods was a major misstep. This episode will change the way you think about germs, dirt, and raising healthy, resilient kids.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:28 What is the Hygiene Hypothesis?
02:50 Amish Communities & The "Cleanliness" Link to Allergies
05:01 Practical Parenting: Dishwashers, Pacifiers & Preventing Atopy
06:50 The Skin Barrier's Role in Developing Food Allergies
10:11 How the LEAP Study Revolutionized Food Introduction

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allergyactually@gmail.com

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.
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok

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.
Website
Instagram
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube

MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.

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Facebook

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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 reality of Alpha-Gal Syndrome.

In this fascinating episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – unravel the mysteries of this unique and increasingly common food allergy.

They dive into the surprising origin story of Alpha-Gal, explaining how it was discovered and why it's an allergy to a carbohydrate, not a protein, which turned the allergy world on its head. Learn how a tick bite transmits this allergy, why the reactions are dangerously delayed, and the crucial role of co-factors like exercise, alcohol, and high-fat meals. This is an essential guide to understanding, diagnosing, and managing this complex and often misunderstood condition.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:
- The surprising origin story of Alpha-Gal Syndrome and its link to a chemotherapy drug.
- How a tick bite *actually* causes a red meat allergy (and to other mammal products).
- Why Alpha-Gal is a delayed reaction, with symptoms appearing 2-6 hours after eating.
- The danger of "just testing" for Alpha-Gal after a tick bite and the risk of false positives.


EPISODE IN A GLANCE
01:33 The Origin Story: Dr. Platts-Mills & The Cetuximab Connection
03:04 How a Tick Bite Causes Red Meat Allergy
06:12 The Danger of Over-Testing & False Positives
09:24 The "Histamine Bucket": Co-Factors That Trigger Reactions
16:26 Management & Living with Alpha-Gal (Liberalizing the Diet)
20:05 Crucial Tick Prevention Tips

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allergyactually@gmail.com

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.
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok

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.
Website
Instagram
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube

MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.

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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 episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms—Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Meagan Shepherd, and U.S. ILIT pioneer Dr. Amber Patterson—dive deep into Intralymphatic Immunotherapy, or ILIT.

They explain why the biggest challenge with traditional immunotherapy is patient adherence and how ILIT solves this problem with a simple 3-injection protocol. Learn about the science that makes it safer and more efficient, the studies that prove its long-term effectiveness, and the practical reasons why this "allergy shots 2.0" is becoming the preferred choice for busy patients of all ages.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:36 Why ILIT is a Game-Changer for Patient Adherence
04:02 What is ILIT? The 3-Injection Protocol Explained
06:06 The Key Safety Advantages of ILIT (Bypassing Mast Cells)
09:02 The Science & Effectiveness of ILIT
10:26 The "Off-Label" Status & Cost Discussion
13:30 Finding a Provider: The Auni ILIT Learning Network

WRITE A PODCAST REVIEW

SEND US A SUGGESTION
allergyactually@gmail.com

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.
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok

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.
Website
Instagram
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube

MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.

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Facebook

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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.
GET 15% OFF Molekule Air Purifier → https://creators.molekule.com/MKUL-ALLERGYACTUALLY

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allergyactually@gmail.com

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.
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok

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.
Website
Instagram
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube

MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd

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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 correctly to be effective.

In this essential "How-To" episode of Allergy Actually, learn the crucial difference between non-addictive nasal steroids and addictive decongestants, discover our allergists' unanimous favorite over-the-counter spray, and master the proper technique (Hint: "Nose to toes" and "If you taste it, you waste it") to finally get the relief you deserve.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
01:52 Why Nasal Sprays Are the First-Line Treatment for Nasal Allergies
03:53 The Difference: Non-Addictive Steroids vs. Addictive Decongestants
07:32 The PROPER Technique: How to Use a Nasal Spray Correctly
13:29 How to Prevent & Manage Nosebleeds from Nasal Sprays
15:57 Overcoming the Fear of Using a Nasal Spray

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
- Nasal Steroids: Flonase Sensimist (Fluticasone Furoate), Triamcinolone (Nasacort), Budesonide (Rhinocort), Flonase (Fluticasone Propionate)
- Nasal Antihistamines: Azelastine (Astepro)
- Nasal Decongestants (Vasoconstrictors)
- Saline Sprays/Gels: Ayr, Xylitol Sprays (Xlear)
- Medical Concepts: Rhinitis, Septum, Kiesselbach's Triangle

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ABOUT GUEST
JASON LEWIS
Jason Lewis is a former U.S. Congressman from Minnesota and a nationally syndicated radio host. He shares his personal journey with severe seasonal allergies and his experience as a patient of Dr. Amber Patterson's, where he underwent Intralymphatic Immunotherapy (ILIT) to find lasting relief.

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.
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok

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.
Website
Instagram
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube

MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.

Instagram
Fac

Send us a text

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, former U.S. Congressman and radio broadcaster Jason Lewis, to share his personal allergy journey.

For decades, Jason battled debilitating seasonal allergies, relying on a daily cocktail of over-the-counter medications to get by. As an active adult who loves the outdoors, he wanted a real solution but couldn't commit to the 3-5 year timeline of traditional allergy shots. Enter ILIT (Intralymphatic Immunotherapy).

Listen as Jason details his "before" picture of constant symptoms, his decision to travel for the procedure, what the 3-injection process was actually like, and his incredible results—being off daily allergy medication and enjoying his life in Florida just two months after treatment. This is a must-listen for anyone who feels stuck with their allergies and is looking for a modern, time-saving solution.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:15 Welcome Jason Lewis: The Prototypical ILIT Patient
03:17 The "Before" Picture: Lifelong Allergies & Daily OTC Meds
06:15 The Results: Jason's Improvement Timeline After ILIT
09:21 The Perfect Fit: Why ILIT is Ideal for Geriatrics & Busy People
11:09 "It's a Breeze": Jason's Reassurance on the Procedure Experience

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SEND US A SUGGESTION
allergyactually@gmail.com

ABOUT GUEST
JASON LEWIS
Jason Lewis is a former U.S. Congressman from Minnesota and a nationally syndicated radio host. He shares his personal journey with severe seasonal allergies and his experience as a patient of Dr. Amber Patterson's, where he underwent Intralymphatic Immunotherapy (ILIT) to find lasting relief.

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.
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok

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.
Website
Instagram
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube

MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.