Let‘s Clear the Air! All Things Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

In this episode of Let's Clear the Air, host Liz Edwards and Nurse Practitioner Jim O'Rourke discuss how allergies and asthma disrupt sleep in children and adults — from nasal congestion, mouth breathing, and snoring to histamine’s wakeful effects.

They offer practical tips on how to improve your sleep environment, how to sleep better with pets and stuffed animals, and how (and when) to use a saline sinus rinse. Jim also shares what to expect from an initial visit with an allergist and how medications or allergy shots can help restore better sleep.

Dr. Erin Rohman talks with host Marcella Feathers about acute and chronic sinusitis: the symptoms, the causes, and, most importantly, the solution!

Dr. Rohman begins by describing the differences between acute and chronic sinusitis, which aren’t always very obvious. For example, the color of nasal discharge can be yellow, white, green, clear.... But other symptoms are usually involved: the thickness of the discharge, headaches, cough, bad breath, even a foul smell or taste. Dr. Rohman also shares how the time of year, including the presence of viruses like the common cold, can lead to sinusitis, as well as how allergies introduce yet another variable into the diagnosis.

All of this to say that, like allergies, every patients' symptoms and the root causes of those symptoms are different, and that’s why seeing an expert can help. By conducting a physical exam, reviewing patient history, and ordering imaging if needed, experts like Dr. Rohman can zero-in on your unique situation and offer a unique solution.

Listen to learn more about sinusitis and how board-certified allergists can help make a big difference in your ability to live and breathe better.

Are you confused about pet allergies? In this episode of "Let's Clear the Air," host Liz Edwards and Dr. John Overholt reveal the truth from fiction! 

Listen as Dr. Overholt addresses common questions (or myths) about pet allergies, including the real meaning of "hypoallergenic" breeds. You'll discover why banning your pet from the bedroom is often not enough and how swapping a dog or cat for a "pocket pet" like a hamster or guinea pig can be just as risky for allergy sufferers.

Learn the single most effective cleaning method and, most importantly, how modern immunotherapy makes it so that you and your pet can live together happily ever after–all on this episode of "Let's Clear the Air!"

Dr. Nicholas Cline talks with host Marcella Feathers about a form of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) known as allergy drops.

Allergy drops can be a preferred immunotherapy route for allergic patients who have busy schedules, travel, or are afraid of needles.

Dr. Cline shares his experiences with SLIT patients as well as the results of various studies and how allergy drops compare to other, more limited non-needle options.

Host Marcella Feathers talks with Nurse Practitioner and asthma expert Sharon Lever about the importance of the flu vaccine this season, especially for people with asthma and existing comorbidities.

Learn about the recent and predicted spikes in flu rates, the newest strain (Flu A), and why asthmatics are at an increased risk of severe symptoms and hospitalization.

Sharon also explains why some people think getting the vaccine causes the flu, why medical professionals are legitimately concerned about current vaccination rates, and why it's not too late to get vaccinated!

Join Dr. Nicholas Cline and host Marcella Feathers as they discuss the reintroduction of the Penicillin Allergy Verification and Evaluation (PAVE) Act. 

The PAVE Act would require physicians to verify a penicillin allergy during the "Welcome to Medicare" preventive visit and annual Medicare wellness visits. 

Penicillin was discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming and is an inexpensive but very effective antibiotic. Dr. Cline shares why the majority of patients who believe they're allergic to penicillin may have an inaccurate diagnosis and what options are available for determining if an allergy actually exists. Whether or not you're a Medicare patient, confirming a penicillin allergy can save you money and time!

Join host Liz Edwards and Dr. Paul Carter as they dive into how to manage food allergies during the holidays, when to use epinephrine, and the options available for epinephrine delivery. 

For food-allergic patients, potluck dinners during the holidays can pose all sorts of risks. Host Liz Edwards and Dr. Paul Carter cover all the bases: from social anxiety asking about ingredients to relatives' ignorance regarding "small" amounts. Learn safe ways to navigate your food options. 

And just in case an allergen is ingested, Dr. Carter and Liz share how to determine if an anaphylactic reaction is happening and how to use an epinephrine auto-injector. They also talk about the many delivery options for epinephrine that are now available, including a nose spray for needle-averse patients!

This episode is perfectly timed for the holidays for anyone who has or knows someone who has food allergies. So listen now, and keep the holidays safe and fun for everyone!

Join Dr. Phil Jones and host Marcella Feathers as they dive into a discussion about chronic hives and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

Learn what's involved in diagnosing urticaria, some of the many types or causes of hives, and how new options in treatment can provide relief for many patients. 

In connection with urticaria, Dr. Jones shares the three "must haves" for making a diagnosis of MCAS and how working with patients to find answers is at the forefront of his practicing methods. 

Fall means back to school, and back to school can mean a return to allergic and asthmatic triggers for many students. Whether dust mites, mold, or fall pollen is contributing, your child may be exposed to classroom triggers that can interfere with their school performance, concentration, and sleep. In this episode of Let's Clear the Air, Dr. Nicholas Cline describes common school allergens, what symptoms to be on the lookout for, and how you can help your student bring their A-game this school year!

Dr. Nicholas Cline and host Marcella Feathers discuss two high-profile medicines: diphenhydramine and montelukast. Learn what allergic and asthmatic symptoms these first-generation medications are used to treat, what potential side effects may occur, and why newer options can offer better results with fewer risks.