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Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts That Feel Good (Allergy & Sensitivity Friendly)

If you’ve ever tried to find the perfect holiday gift for someone with food allergies, asthma, eczema, or fragrance sensitivities, you know it can feel overwhelming. What is safe? What won't trigger a reaction?

In this fun and practical episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – break down what truly works. They share personal stories and creative ideas to help you navigate gift-giving without guesswork or stress.

From safe self-care items and cozy home products to meaningful experience gifts and non-food alternatives, this episode is your guide to choosing presents that feel safe, beautiful, and genuinely supportive.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
01:31 The Value of Experience Gifts (The $20 Shopping Spree & Museum Memberships)
03:55 Gifts to Avoid: Fragrance, Bath & Body Works & Eczema Triggers
07:12 The Best Teacher/Coworker Gift: Making Cash Thoughtful
08:16 The Holiday Gift-Giving "Avoid List" (Alcohol, Scented Items, Live Plants)
13:00 Costume Hacks for Eczema/Sensitive Skin (Layering!)

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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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Holiday Allergy Hacks: Real vs. Fake Christmas Trees & Handling Dusty Decor

If you love decorating for Christmas but hate the sneezing, wheezing, and itchy eyes that sometimes follow, this episode of Allergy Actually is for you.

In this cozy and practical episode, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – break down the biggest allergy triggers hiding in holiday decor. They tackle the age-old debate: Is it better to have a real Christmas tree or an artificial one? They cover everything from hidden mold spores and fragrant natural oils to dusty ornaments and irritating plastic VOCs.

Learn simple, easy-to-implement hacks for keeping your home merry and breathable—like dusting outside and giving yourself permission to skip a year of decorating. This is your essential guide to enjoying the magic without the misery.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:37 Real vs. Artificial Trees: The Central Debate
01:03 The Real Culprit on Christmas Trees (It's Not Pine Pollen!)
02:52 Why Attics & Basements Cause a Reaction
04:18 The Best Way to Dust Decor (A Practical Solution)
05:33 Permission to Skip: Taking the Stress Out of Decorating
06:34 Flocking, Glitter & Clean Air Strategy

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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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Thanksgiving Allergy Hacks: How to Be a Great Guest (Without Feeling Like a Burden)

Thanksgiving and holiday get-togethers are supposed to be fun, but when you have food allergies, asthma, or environmental sensitivities, being a guest can come with a lot of stress. Today, your bestie allergist moms are breaking down simple, real-life hacks on how to navigate the holidays safely and politely.

In this practical episode of Allergy Actually, Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd share their top tips for being a thoughtful guest and managing potential pitfalls. They cover everything from communicating your needs ahead of time to navigating pet dander, powerful perfumes, and food potlucks without feeling awkward or being a burden. This is your essential guide to enjoying the moments that matter without sacrificing your health.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:53 The Importance of Taking Breaks & Self-Care During Gatherings
03:11 Communicating Food Allergy Needs to Hosts (Kara's Egg Allergy Story)
05:00 Navigating Pet Allergies: Communication, Pre-Treatment & Exit Plans
06:23 The Reality of Pet Dander: Why Vacuuming Isn't Enough
06:27 Pro-Tips for Pre-Treating Environmental/Pet Allergies
08:15 Final Thoughts on Perfume & Fragrances

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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™ 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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Do you or your child dread swallowing pills? You are not alone! Up to 40% of people struggle with it, but it's a skill you can learn.

In this essential "How-To" episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – are holding a pill-swallowing masterclass. They share their personal struggles, pro-tips, and the simple, science-backed techniques that can make taking medication way easier.

Learn the #1 trick that opens your throat (hint: it's the opposite of what you think!), how to practice safely with non-medication items like Tic Tacs, and why using a thick liquid like applesauce can be a game-changer for kids. They also discuss when difficulty swallowing might be a sign of a more serious medical condition like Eosinophilic Esophagitis. This is a must-watch for any parent or adult tired of crushing pills or dealing with gag reflexes.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
02:21 The "Applesauce Trick" for Kids Who Hate Pills
03:44 How to Practice: The "Orange Tic Tac" Method
04:59 The #1 Technique: Leaning FORWARD to Swallow
09:38 Pill Swallowing Alternatives: Cutting & Crushing Pills Safely
10:16 When It's More Than Fear: Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

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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™ 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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If you've ever struggled with a sudden, scary episode of difficulty breathing that feels like your throat is closing up, you might be experiencing Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD). Often confused with asthma, VCD requires a completely different set of tools to manage.

In this essential "How-To" episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – provide a powerful and practical guide to relaxed throat breathing techniques.

This is a purely instructional episode designed to empower you with simple, effective exercises you can practice every day to help prevent and manage VCD episodes. They demonstrate three distinct breathing exercises: a forceful exhale technique for daily practice, an acute "rescue" breathing method for when symptoms strike, and a calming box breathing exercise to help regulate your nervous system after a scary event. This is a must-watch for anyone dealing with VCD, unexplained breathing trouble, or anxiety-related respiratory symptoms.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:49 Daily Practice: Forceful Exhale Breathing Technique
02:34 Acute Rescue: The "Cold Blow" Hand Technique
05:32 Calming Down: Guided Box Breathing for Your Nervous System

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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™ 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 "Hypoallergenic" Dog Myth: An Allergist's Guide to Pet Allergies

You’ve heard the term "hypoallergenic dog," but is there really such a thing? Can choosing a dog with hair instead of fur, or one that doesn't shed, actually prevent your allergies?

In this myth-busting episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – are tackling one of the most common questions they get from patients: "Can I get a dog if I'm allergic?"

They break down the science of pet dander, explaining why ALL dogs have the potential to cause allergies (spoiler: it's not just the fur!). Learn why you might react to one dog but not another, get an "insider's guide" to how allergy testing for dogs works, and discover the most effective, allergist-approved strategies for living happily with your furry friends—without just telling you to get rid of them!

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
01:32 The "Hypoallergenic" Dog Myth Busted
02:12 It's Not the Fur! The Real Cause of Dog Allergies
03:26 An Insider's Guide to Dog Allergy Testing
06:39 The #1 Way to "Fix" Your Dog Allergy (Immunotherapy)
09:22 Practical Tips: Creating a "Pet-Free Zone" & Managing Dander
11:29 Why We'll NEVER Tell You to Get Rid of Your Pet

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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™ 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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If you've ever dealt with itching, burning, or irritation in your most sensitive areas and been repeatedly told it must be a yeast infection or BV, you are not alone. For many women, the real culprit isn't an infection at all—it's an allergic reaction.

In this candid and crucial episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – are breaking the silence on a topic that is too often overlooked: vaginal and vulvar dermatitis.

They dive into the surprising world of contact allergies that can affect intimate health, revealing common triggers you might never suspect, from toilet paper and wipes to the elastic in clothing and even the metals in dental braces! Learn about the specialized testing that can uncover these hidden allergens, practical solutions for relief, and why it's so important to advocate for yourself when treatments for common infections aren't working.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:09 Introduction to vaginal dermatitis and allergic reactions
01:13 Allergist perspective on treating vaginal issues
02:22 Case study: Metal allergy from braces causing symptoms
03:57 Understanding skin sensitivity and contact dermatitis
06:10 Diagnostic approach and treatment options
08:39 Important conversations about intimate health
11:44 Autoimmune conditions and vaginal health
14:36 Chronic infections and immune system involvement
17:18 Connection between allergies and vaginal symptoms

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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™ 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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Facebook

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Did Your Allergies Come Back in Your 40s? It Might Be Your Hormones.

Did your allergies suddenly get worse (or appear out of nowhere) in your 30s or 40s? Do your allergy or asthma symptoms seem to flare at certain times of the month? You’re not losing it—it’s in your hormones AND your immune system!

In this eye-opening episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – are having the conversation no one else is: the powerful link between hormonal shifts and allergic diseases.

They dive deep into how the rollercoaster of perimenopause, puberty, and pregnancy can put your allergy cells on high alert. Learn how estrogen can act as the "gas pedal" for inflammation and progesterone as the "brake," and what happens when that balance is disrupted. From new-onset asthma to increased reactivity, this episode is a validating and empowering guide for women at every stage of life.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:22 New Allergies in Your 40s? You're Not Alone
02:26 Why Symptoms (Not Labs) are Key for Perimenopause
05:02 The Science: Estrogen "Gas Pedal" & Progesterone "Brake"
06:53 How Puberty & Pregnancy Change Allergies & Asthma
12:33 Practical & Lifestyle Tips for Managing Hormonal Flares
14:22 The Domino Effect: How Treating Allergies Helps Everything Else

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™ 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.

Instagram
Facebook