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Allergy Actually

Allergy Actually

Written 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.

© 2026 Allergy Actually
Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • How to Stop a Runny Nose in the Cold (Allergists’ Ski Survival Guide) | Episode 30
    Jan 12 2026

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    Does your family love skiing, but your kid (or you!) turns into a "snot fountain" on day one? You're not alone! That constant drip in the cold isn't always allergies—it's often a condition called non-allergic (vasomotor) rhinitis, and it's manageable.

    In this essential "How-To" episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – share their ultimate survival guide for skiing and other outdoor winter sports.

    From pre-slope preparation and the "secret weapon" prescription nasal spray that stops a drippy nose, to asthma pre-treatment and long-term solutions like immunotherapy, this episode is packed with practical tips. Learn what to pack in your ski jacket, why you need to wash your gear, and how to make your winter adventures enjoyable and snot-free.

    EPISODE IN A GLANCE
    01:33 Understanding Cold-Induced Runny Nose (Vasomotor Rhinitis)
    02:40 Pre-Slope Preparation: What to Pack in Your Pockets
    04:39 The "Secret Weapon" for a Drippy Nose: Ipratropium Explained
    05:22 Long-Term Solutions: How Immunotherapy (ILIT™ Protocol) Can Help
    07:56 Gear Maintenance, Eye Protection & Aftercare 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™ 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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    11 mins
  • New Year, New Immune System: Why You Should Start Allergy Immunotherapy NOW | Episode 29
    Jan 5 2026

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    It's a brand new year, which means fresh calendars, fresh intentions... and the same old allergies waiting for their spring comeback. But not this year!

    In this episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – talk about how to achieve an immune system reset that actually lasts. They blend powerful insights on habit formation with a crucial medical strategy: starting immunotherapy during the off-season (winter) to prepare for your easiest allergy season yet.

    If you're looking to harness the power of prevention, this episode explains why January is the perfect time to commit to a treatment plan that will deliver measurable relief by spring. Stop playing catch-up and start living ahead of your allergies.

    EPISODE IN A GLANCE
    01:17 Prevention vs. Cure: Why It Matters for Allergies
    01:59 Why You Should Start Immunotherapy When You Feel Good
    05:07 Beating the Odds: Micro-Habits for Treatment Adherence
    07:11 Planning Your Allergy Year: Expectations and Medication Breaks
    09:17 Letting Go of Limiting Beliefs: Visualizing a Better Allergy Season

    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

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    12 mins
  • The Allergy Mom Survival Kit: What We ACTUALLY Carry in Our Bags | Episode 28
    Dec 29 2025

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    The Allergy Mom Survival Kit: What We ACTUALLY Carry in Our Bags

    Every mom has her go-to bag of tricks, but allergy moms take it to a whole new level! From EpiPens to safe snacks, wet wipes to inhalers, our bags practically run a mini clinic.

    In this fun and highly practical episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – are unzipping their bags to show you the real essentials they carry every day. They discuss the critical basics that keep their kids and themselves safe, the surprising multi-use products they rely on (hello, Aquaphor!), and the modern tech that serves as a med alert bracelet.

    Whether you're managing food allergies, asthma, or just chronic dryness, this episode is your guide to creating your ultimate "allergy survival kit" to minimize friction and maximize safety in your everyday life.

    EPISODE IN A GLANCE
    01:33 Minimalist Approach & Travel Antihistamines
    02:35 Aquaphor: The Multi-Purpose Essential
    03:54 Tissues: A Must-Have for Runny Noses
    04:54 Managing Dryness: Eye Drops, Lozenges & Chapstick
    06:10 Phone as an Allergy Tool: Emergency Contacts
    08:05 Medical ID & Modern Alternatives
    08:34 How to Build Your Personal Allergy Kit

    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

    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
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