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

The Holidays and Tree Nuts

Dr. Phil Jones helps us unwrap the trappings of holiday foods for food allergic patients, specifically those who are allergic to tree nuts.

Hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios...all the nutty flavors added to our favorite holiday helpings can cause pollen-food allergy syndrome for people allergic to certain tree pollens as well as life-threatening symptoms for food-allergic patients. Dr. Jones shares how various food testing strategies can better identify these allergies and how you can be prepared for possible exposure. He also introduces us to the newest alternative to needle epinephrine: Neffy.

 

Fixing Fall Allergies

Dr. Jeana Bush talks with host Liz Edwards about the whirlwind of fall allergies this season. 

What's brewing? According to Dr. Bush, it's the heat allowing spring tree and grass pollens to continue to disperse as well as the sprouting of fall's ragweed. And as a result of Hurricane Helene, all of the southeast is experiencing atmospheric changes and mold. 

For any allergic symptom, whether it's itchy eyes, runny nose, coughing, or sneezing, Dr. Bush emphasizes how patients visit us wanting to "fix" the problem. This fix starts with a good patient history and testing, so that you know what's causing your symptoms! Then Dr. Bush presents her recommendations, but she acknowledges that it's a shared decision, one that usually involves immunotherapy.

For improved symptoms, fewer medications, improved lung function, and fewer infections, patients are often surprised by how much better they feel on allergy shots. They're not a drug or steroids, but they do facilitate a natural process. Listen to learn more how you can reeducate your immune system and fix the problem of fall allergies. 

Getting to Know Dr. Jeana Bush

Host Liz Edwards introduces us to Dr. Jeana Bush, one of our board-certified allergists serving Georgia!

Dr. Bush knew she wanted to be a doctor from an early age. Stories of her grandfather as the only physician in his area instilled in her a great respect and curiosity for the field. Finding her specialty in allergy and immunology was helped by an allergist she rotated with in Charlotte. 

Dr. Bush’s excitement in having “lightbulb” moments with patients, knowing that she can solve health issues they’ve struggled with, is palpable. Learn more about her love for helping patients of all ages – and her love of the Bulldogs and the Braves!

Fall Allergies in Georgia

Host Liz Edwards talks with Dr. Turkessa Walker about fall allergies in Georgia.

Despite the high temperatures, Georgia is experiencing some strong hints of fall, including an increase in weed and mold pollens. Dr. Walker explains more about both of the "big windows" (spring and fall) for high pollen exposure and worsening allergic symptoms. She also explains what you can expect during your first visit with an allergist. Learn how Dr. Walker can help you find the cause of your itchy eyes, stuffy nose, or asthmatic flares, and let her develop a treatment plan that's perfect for you!

Getting to Know Dr. Turkessa Walker

Host Liz Edwards introduces a special treat for our Georgia audience: Dr. Turkessa Walker! She works in our Middle Georgia locations and is a native of the Peach State.

Listen as Dr. Walker describes how she considered becoming an allergist in high school but took a bit of a detour into OB/GYN, only to end up circling back to allergy. She explains what she loves about allergy and the joy she gets from helping patients of all ages.

Dr. Walker specialized in both internal medicine and pediatrics at Tulane University in New Orleans, which is where she also taught herself to knit (though she's quick to admit that the weather in Louisiana didn't really warrant that first wool sweater). 

Learn more about Dr. Walker's hobbies, her love of the outdoors, and her confidence in getting seasonal allergic patients back to their favorite things. "I can change your life!"

It's Here: Ragweed!

Host Liz Edwards talks with Family Nurse Practitioner Kelsie Hannah about that dreaded fall weed: ragweed. Learn why ragweed and fall weeds in general can make you feel terrible as well as how changes in the weather can make even non-allergic people feel stuffy and fatigued. 

If you're struggling with sinus infections, asthma exacerbations, itchy eyes, or pesky coughs, ragweed might be the culprit, and, according to Kelsie, we can have anywhere from six to 10 weeks of it. So come see us now! We can help!

Stinging Insect Season

Did you know that stinging insects become more aggressive in the late summer and early fall? Dr. Phil Jones explains why now is the time to be aware of their habitat and activity. He also shares some tips on how to identify an allergic reaction to a sting. Most importantly, though, Dr. Jones tell us how venom immunotherapy can help you breathe easier outside despite all the buzz!

A Walk Through Skin Testing

Nurse Practitioner Brittany Harper and host Liz Edwards walk us through what to expect from a skin test!

From preparations before the test to the therapy after, Brittany and Liz cover all the details. Learn what happens at each step, how many allergens are tested for different age groups, how long the initial scratch test takes (usually only 60 seconds!), and what all of this tells our providers.

As Brittany says, "Patients love the outcome of allergy shots!" If you've ever wondered what those first steps to starting allergy shots are, this podcast's for you!

Our Man, Sterl The Pearl

VFL professional athlete, DJ, motivational speaker, actor...Sterling Henton, aka Sterl The Pearl, exudes a huge amount of strength and stamina to "keep it movin'" on ballfields, basketball courts, and other venues around the world. So when an intense moment of fatigue forced him to a full stop, he knew something wasn't right. Listen to how Sterl's visit with board-certified allergist Dr. Karthik Krishnan rejuvenated this iconic man and what advice he has to give to others who may not be listening to their bodies or their friends.

Summer Allergies

Dr. James Kidd at our Louisiana clinics discusses all things summer allergy with host Liz Edwards. 

Dr. Kidd describes when certain grass pollens are at their highest in Louisiana and why most people who have grass allergies in the South are probably already in a chronic phase of suffering.

Learn how exercising outdoors during these summer months can trigger a slew of exercise-induced symptoms: urticaria, asthma, even anaphylaxis. (Dr. Kidd shares insight on food-dependent, exercise-induced anaphylaxis, too, which is common among elite athletes.)

This podcast is packed with summer allergy tips about insect bites, bee stings, and heat-induced hives as well, so don't miss it!