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

Allergy Drops: An Alternative to Shots

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.

Flu Shots and Asthma: Why Vaccination Matters

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!

The Penicillin Allergy Verification and Evaluation Act

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!

Food Allergies, the Holidays, & Choices in Epinephrine

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!

Chronic Hives and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

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. 

Back to School & Allergies

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!

First-generation Medication

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. 

The Burdens of Summer

Is the heat making you feel too heavy, too depleted to enjoy these last days of summer? You're not alone! Host Liz Edwards talks with Nurse Practitioner James O'Rourke about the burdensome effects of seasonal allergens, sticky humidity, and the oppressive heat. 

The Dog Days of Summer, with their high temperatures and high humidity in the South, can worsen allergies, asthma, and eczema. Learn how breathing in hot air and airborne allergens, as well as contact with summer pollens, affect your nose, eyes, skin, and lungs, and how to be prepared and limit your exposure.

Enjoy Summer Unencumbered

Are summertime allergies or asthma symptoms putting a damper on your enjoyment of the season? They don't have to!

Listen as host Liz Edwards talks with Dr. Sarah Adams about how to have summer fun without the allergic or asthmatic distractions.

When it comes to summer, the heat and humidity affect everyone; but for anyone who suffers from allergies or asthma, the season can become even more debilitating. If you notice you or your child needs frequent breaks, has chest pain, coughs. or just can't keep up with others when taking part in outdoor activities, it might be asthma. Unfortunately, we often accept what's "normal" for us as normal for others. That's where a board-certified allergist can help. Through actual measurements, allergists can determine how the lungs, sinuses, throat -- all things respiratory -- are functioning and can help you or your loved one enjoy every day of summer!

Listen to learn more about how asthma and allergies can be detected and how allergists do all things allergy/asthma to help everyone thrive in any season of life.

An Introduction to Biologics

Host Liz Edwards and Dr. Michael Norvell provide an overview of biologics in this episode of "Let's Clear the Air!" 

The Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center began using biologics for asthma in 2010. Since then, biologics have been on a fast path of development. These molecularly engineered products operate on a very small scale and are different from typically prescribed or over-the-counter medicines, which use chemicals to initiate a physical response. 

Listen to learn more about the superior safety profiles of biologics, their multiple uses within the allergy and asthma specialty, and their proven effectiveness.