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

Holiday Gift Guide

If you have friends or loved ones who have allergies or asthma or are immune compromised, you'll want to listen to this episode with Dr. Erin Rohman.

Dr. Rohman talks with host Kaylie Francis (Yes! She's married now!) about fun and practical options to show your love and care this holiday season. Whether it's buying a pricey but much-needed item for the new college student or homeowner or avoiding food items for your food-allergic friend, Dr. Rohman has you covered!

And while this holiday season can be quite hectic, Dr. Rohman reminds us to not compromise on our own health and to remain diligent with allergy medications or shots this season. As she says, "Whatever your holiday, we want you to spend it happy, healthy and allergy free!"

 

Getting to Know NP Emily Carter

"Team Allergy" is how Nurse Practitioner Emily Carter describes her family and her career. Having grown up with allergies and with folks in her family having allergies as well, finding her place with The Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center seemed to be – and is! – a natural fit.

Host Liz Edwards and Emily discuss her serendipitous route to our practice, how to discern allergies in young children (Emily has a 2-year-old son) and what indoor allergens to expect and try to avoid this holiday season. 

Listen as they explain the cumulative effects of allergies on our overall wellness and how allergists are the best resource for providing expert diagnoses and care.

Preparing for Fall Allergies and Halloween Treats

Dr. Jane Choi joins host Liz Edwards for a brief discussion about the persistence of fall allergies, the risks of over-the-counter medications, and the benefits of the Teal Pumpkin Project. 

Learn how the fall season is a convergence of some major allergens, some of which can last well into winter. Dr. Choi explains their timeline and how some OTC medications simply prolong your suffering. 

Dr. Choi and Liz also touch on the Teal Pumpkin Project, a growing trend that helps food allergic kids enjoy Halloween safely.

Getting to Know Family Nurse Practitioner Pam Wright

FNP Pam Wright has been with The Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center for twenty years! Learn how she transitioned from studying to become a registered dietician to becoming a family nurse practitioner and then to our specialty practice. Pam also shares her love for the University of Tennessee and staying active, and how she currently finds herself exploring new paths as her two kids are now students at – where else, UT! Enjoy this podcast episode hosted by Kaylie Plemens! 

Getting to Know Family Nurse Practitioner Paige Miller

FNP Paige Miller shares a little bit about herself and her path to The Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center with host Kaylie Plemens.

Paige is a University of Tennessee alumnus and has worked at East Tennessee Children's Hospital and with pediatrics at Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic. Prior to those positions (during her clinicals), Paige spent time at The Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center, and we're glad she came back around to us! Paige enjoys seeing patients of all ages at several of our locations. 

We're excited to get to know more about Family Nurse Practitioner Paige Miller, and we hope you will be, too!

The Emergence of Alpha-gal Syndrome

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS): an allergy to meat and other products made from mammalians, which is caused by a bite from the lone star tick. This recently discovered food allergy has some very important distinctions from other food allergies, including how it's diagnosed. In fact, if you're a meat lover, forest worker, or hunter, you're likely to test positive for alpha-gal antibodies, but you wouldn't have AGS. Listen as Dr. John Overholt shares the reason behind these important distinctions and how you can avoid unnecessary testing and food restrictions.

Playing with Asthma

For any athlete or physically active individual, asthma can be a serious game changer. Dr. Nick Kolinsky and host Kaylie Plemens discuss how a proper diagnosis of asthma along with consistent medication for control can help folks of any age play better by providing better lung function. Not only can the right medications improve performance, but the right provider (a board certified allergist) can ensure you're following sport guidelines to reach your fullest potential. 

Asthma In-depth with Dr. Green

Dr. Laura Green and host Kaylie Plemens go in-depth into asthma on this episode of Let's Clear the Air! Asthma can develop at any age, so it's important to know the degrees of asthma (mild to severe, managed to uncontrolled) and the treatment options that are available. Taking note of when and how often you wheeze, cough, or feel your chest tighten can help your provider determine the level of your asthma, along with clinical diagnostic tests, of course. Once you and your allergist have reached a diagnosis, a treatment plan can be put into place. Monitoring your asthma symptoms along with staying diligent with your medications can help you avoid emergency visits and can also lower your risk for long-term side effects from diseases such as COVID.

 

Getting to Know Dr. Jeff Schlactus

From Long Island to North Carolina, Texas to Tennessee, Dr. Jeff Schlactus brings a wealth of wisdom and energy to The Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center. Learn how the immune system captured the interest of Dr. Schlactus early on and has kept him interested in treating patients for more than 30 years now. 

Preparing for Fall

The fall season brings changes in weather and scenery, but it also tends to exacerbate the allergy and asthma symptoms of many people in the south. Dr. Rohman informs us that NOW is the time to start combating your fall triggers. Waiting until the leaves change colors will be waiting too long! So listen in as Dr. Rohman explains how this season has an almost seamless transition from allergen to allergen, and how having a plan in place and acting on that plan can make the fall season more enjoyable.