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

In this episode Marcella Feathers and Dr. Phil Jones discuss how summer activities like fireworks, bonfires, and campfires can trigger asthma and other lung conditions. They explain common asthma symptoms, how smoke particles and gases worsen airway inflammation, and practical precautions such as checking wind direction, keeping distance, carrying a rescue inhaler, and following an action plan.  ...

In this episode, host Marcella Feathers and Dr. Nicholas Cline examine mail-in allergy tests that use hair or saliva, explaining why experts warn they’re unreliable: they’re often unvalidated, may measure IgG (not the allergy-linked IgE), produce confusing false positives or negatives, and can be costly. Learn why certain methods of allergy testing are preferred by the specialty and why consulting...

In this episode, Dr. Nicholas Cline identifies the "heavy hitters" of spring allergies: trees. From oak to poplar, Dr. Cline describes the way in which allergens are determined and how far their reach can be. (Hint: thousands of miles.) He also shares some simple tips for managing your exposure and why avoiding some nearly perennial allergens may require a more clinical approach for relief. 

In this episode of Let's Clear the Air!, Dr. Phil Jones and host Marcella Feathers discuss the differences between hives (urticaria) and eczema, how the conditions often diminish patients' quality of life, and how several effective treatment options are now available. Dr. Jones shares the differences between allergically triggered and chronic urticaria and eczema. He explains how each one presents...

Host Marcella Feathers speaks with Nurse Practitioner Pam Wright and patient Ben (with his mother Amy) about Ben’s struggle with frequent sinus infections, poor sleep, daytime fatigue, and missed school. After allergy testing revealed new results, Ben began allergy shots and experienced dramatic improvements. The conversation covers the steps involved in testing, his treatment experience, and the...

Host Marcella Feathers and guest Dr. Erin Rohman address some of the tricky signs of food and environmental allergies in infants and toddlers (spit up, chronic diarrhea, persistent eczema, and frequent runny noses) while providing reasons for comfort and hope to their parents or caregivers. The first step: a conversation with a board-certified allergist. Dr. Rohman shares how an allergist can help...

In this episode of Let's Clear the Air, host Liz Edwards and Nurse Practitioner Jim O'Rourke discuss how allergies and asthma disrupt sleep in children and adults — from nasal congestion, mouth breathing, and snoring to histamine’s wakeful effects. They offer practical tips on how to improve your sleep environment, how to sleep better with pets and stuffed animals, and how (and when) to use a sali...

Dr. Erin Rohman talks with host Marcella Feathers about acute and chronic sinusitis: the symptoms, the causes, and, most importantly, the solution! Dr. Rohman begins by describing the differences between acute and chronic sinusitis, which aren’t always very obvious. For example, the color of nasal discharge can be yellow, white, green, clear.... But other symptoms are usually involved: the thickne...

Are you confused about pet allergies? In this episode of "Let's Clear the Air," host Liz Edwards and Dr. John Overholt reveal the truth from fiction!  Listen as Dr. Overholt addresses common questions (or myths) about pet allergies, including the real meaning of "hypoallergenic" breeds. You'll discover why banning your pet from the bedroom is often not enough and how swapping a dog or cat for a "p...

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 li...

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 pe...

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 effe...

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' ig...

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 MC...

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 s...

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. 

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...

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 debili...

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 medicin...

Board-certified allergist Dr. Paul Carter and host Liz Edwards discuss all the tools in the specialist's toolbox for an accurate asthma diagnosis and an effective treatment plan. Beginning with the allergic march, Dr. Carter reviews the progression of allergies to asthma and its telltale symptoms. He explains what a first visit looks like, what triggers can exacerbate asthma, and how a diagnosis i...

In this episode of Let's Clear the Air, Dr. Nicholas Cline talks with host Marcella Feathers about a process known as Oral Food Challenge. Used to either clear or definitively determine a food allergy, the oral food challenge takes place in a controlled setting. For folks who may have been food allergic but are now testing negative via a skin test, or for anyone who has a blood test result of 2 or...

Host Liz Edwards introduces us to Dr. Pragya Shrestha, a deeply caring and naturally curious board-certified allergist at our Middle Tennessee clinics. Originally from Nepal, Dr. Shrestha has extensive experience in allergy, asthma and immunology. She has worked and trained at Reading Hospital in Pennsylvania, Mayo Clinic, and Vanderbilt. Curious about the workings of the human body at a young age...

Join us as host Marcella Feathers talks with board-certified allergist Dr. Phil Jones about overcoming the effects of asthma. To paraphrase Dr. Jones: you shouldn't accept the symptoms of asthma...you should be able to do anything you want to do! Dr. Jones starts by defining asthma and its different triggers, explaining the relevance of chronic, episodic, and hyper-responsive reactions. He also ex...

Host Liz Edwards introduces us to Dr. Paul Carter, a man of many interests and skills! Dr. Carter shares how he landed on allergy, asthma and immunology as a career after spending time as an EMT, paramedic, and trauma surgeon (to name a few).  Dr. Carter is also walking proof of the effectiveness of allergy shots. Allergic to cats and horses, he now owns three cats and enjoys attending equestrian-...

Spring and summer mean warmer weather and fresh fruit and vegetables. But if you've noticed your lips or mouth itching or tingling after eating a raw fruit or vegetable, you may have OAS.  Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome) can occur when people who suffer from certain tree, grass, or weed pollens eat specific fruits, vegetables, or nuts. Dr. Phil Jones explains why...