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

Host Kaylie Francis introduces us to Nurse Practitioner Lauren Blakley. Lauren comes from an ER and urgent care background, but she's been able to put her interest in environmental sciences, her respect for the human immune system, and her compassion as a nurse to work with us at The Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center. She's also energized by the successes she's seen patients have with immunotherapy,...

We are so excited when someone we know and love advances within our practice! That's exactly what happened with Nurse Practitioner Crystal Helton.  Join host Kaylie Francis as she welcomes Crystal to her new role as NP! Crystal began with us as Craig Montgomery's nurse. After completing nurse practitioner school (despite a pandemic!), Crystal now sees patients in Lenoir City and Oak Ridge. Learn m...

Stinging insects, including honey bees and hornets, pose a huge risk for many individuals. Dr. Jane Conley speaks with host Kaylie Francis about venom allergies and how board-certified allergists can help. If you've been stung by an insect and have had a systemic reaction, meaning you had shortness of breath, became dizzy or nauseous, or had hives and swelling far from where you were stung, you ma...

Are you "new" to Tennessee? When it comes to allergies, you may live here two or even five years before you feel the effects. Dr. Sarah Adams describes to host Liz Edwards how the immune system takes some time to become sensitized and how immunotherapy reverses that sensitization.

Dr. Michael Springer talks with host Kaylie Francis about the progression of the "allergic march." From infancy into adulthood, our body's reactions to allergens can change – and our board certified allergists know how to help! Beginning with a child's likelihood to inherit allergies, Dr. Springer uncovers the path of allergic symptoms, moving from skin and GI to inhalant symptoms in the eyes, nos...

Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) can hit hard and unexpectedly when you're outside in the spring. Nurse Practitioner Emily Carter talks with host Liz Edwards about the symptoms to look for and how we diagnose both young and old. 

Honey from local bees. Nasal sprays. Neti pots. Bedding covers. Air purifiers. What will help and what will be a waste of time and money? Dr. John Overholt shares the answers with host Liz Edwards.

It's that time of year! Dr. Nick Kolinsky talks with host Kaylie Francis about what's blooming this spring and how you can reel in your allergic symptoms. Per Dr. Kolinsky, Tennessee (and Georgia) is one of the leading allergy hotspots in the U.S. And while many people try to find relief with over-the-counter nasal sprays and antihistamines, they may be doing more harm than good. Learn about the s...

Dr. Erin Rohman and host Kaylie Francis emphasize that no allergic or asthmatic symptom should keep you or your child from enjoying spring activities! Even if it's early spring and snow or frost may come once again, it's important to have and stay on an allergy or asthma action plan. Spring pollen is here to stay regardless, and your best defense is a good offense with over-the-counter meds, nasal...

"We want you to enjoy this spring season!" Host Kaylie Francis expresses it well, as she and Dr. Erin Rohman discuss the best ways to spring clean while avoiding exposure to those pesky spring allergens.  Dr. Rohman touches on ways you can minimize exposure to dust and pollen while cleaning both your indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether you're ridding your home of the winter's dust bunnies or sprayi...

Host Kaylie Francis talks with Dr. Lance Potter about the variations of triggers and symptoms falling under food allergies and food sensitivities. Ranging from an infant’s weight loss and gastric distress to hives and eczema or an itchy mouth, the body’s reaction to certain foods can be difficult to diagnose. That’s why we’ve gone to an expert for some reassurance: Dr. Potter. Listen and learn why...

Do you cough or wheeze when you exercise? Does your chest feel tight, making it hard to breathe? You may have exercise-induced asthma. This condition affects people of all ages, whether they're on the playground or on the soccer field. Host Kaylie Francis talks with Dr. Karthik Krishnan about the triggers, the symptoms, and his best tips for keeping it at bay. 

Host Kaylie Francis meets with Nurse Practitioner Karla Jones to discuss how you can get ahead of your seasonal allergies by starting allergy shots. Karla herself attests to the veracity of allergy shots as the only cure for allergies! Allergy shots have enabled her to avoid seasonal symptoms and sinus infections, but, more importantly, they've allowed her to continue cuddling her beloved fur babi...

Dr. Mike Norvell and host Liz Edwards discuss how you can get quality relief from your allergies with minimal risk.  While allergies may be the furthest thing from your mind, it's only six weeks or less until spring pollen appears. Dr. Norvell notes that for Middle Tennessee, pollen season lasts from February until November! Which is why the time to act is now. If you've ever had to limit your out...

Winter is here, and if you or someone you know has asthma, it can be a tricky season.  For some people, simply being exposed to cold air can trigger an asthma attack. Dr. Nick Kolinsky talks with host Kaylie Francis about other seasonal triggers, both indoors and outdoors, and how being educated about your specific diagnosis can make all the difference.  Whether you're jogging outdoors or letting...

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...

"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...

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. Ch...

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...

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...

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'...

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...

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 you...

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. 

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 al...