Allergy Actually
Welcome to Allergy Actually — where real talk meets real science.
We’re your bestie allergist moms—Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd—and we’re here to help you stop sneezing, scratching, and second-guessing your allergy care.
With a combined 40+ years of clinical experience, we break down the science behind allergies into practical, real-life solutions. From pollen to peanuts, asthma to anxiety, we unpack it all with empathy, humor, and honest conversations.
Whether you're a parent navigating a child’s food allergies or someone just trying to breathe easier, you'll find clarity, community, and calm here.
Subscribe for weekly episodes that mix evidence-based medicine, lifestyle tips, and the kind of advice you’d expect from your smartest, kindest mom friend.
Because living well with allergies shouldn’t feel so hard—and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Allergy Actually
Is Ozempic Helping Your Allergies & Asthma? (GLP-1 Drugs, Hives & Inflammation Explained) | Episode 27
GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) are everywhere, but the conversation is shifting from just weight loss to their powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Are these drugs helping with asthma, chronic hives, and allergic inflammation?
In this essential episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – dive deep into the intersection of metabolic and immune medicine. They break down the early data, share real-life patient and personal experiences (including Dr. Shepherd's personal journey with a GLP-1 for anxiety and weight loss), and explain the fascinating connection between obesity, inflammation, and difficult-to-control asthma.
If you or a loved one are on a GLP-1 or are considering it, this episode cuts through the hype and confusion to give you clear, expert-backed answers on what's real and what's still unknown.
EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:43 What GLP-1s Are & How They Impact Metabolism
02:00 The Obesity-Asthma Link & Inflammation
02:27 Patient Experience: GLP-1s and Chronic Hives (Urticaria)
03:30 Dr. Meagan Shepherd's Personal GLP-1 Journey (Weight, Anxiety & Asthma)
05:27 The Chicken vs. Egg Cycle of Asthma, Exercise & Weight
07:26 Early Data: GLP-1s and Mast Cell Activation Disorders
07:44 Acquisition: How to Get Insurance Coverage for Weight Loss Indications
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ABOUT HOSTS
KARA WADA, MD
Dr. Kara Wada is a quadruple board-certified physician in allergy, immunology, and lifestyle medicine, and founder of the Immune Confident Institute. As a Sjogren’s patient and life coach, she combines modern medicine with lifestyle and mindset practices to help patients harness their body's ability to heal.
Website → https://drkarawada.com/
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/karawadamd/
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/immuneconfidentmd
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/KaraWadaMD
Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@drkarawada
TikTok → http://tiktok.com/@immuneconfidentmd
AMBER PATTERSON, MD
Dr. Amber Patterson is a world-renowned allergy and immunology expert pioneering the future of immunotherapy. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™ (a 3-injection allergy shot protocol), she is redefining allergy care through her practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni ILIT Learning Network.
Website → https://auniallergy.com/
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/auniallergy/
Instagram → http://instagram.com/amber_patterson_md/
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/auniallergy/
Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@auniallergy
MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.
Website → https://shepherdallergy.com/
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/meagan-shepherd-md-02b7776a/
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/shepherdallergy/
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdAllergy
DISCLAIMER
The information in this podcast/video is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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