Manage episode 518712810 series 3667199
If you've ever struggled with a sudden, scary episode of difficulty breathing that feels like your throat is closing up, you might be experiencing Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD). Often confused with asthma, VCD requires a completely different set of tools to manage.
In this essential "How-To" episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – provide a powerful and practical guide to relaxed throat breathing techniques.
This is a purely instructional episode designed to empower you with simple, effective exercises you can practice every day to help prevent and manage VCD episodes. They demonstrate three distinct breathing exercises: a forceful exhale technique for daily practice, an acute "rescue" breathing method for when symptoms strike, and a calming box breathing exercise to help regulate your nervous system after a scary event. This is a must-watch for anyone dealing with VCD, unexplained breathing trouble, or anxiety-related respiratory symptoms.
EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:49 Daily Practice: Forceful Exhale Breathing Technique
02:34 Acute Rescue: The "Cold Blow" Hand Technique
05:32 Calming Down: Guided Box Breathing for Your Nervous System
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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.
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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™ Protocol (a 3-injection allergy shot protocol), she is redefining allergy care through her practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni® ILIT™ Learning Network.
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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.
24 episodes