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

Dr. John Overholt talks with host Liz Edwards about the effects of summer heat on asthma sufferers and how to determine if you or your child has undiagnosed asthma. As we enter the dog days of summer, it's important to know how prolonged heat affects the overall air quality. While people with asthma may have multiple allergic triggers year-round, poor air quality in the summertime only increases the risks of an asthma attack. Dr. Overholt provides insight into how those dog days intensify respiratory irritants, what those irritants may be, and how to best avoid them – or at least reduce your exposure to them. Not sure if it's asthma? Dr. Overholt reviews the symptoms of an asthma flare and the steps involved in making a diagnosis.

From the sea to the air and now to the mountains of East Tennessee, Dr. Lance Potter provides patients at The Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center a wealth of wisdom and experience. Dr. Potter's family moved to Winston Salem, North Carolina, while he was still in high school. His mother, a nurse, was the impetus for his interest in medicine, but he also loved swimming as well as coaching a swim team and teaching swim lessons. After receiving a Health Profession Scholarship Program with the Navy, Dr. Potter became a General Medical Officer, treating submarine and diving staff (including on nuclear submarines in Washington). He then became a flight surgeon and was stationed in Atlanta, Georgia, when 9/11 occurred. Dr. Potter was involved in the deployment of people all across the United States and conducted missions off Cuba and medical support on shuttle missions. He finished his pediatric medicine in Portsmouth and rotated in allergy and immunology, which became a natural fit for him! Listen to learn more about the amazing journey of Dr. Potter and his expertise with patients of all ages (but his continued love for pediatric ones, including infants) at The Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center.

Our nurse practitioners are essential to our success at The Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center. Family Nurse Practitioner Keshia Abbott celebrates her one-year anniversary with us this year, and we're excited to learn more about her and her first year's experiences with us in this episode. Originally from Sparta, Tennessee, Keshia serves our Cookeville and Crossville locations and helps out in McMinnville and Mt. Juliet as needed. Keshia is an avid lover of the outdoors and enjoys hunting with her husband and father. Learn more about FNP Keshia Abbott as she talks with host Kaylie Plemens!

Allergies can take their toll on people of different ages in different ways and in different seasons. Dr. Nick Kolinksy talks with host Kaylie Plemens about how he works with each patient individually for a personalized approach to finding relief. Dr. Kolinsky explains how different allergy tests, from a small patch test to a full skin test or blood test, are suited for different patients depending on their history and current medications. Since each patient has unique circumstances and complaints, Dr. Kolinksy takes the time to listen and work with his patient. As a recent graduate of the specialty, he has a fresh and rich knowledge of allergens, symptoms, and treatment options. From the 11 species of oak trees in the area to the five stinging insect allergies to lookout for this summer, Dr. Kolinksy is ready to help his patients stay safe and healthy. If you have allergies, asthma, or related questions that have gone unanswered, trust Dr. Kolinksy to put his excitement about his patients and his expertise in the field to work for you!