Are your allergies getting worse, or is it the environment? In this episode of Backtable ENT, Dr. Jennifer Villwock, a rhinologist at the University of Kansas, and Dr. William Reisacher, an otolaryngologist at New York Presbyterian Hospital, join the podcast to discuss the impact of environmental extremes on the unified airway with hosts Dr. Ashley Agan and Dr. Gopi Shah.

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SYNPOSIS

Topics include the increasing prevalence of allergies and asthma due to climate change, the effects of environmental pollutants and particulates on respiratory health, and the role of healthcare providers in educating and advocating for patients. The conversation also addresses practical strategies for managing symptoms, the importance of urban planning and sustainable practices, and the hope that collective individual efforts can lead to meaningful change.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
01:43 - Understanding the Unified Airway
03:09 - Patient Concerns and Environmental Factors
10:24 - Impact of Temperature and CO2 on Allergies
14:57 - Barometric Pressure and Migraines
21:03 - Pollution, Particulate Matter, and Solutions
24:49 - Urban Planning
29:32 - Epigenetics and Environmental Impact
34:15 - Indoor Air Quality and Mold Issues
41:01 - Advocacy and Environmental Health
45:46 - Final Thoughts and Hope for the Future

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RESOURCES

Dr. Jennifer Villwock
https://www.kumc.edu/jvillwock.html

Dr. William Reisacher
https://weillcornell.org/wreisacher