Kansas City Allergy and Asthma Associates

When visiting KCAA for the first time, patients can expect their physician to identify specific needs, answer questions and create a preliminary treatment plan. We test for and treat all types of allergies, pulmonary problems, and immunodeficiency in adults and children. We are committed to providing the best possible care for each patient. For information about preparing for a first appointment with us, visit https://www.kcallergy.com/patient-info/first-visit/

National Doctor’s Day is coming up, and we’d like to recognize the doctors at KCAA! Our physicians are committed to providing expert medical care and build relationships with their patients. We appreciate all they do for patients and staff.

Due to the tornado warnings issued in Johnson County, KS, and Jackson County, MO, our office staff may be unavailable. Please call our office at 913-491-5501 if you need to reschedule an appointment.

New research suggests that people with persistent asthma are 1.5 times more likely to develop atrial fibrillation (aFIB), a cardiovascular disorder, later in life. Inflammation is a risk factor for aFib, and people with persistent asthma have high inflammation levels. Following an effective asthma treatment plan and incorporating heart-healthy behaviors is important, which our allergy and asthma specialists are specially trained to do. https://bit.ly/3phkeq0

KCAA will open at 9 a.m. today due to weather and road conditions.

Due to power outage, our offices are closed. Please continue to check our website for updates. AIC will open at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday 2/17/2021. Overland Park and Olathe locations will open at 8:00 a.m. for regular business hours on Wednesday 2/17/2021.

We have temporarily lost power due to the rolling power outages. We will post an update once our power is restored. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Valentine’s Day is approaching, and for many that means buying and receiving gifts. If you or a loved one has allergies and/or asthma though, popular presents like chocolate, flowers, or perfume can do more harm than good. Here are some alternatives: Hypoallergenic jewelry A framed photo of the two of you A favorite book or movie Get more gift ideas at https://bit.ly/3a0q7Ce

Due to the weather and road conditions, we have modified our office hours as follows for all locations: Tuesday February 9th closing at 5:00 PM Wednesday February 10th 9:00 AM 5:00 PM... Thursday February 11th 9:00 AM 5:00 PM Friday February 12th 9:00 AM 5:00 PM Saturday February 13th CLOSED Allergy shots will not be given after 4:30 pm. Lees Summit is closed on Wednesday and Olathe is closed on Thursday.

Food Oral Immunotherapy has been offered at KCAA since 2012. We have successfully treated many food allergy sufferers to enable them to consume their allergen without a reaction. Food OIT takes the worry out of accidental exposure. Gain freedom from food fear, especially for parents who can reduce anxiety about their child being accidentally exposed to a life-threatening allergen. https://youtu.be/ukZfGpV0dyU

Our office is closed due to power outage. We will contact patients to reschedule missed appointments. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Regular exercise is important to overall health, but for those with asthma, it may take extra planning. You may need medication before exercising. Some additional things to help are: Start with a warm-up period and end with a cool-down period Limit outdoor exercise when air quality is unhealthy (orange), avoid it when air quality is red, purple, or maroon Cover your nose and mouth when exercising outdoors in cold temperature For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3i1GGQJ

Regular episodes of wheezing and coughing are telltale signs of asthma. But other conditions may trigger similar symptoms, such as allergies, sleep apnea, gastric reflux, postnasal drip, or COPD. For example, people allergic to mold could develop a cough or wheeze upon exposure to fungus. We diagnose by examining symptoms, their severity, and triggers. Tests may be ordered that examine lung function. Upon final diagnosis, we create a customized treatment plan. Learn more at https://www.everydayhealth.com//asthma/know-when-you-have/

A truly hypoallergenic cat or dog actually doesn’t exist. Those with cat or dog allergies experience an immune system reaction to proteins in the pet’s urine, saliva, or dander. While some are more sensitive to certain breeds of cats or dogs, others are allergic to all of them. If you are allergic to cats you might not be allergic to dogs or vice versa. Those with specific pet allergies might still have furry friends that don’t trigger allergies. For more information on pet allergies, visit https://bit.ly/3mkYAzH

Halloween might be a bit different this year. But treats are still making their way to kids. Here are a few tips to help children with food allergies stay safe: Verify that adults or friends understand the allergy and how to handle an emergency Check fun size candy ingredients, as they may contain different items than normal size Teach children to say no to potentially unsafe food, especially homemade items like cookies or cupcakes... For more information on food allergies and Halloween, visit https://bit.ly/2CqjI5q

For current patients, we are giving flu shots at our clinic that is open weekdays, Monday through Friday. Please contact our office for an appointment. Or if you prefer to get your flu shot during Allergy Injection Clinic hours, we are able to accommodate walk-ins, but be sure to visit from Monday through Friday.

URGENT: PATIENTS VISITING OVERLAND PARK OFFICE SATURDAYS FROM 9/19-10/17 A pediatric practice in our building is hosting a flu clinic on 5 upcoming Saturdays. As always, patient safety and comfort is our utmost priority. Please be sure to: 1. Arrive early due to limited parking. 2. Go directly to KCAA. Lines are for the flu clinic, not for us. 3. Put on a mask IMMEDIATELY upon leaving your vehicle.... We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. See more

Summer is a good time to be outside. For those with asthma, summer activities can be a challenge. Some tips include: Check air quality before heading outdoors and make inside plans if forecasted pollution levels are high. Avoid campfires, or if at a cookout or camping, sit upwind of smoke and avoid getting too close. Keep an eye on the weather. Hot weather and even sudden changes in the weather like a sudden thunderstorm can induce asthma symptoms. For more tips on cont...rolling asthma in the summer, click Learn More. And please schedule an appointment with our board-certified allergists if interested in controlling asthma symptoms. See more

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, if fall Allergies are bothering you, it's time to make an appointment with your KCAA allergist despite COVID-19. Our first priority as allergists is keeping patients, staff and everyone involved in an appointment safe from COVID. Certain procedures require a trip to the office, so if you do have to come in, know that we have put protocols in place to make your visit comfortable and safe. Read more about safe practices at: https://bit.ly/2QC6PbM

Mold and mildew tend to grow year-round. In the fall, they grow on damp fallen leaves and compost piles. To minimize leaf mold, don’t ignore piles of leaves. Rake your yard of fallen leaves and dispose of them. Keep gutters free of leaves. Wear a protective mask when raking and collecting leaves. Mold isn’t the only common allergen in the fall. Check out this article on tackling other fall allergens too, like dust mites and ragweed. https://bit.ly/3239TmP

We are sharing an interesting article from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology about the added layer of complexity experienced by children with allergies and asthma when returning to school during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.newswise.com//back-to-school-this-year-is-fa/

KCAA extends a warm welcome to Dr. William J. Lavery. Dr. Lavery is a board-certified pediatrician with fellowship training in adult and pediatric allergy, asthma and immunodeficiency. He treats seasonal allergies, food and drug allergies, asthma, skin diseases and disorders of the immune system. Dr. Lavery enjoys working as an Allergist / Immunologist because of the significant quality of life improvements he makes in the lives of his patients and their families. He enjoy...s building long-term relationships with his adult and pediatric patients and seeing the lasting impact his care provides in improving their chronic conditions. Dr. Lavery is delighted to relocate to Kansas City, where his wife, Candace, grew up. The Laverys are enjoying living close to family. In addition to the geographic benefits and the caliber of KCAA care, Dr. Lavery was enticed by the food oral immunotherapy (OIT) program at KCAA. He received extensive training in food allergy and OIT during his fellowship at University of Cincinnati / Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and looks forward to contributing locally. Dr. Lavery’s patients describe him as detail-oriented and a good listener. He feels it is necessary to develop a deep understanding of his patients to craft a personalized treatment plan that works well with each unique situation and lifestyle. In his free time, Dr. Lavery enjoys cycling, playing musical instruments and spending time with his family. See more

July is the most common month for barbecues. If you’re planning a socially distanced get together, here are some tips to keep in mind for those with food allergies. Double-check the product labels on insect sprays and sunscreens; some contain food allergens. If there will be food allergens present, be sure to clearly label those dishes. Provide labels or markers to write names on cups to prevent mix-ups. For more tips visit https://bit.ly/3gJGrYE

Wear A Face Mask to Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 A study published in Health Affairs provides evidence that states in the US mandating use of face masks in public had a greater decline in daily COVID-19 growth rates after issuing these mandates compared to states that did not issue mandates. Learn more at: https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2020.00818

When stung by an insect like bees or wasps, most people have mild symptoms like redness, swelling, and itching. For those allergic to insect stings, symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening. Be safe this summer by keeping food and drinks covered while outside, and clean spills quickly to not attract insects. Always wear shoes outdoors, and avoid loose clothing that insects can fly into. If you do suffer from an insect sting, be sure to discuss this with one of our KCAA board-certified allergists. More safety tips: https://bit.ly/2YnQ7k4

Headed out on a family road trip soon? Use precautions, as Coronavirus continues to be spread. Here are a few tips for vacation travel: 1. Disinfect high-touch surfaces inside and out each time you get back in the car, and wash hands before you get back in the car. 2. Assemble a Corona Road Kit, e.g., disposable rubber gloves, disinfecting wipes, face masks, rubbing alcohol, hand soap. 3. Stock up on essentials like groceries in one big trip instead of constantly going back to the store for items. You can find more safety tips here: https://bit.ly/2YhZC3Y