Dr. John Overholt
Allergy and Immunology
Franklin, TN
28 years experience male
Locations
Office
Franklin, TN
Phone
Practice website
Insurances accepted
Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Tennessee
Aetna Life Insurance Company
Amerigroup
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
About
Bio
I'm a third-generation physician practicing in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. I did Internal Medicine at UVa and then Pulmonary Medicine and Allergy at Vanderbilt. I've been in private practice for 10 years and I'm past president of the Tennessee Society of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology. When I'm not working, I'm usually schlepping my kids to soccer or lacrosse or riding my bike. I recently completed my 10 year maintenance of certification
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Allergy and Immunology
Doctor Q&A
173 Answers
73 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Yes: If you have already loaded the dose by cocking the diskus device, then blowing into the inhaler can disperse the medication.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Unusual: Cromolyn is generally very well tolerated.
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5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Lots: Allergists commonly skin test for inhalant allergies (pollens, dust mites, animals, molds), foods, stinging insect allergy, penicillin allergy, and l... Read More
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5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Coccidiomycosis: "valley fever" is a fungal infection due to coccidioides immitis. It is seen in the southwestern U.S. And elsewhere. It typically resembles a flu-li... Read More
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5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Should be fine: Hydroxyzine is sedating, so you'll probably get sleepy. Don't take more than you've been prescribed without talking to your doctor first.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Blood exposure: Risk factors for hep c include blood transfusions prior to 1992, IV drug use, tattoos or piercings, unprotected intercourse, and shared straws for sno... Read More
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5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Doubtful: When allergies develop, it is usually to large protein molecules. Whisky is mostly alcohol and water- both very small molecules. Alcohol can cause n... Read More
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5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Lots of tips: The short answer is avoidance, medications, and allergy shots, typically in that order. Not sure i can give a complete answer in 400 characters or le... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Maybe: Infections that are unusual, too frequent, or that are difficult to treat might signal immune deficiency. A couple of simple blood tests are usually ... Read More
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5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Unlikely: Anaphylaxis is usually caused by stinging insects, foods, or medications. Spring allergens in the U.S. Are usually tree pollens. A systemic reaction ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
You mean marijuana?: A rule of thumb is that anything that has pharmacologic effects also has side effects and can precipitate allergic reactions. This is obviously more ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Yes: Clarinex is desloratidine, the major metabolite of loratidine or claritin (loratadine). So, when you take loratidine, the body turns much of it into ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
You could, but: They do exactly the same thing so taking both is just like taking a double dose of one. Instead, you should try something from a different medication... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Common: As food allergies go, milk is one of the more common offenders. More common in kids and there's a good chance they'll outgrow it.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
No: The virus would not be found on hair.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
HEPA: Hepa filter means high efficiency particulate air filter. This is just a government designation that a filter will remove a certain number of particl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Yes: At one time, it was known as "clindamycin colitis".
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Be careful: Vistaril (hydroxyzine) is very sedating and combining it with alcohol will potentiate the sedating effects.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Immunoglobulin: Gammar-p is a brand name for a preparation of immunoglobulin, primarily igg. It is indicated for igg replacement in persons with low or absent igg le... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Yes: They work well together.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Very rare: There are case reports, but it is a very uncommon allergy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Sure: Prednisone is generally reserved for severe allergy symptoms or asthma attacks. For nasal allergies, instead of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) i'd recomm... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
What foods: Without knowing what foods you are allergic to and how you were diagnosed, it is difficult to answer this question properly.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Not in the U.S.: In canada and elsewhere, yes.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Not fast acting: Advair contains two medications. The steroid, fluticasone, can take several days to show maximum benefit. The bronchodilator, salmeterol, takes a fe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Not Much: Zicam allergy relief nasal spray contains several unproven homeopathic substances which supposedly get stronger the more they are diluted. You're jus... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Define mild: If eating it doesn't bother you, then you should be fine. If by "mild allergy" you mean a low level of antibody on a blood test, then the test may ve... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Be careful: Egg substitutes like egg beaters are made from eggs and will contain egg proteins that could precipitate an allergic reaction. There are vegan egg su... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Good and bad: Good: it is very effective and lasts all day. It is cheap.
Bad: it makes 10-15% of people sleepy
it is usually the first antihistamine i reco... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Not necessarily: Long periods of hot dry weather lead to high ambient ozone levels. Ozone is a respiratory irritant and can precipitate asthma symptoms in susceptible... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Can be either: Allergic reactions can cause angioedema. This is seen not infrequently in severe food allergies to peanut, tree nuts, and shellfish. The class of an... Read More
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5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Virus v disease: Aids is the manifestation of advanced HIV infection. The HIV virus destroys certain immune cells, cd4+ t-cells, and when those t-cell numbers get too ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Yes: Allergic people are not born with allergies. Rather, they are born with the tendency to develop them. Allergies are then developed through exposure ... Read More
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5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Both antihistamines: Zyrtec and Claritin (loratadine) are both antihistamines. Imho, zyrtec works better but has a small chance of making you sleepy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Imaging: I'd see a neurologist, but you're going to need a ct or MRI of the head.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
YIKES: Nasal nebulized antibiotics have been tried, but there's no good evidence that they're any better than oral antibiotics. Crushing and snorting antibi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Yes : There are good, validated tests to penicillin. There are no commercially available tests to sulfonamides, but skin testing +/- oral challenge is stil... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Other ideas: Try an otc sinus rinse product. If that's not working, the next step is a prescription nasal steroid spray. If that's not working, you should see an... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Any time: Generally, immunotherapy is indicated for folks with allergies that are poorly controlled by conventional medications or for those with significant co... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Several ways: The preferred manner of testing depends on the history and the type of reaction. Skin testing can be performed, but there are no validated commercial... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
YMMV: It depends on your degree of sensitivity. If you have had anaphylaxis to milk products, then avoid even small amounts. Otherwise you might get by wi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
I'm sure Drew meant: Not MAO inhibitors, nor do they contain them.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
10mg a day: Is the usual dose but studies have used doses as high as 900mg a day for a week without any adverse consequences. Post marketing surveillance has see... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Probably, but: It is still pregnancy class c. Budesonide, as found in Pulmicort is class b.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Unlikely: In 2004 the institute of medicine (iom) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cou... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
No: Xla is a b-cell disease in which there are no functional b-cells and, hence no antibodies. These folks are chiefly susceptible to bacterial sinopulmo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
The dose makes: The poison. Reasonable doses as prescribed by a physician are safe. When used improperly, there may be an increased risk for prostate cancer in men.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Yes: Typical allergy medications like antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, and decongestants are fine to take with anti-inflammatory medications like ibup... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Yes: If you mean otc supplements, herbs and the like claiming to "boost immunity", then yes they are unlikely to be effective.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Overholtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 28 years experience
Pressure change: The middle ear is a closed space, except for a "pop-off valve" called the eustachian tube. The maneuvers you describe can force the eustachian tube o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
2
Recommendations
304
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Overholt is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Overholt is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Response to my question came from related responses of questions previously asked. I feel that "my" question was not answered.
HealthTap member
Thank you but i was wondering if i can give Zyrtec in the morning and Allegra at night
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! I was not sure it was blockage or resistance
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
University of Tennessee College of Medicine, TN
Graduated 1995MD
Awards
Fellows award, SEAAI; past president TSAAI
Top Allergist and Immunologist, First Place, Tennessee - Spring
2017
HealthTap Founding Doctor
Affiliations
Allergy and Asthma Associates of Middle Tennessee
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