Medical Expertise of Dr. Linda Ford, MD
Dr. Linda Ford is a board-certified Omaha allergist and immunologist providing care to patients in Nebraska for a wide range of allergic and immunologic conditions.
Dr. Ford founded The Asthma & Allergy Center in 1979 and has become a well-known and respected member of the Omaha Metro community, as well as the national medical community.
She is a pioneer in the fields of asthma, allergy and immunological disorder research and is principal investigator for hundreds of clinical studies that brought many of today’s asthma and allergy medicines into the hands of patients in need.
About Dr. Linda Ford, MD
Dr. Linda B. Ford served as the 93rd president of the American Lung Association while helping pioneer the field of Asthma & Allergy since 1979
Dr. Ford also sat on the Board of Directors and Council of the American Lung Association (ALA) 1987-2000, is a past president of the American Medical Association Foundation and is also a member and president of the Board of Directors of the American Lung Association of Nebraska.
She represents Nebraska physicians in the House of Delegates of the American Medical Association, serving as the Nebraska delegation’s chair. She sits on Nebraska Medical Association’s House of Delegates and Board of Directors; Metro Omaha Medical Society’s Board of Directors and was the first Medical Director for the Sarpy/Cass County Department of Health and Wellness and served on their Board of Directors.
Dr. Ford actively promotes lung disease education among children. She was a founding member and Chairman for the Consortium of Asthma Camps from 1994-1996, served as the first Chairperson for The National Asthma Educators Certification Board, spearheading quality asthma education throughout the country.
Because of her interest in what exacerbates her patients’ asthma, she also chaired The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology’s Aerobiology Committee. Her commitment to finding a cure for asthma led to her participation as co-chair of the American Lung Association’s Major Gifts Campaign, “ASTHMATTACK!”, supporting basic science and regional asthma centers.
She has written numerous articles related to asthma and allergic disease for both professional and general public audiences. Her writing includes disease management protocols for asthma and she also helped author the American Lung Association’s Family Guide to Asthma and Allergies.
Conditions Treated
Procedures & Services
Tips & Wisdom
Asthma is sometimes hard to diagnose because it can resemble other respiratory problems such as emphysema, bronchitis and lower respiratory infections. For that reason, asthma is under diagnosed - that is, many people with the disease do not know they have it and therefore are never treated. Sometimes the only symptom is a chronic cough, especially at night. Or, coughing or wheezing may occur only with exercise. Some people mistakenly think they are having recurrent bronchitis, since respirat...
An allergy is an abnormal reaction to an ordinarily harmless substance called an allergen. Common allergens include pollens, molds, dust mites, animal dander, foods, medications, cockroach droppings, and insect stings/bites. You may be allergic to one or more allergens. When an allergen is absorbed into the body of an allergic person, their body fights to rid itself of the allergen. The immune system initiates a defense which causes symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, congestion, itchin...
Milk is the primary source of nutrients in infancy and continues to function as a valuable contributor of protein, energy, calcium, and riboflavin during childhood and into dult life. Calcium can be provided in the form of a milk substitute such as Isomil, and Meat Base Formula (MBF). Goat’s milk (which has a different lactalbumin) is sometimes tolerated. Macrocytic anemia due to a deficiency of vitamin B12 can occur with the use of goat’s milk. At&nb...
Patient Education Resources
Literally thousands of agents are added to the food we consume during the preparation and manufacturing process. These include preservatives, antioxidants, stabilizers, conditioners, thickeners, flavorings, colorings, sweeteners, antimicrobial agents, modifiers, anti-caking agents and texture modifiers. These agents are generally regarded as safe (GRAS) and only a few have been associated with allergic reactions. The most common association has been made with the FD&C dyes, pa...
Education & Training
- Doctorate in Medicine from University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Internship in Internal Medicine from Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, Washington University
- Residency in Internal Medicine from St. Louis University Medical Center
- Fellowship in Allergy and Immunology from Creighton University
Professional Affiliations
The Asthma & Allergy Center
The Asthma & Allergy Center is dedicated to creating a better well-being for patients who suffer from asthma, and other allergic diseases, by providing expert and compassionate care, education and leading research solutions.
Growing through a rich history of research and customer service The Asthma & Allergy Center is the premier facility serving the Omaha Metro area. We’ve served over 18,000 patients and look to the future to provide the highest level of quality service and continue in research to benefit medicine. The Asthma & Allergy Center offers immuno therapy, allergy skin testing, asthma therapy, drug allergy testing, bee sting testing and treatment of COPD. Our experienced staff and awards winning Doctors, Physicians Assistants and Nurses are here to make you feel comfortable and educated as they provide you with care. We offer several clinical research trials year round allowing you an opportunity to be a part of drug research and experience the care and education from our talented research team.