You would think that eye allergies would be easy to treat. In the US alone, up to 40% of the population has been affected by eye allergies, AKA allergic conjunctivitis. However, the poor eyes often get overlooked in order to treat the more obvious allergic diseases like asthma, allergic runny nose, or eczema. Underdiagnosis and undertreatment can lead to chronic annoyance and, rarely, a serious eye condition.  Did you know the eyes are “privileged”? The eyes are considered an immune privileged site, and for good reason. They have evolved in a variety of ways to stop immune responses and preserve vision. Sounds...

I thought being a pediatrician would give me a fairly large advantage in the game of motherhood. Unfortunately, I learned quickly how my preconceived plans and mantras were “cute” in the eyes of my ferocious newborn Evelyn. By the time my second kid, Tanner, was born I thought “this was it.” I could use my knowledge and experience to finally have the perfect baby experience. I almost had it until he turned 2 months old and the first signs of dry skin appeared. I admit I was a bit sleep deprived and likely in denial that me, an allergist of all...

Have you ever felt your mouth and throat itch and tingle after taking a bite into a delicious apple? Or maybe a banana? But then when you have apple pie, you have no problems? Don’t worry, you’re not crazy, and thankfully not truly allergic! These symptoms are due to a phenomenon called Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) or Pollen-Food Syndrome (PFS). Basically, if you are allergic to certain outdoor pollens, the proteins in those pollens look similar to certain fruits, vegetables, and even nuts. When you eat these foods, your body gets confused and annoyed, and asks you “why are you eating...

The holidays have come and gone,the coronavirus is still here, and it’s time to work on our health and fitness goals for 2021.Plus, there is no better time than Spring to be socially distanced outdoors in Florida. Stay the course – Keep doing all the good things you’ve been doing. It’s exhausting for sure. But if you’ve been wearing a mask, using hand sanitizer, social distancing, keep doing those things to prevent yourself and family members from getting COVID-19. Please also consider getting the COVID vaccine when it’s available for you.Up your exercise if possible – For those uncomfortable returning to the gym, there are plenty of Zoom classes, apps, and other ways to...

We can’t wait to see you in-person or via a telemedicine visit! If you’re planning to visit Windom Allergythis spring, make sure you get the most from your appointment by writing down your questions and concerns ahead of time. Let us know if: You have any new symptoms or symptoms that are worse than in previous years. Be sure to mention if you experience coughing, difficulty breathing or loss of sleep, as these can be signs of asthma.You have missed school or work due to allergy or asthma symptoms. It’s very important that you report any related hospitalizations or visits to the emergency department. We can help you gain better control...

Your nose is running, you feel tired, and you’re checking your temperature every hour wondering if you caught coronavirus. We have all been there, even your doctors. And here is a secret, sometimes even we have a tough time in the first day or two telling whether the patient has a cold virus or allergies.  Here are a few key differences between infections and allergies: Fever- is a sign of infection (>100.4 F) and definitely not allergiesSwollen lymph nodes- in the neck, are common with respiratory infections, and rarely with allergiesNasal secretions- Sometimes pus during an infection can be green or yellowish. Allergies cause clear and watery mucusItching- of the eyes and nose are usually allergies. Rarely does this occur with infectionsThroat...

As an allergist, I love hearing this question and guiding patients on TRUEevidence-based medicine. There is a widespread and FALSE belief that eating local, rawhoney can help allergies by regularly exposing you to pollen - not unlike the concept of how allergy shots work. Allergy shots help desensitize allergic people by exposing them topollen injected at regular intervals. An important difference here is that the amount of pollen in allergy shotsis known, and slowly increased to a certain level, for best results. Studies have shown allergy shots are very effective for decreasing seasonal and year-round allergy symptoms.  Local, unprocessed honey does contain small amounts of pollen from the environment. The pollen in honey is mostly from...

Chronic cough is one of the most common, and for patients annoying, issues we at Windom Allergy treat. A chronic cough can be debilitating if it interferes with sleep and, especially during COVID times, make patients feel isolated or afraid to go out into public if they are constantly viewed as being sick. The big question always is, “where is my cough coming from and why can’t I stop?”                 The two main areas cough can arise from are the lungs and from the throat. Often, it is very difficult for patients to know where the cough is coming from since the...

Patti is one of our Back Office Nurses at Windom Allergy.Hi I'm Patti, My parents and I moved from Dayton, Ohio to sunny Florida when I was 14 -- after graduating from Riverview High School - GO RAMS! I attended SCTI for the Medical Assistant Program which led me to the wonderful career of Allergy. I have been in the Allergy profession for over 40 years. So I have probably helped many of you along the way. I married my best friend Ted and we have 3 great grown kids. When our kids were growing up we had unforgettable adventures in our...

At Windom Allergy our doctors’ kids are going back to school and we hope yours are too.  Encountering contagious diseases is nothing new for school children, with several conditions being more dangerous than coronavirus in the pediatric population, e.g. influenza and meningitis. Kids with asthma typically flare with ‘colds’ and other viruses, but the current virus doesn’t appear to be any worse in those with asthma compared to those without it. Staying on regularly prescribed medications allow people with asthma to handle viruses and other obstacles in their path. One of the few positive effects of this pandemic period is the...