Hello, I’m BJ and I joined the Windom Allergy family in June 2021. I was born and grew up in Southwest Florida. I have also lived in western North Carolina for a few years and recently relocated to Port Charlotte with my mom. Nursing has been my main career and I specialized and currently work in Clinical Research. I have two amazing children; my daughter Julia and my son John. I am an author and I write inspirational Christian poetry. In addition to writing, things that I enjoy doing are reading, walking, golfing, gardening, spending time at the beach, going to flea markets and...

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...

Hi, I’m Rose and I have been with the wonderful Windom Allergy family for over 3 years! Most of my life I lived in Ohio, but I have always longed to be where it is warm and sunny. Luckily, I was able to relocate to Florida and have been enjoying the sunshine here ever since. Some of my favorite things to do in the sunshine are walking, bird watching, enjoying the beach and riding my bike on the wonderful trails in the area. I became a nurse following my grandmother’s example in 1983. I have worked in dermatology, periodontics and allergy...

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...

Hot off the internet press, Cleveland Clinic just published their results that nasal steroids, like over-the-counter Flonase and Rhinocort, may impact COVID-19 related outcomes in a good way. Cleveland Clinic reviewed 72,147 patients positive for COVID. They compared patients who were on nasal steroids before getting COVID to those not on them. They looked at who got hospitalized, admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), or died in hospital. Compared with nonusers, nasal steroid users had a lower risk for hospitalization (decrease by 22%), ICU admission (decreased by 23%), and in-hospital mortality (decreased by 24%). As with any new research, more...

We may be able to help you out if you have asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema), atopic dermatitis (eczema in people with an allergic background), hives (chronic urticaria for > 6 itchy months), or dust induced hay fever in 5-11 year-olds. If you qualify for one of the trials, you’ll receive medication free of charge and be compensated for your time and travel. We’ve been conducting clinical research trials as part of the Sarasota Clinical Research center here in Sarasota, FL since 1994 (https://www.windomallergy.com/clinical-trials). Sally Kastes is our Clinical Research Coordinator and can be reached at 941-927-4888, or...

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...

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...