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...

Wendy is our Food Therapy CoordinatorHi, I'm Wendy and I am the Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) nurse. I feel so lucky that my path led me to Windom Allergy! The best part of my job is the opportunity to help families through their journey to food safety and also making new friends from around the globe! I am a true Floridian and grew up in South Florida. By way of Northern California then Houston, I ended up in Sarasota six years ago. About 5 years ago, I rescued Gabe. If you've seen me at the office, you've probably seen pictures or heard...

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...

Need ideas for Halloween Treats? What about treats that are food allergy friendly, that won’t melt, and most importantly, not break the bank! Available at dollar stores, party supply stores, or online shops, these low-cost items can be purchased and handed out to all trick-or-treaters, or made available in a separate bowl from candy if you choose to hand out both options. Glow sticks, bracelets, or necklacesPencils, pens, crayons or markersBubblesHalloween erasers or pencil toppersMini SlinkiesWhistles, kazoos, or noisemakersBouncy ballsFinger puppets or novelty toysCoinsSpider ringsVampire fangsMini notepadsPlaying cardsBookmarksStickersStencils https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/ideas-non-food-treats

It is very common for people to be labeled with a penicillin allergy at some point during their lives, though many times not because of a true allergic reaction. Often times the rash or hives were actually due to the viral infection or your symptoms were not consistent with penicillin sensitivity. Even if someone truly experienced a reaction to penicillin in the past, they often outgrow the sensitivity in as early as 10 years. You may ask, “Who cares doc? They can just give me something else can’t they?” Here are the issues with this and why you should request an...

Hello Windom Allergy Family! As you know, Windom Allergy always strives to be cutting edge in the realm of food allergy, so we are constantly reading up on the newest literature. We believe sharing these studies with you is very important as well. Below is a summary of a recent article published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology examining whether or not peanut-allergic patients should truly be avoiding tree nuts. The authors acknowledge that if peanut-allergic children are proven to have tree nut allergies already (i.e. previous history of a reaction or positive food challenge) then these should obviously...

Shannon is our Clinical Trial Regulatory Specialist at Sarasota Clinical Research. Hi! I’m Shannon. I’m a wife of 7 years  and mama to 2 beautiful girls. If I had my choice, I’d live closer to the mountains, but Florida will do for now! My favorite things are puzzles, fresh air, discovering new places, and organizing things. Fun facts about me: I don’t eat anything that has mint in it , I have a few pictures like this of me shoving my face with ice cream and I’d love to own a cow someday. Don’t hesitate to say hi if you see me in the hallways...