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...

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...

Thank goodness the dreaded virus is beginning to fade. Unfortunately, the allergy season continues to afflict us, as we drift from the February to April oak tree pollen to the grass and weed pollen seasons. If you’ve let your regular allergy shot visits lag because of the pandemic distraction, come on in and get caught up. For those of you on food oral immunotherapy (OIT), we’re open, safe, and ready for your dosing visits as well. We’re doing our best to make you feel normal again at Windom Allergy.

Want to enjoy your social distancing approved outdoor time without the sniffles and itching from the dreaded oak pollen? Never fear, Windom Allergy is here! We can help you enjoy the sunshine and fresh air with as little medications as possible through our awesome Telehealth Visits. Just give our office a call to schedule a virtual visit, and when it’s time for your appointment we will send you a text with a link to your visit. With just one click, you’ll be instantly connected with your favorite doctor (although we’re sure you love us all equally). And the best part? It...

The less hectic pace of summer could be just the right time to consider taking a definitive step to control your allergies.  If you have allergic asthma, runny nose/hay fever, or sinus problems, you probably have a medicine cabinet full of antihistamines, inhalers, and nose sprays to help you limp through the various allergy seasons.  Is there a better answer?  Yes, there is, and it’s called desensitization. Allergen desensitization has been around for over 100 years, often referred to as allergen immunotherapy or allergy shots.  This remains the most effective way to ‘turn off’ your airborne allergies.  Another option, for those...

Spring is in the air, and so are billions of tiny pollens that trigger allergy symptoms in millions of people. Our tree pollen season has arrived with oak pollen being the most problematic this time of year! Symptoms may include runny nose, sneezing, stuffy nose, itchy watery eyes, and dark circles under the eyes. For those with asthma, symptoms may include wheezing, cough and chest tightness. There are also simple steps you can take to limit your exposure to the pollen or molds that cause your symptoms: • Keep your windows closed at night and if possible, use air conditioning, which...