Windom Allergy, Asthma, Sinus

The cause of nasal polyps is unknown. Various theories have been discussed, including allergy, infection, nerve pathway imbalance, enzyme abnormality, drug sensitivity and mechanical obstruction. Fortunately, most people with hay fever (allergic rhinitis) do not have polyps (<2%). Asthma has long been known to be associated with nasal polyps. Studies show that anywhere from 15%-30% of patients with polyps will also have asthma. An even greater association with asthma is found in those individuals who also are allergic to aspirin (hives or asthma following aspirin or ibuprofen-like drug). These patients with asthma and aspirin sensitivity have a 50% chance of having...

Based primarily on the results of the 2015 UK study LEAP ( Learning Early About Peanut Allergy) , national guidelines have been released from the NIH and international allergy organizations that recommend introducing peanut in the diet between 4-9 months of age to foster tolerance; once eczema starts food allergy is soon to follow, therefore if the baby has not introduced peanut when eczema begins, a simple skin test or blood test to peanut should be done to make sure they haven’t become allergic and as such would react upon consuming peanut. If the test is negative, peanut feedings can begin...

What is Atopic Dermatitis? Skin of patients with atopic dermatitis does not regulate body temperature normally. There may be abnormal sweating and abnormal blood vessel responses--the opening and closing of these vessels in the skin. This means that your child may not react as you would expect with changes in room temperature. He or she may be "cold natured" or "hot natured". They may sweat very little. Since intact skin is also important in holding body fluid, your child may lose extra fluid (simply by evaporation) when he is severely affected. You might note increased drinking of fluids. These problems are...

I have been with Windom Allergy for the past 15 years! I started as an office nurse doing skin testing. In the past several years I've been the allergy shot nurse, making the serum and getting patients approved for special medications. I am now happily semi-retired, working 2-3 days a week. I met my husband when I was studying nursing in Brewster, NY. He was in the USAF and lived in many diverse cities before he retired in 1990 and we moved to Sarasota. We have three children and six grandchildren! Our hobby is our dogs. We breed show and have...

Food Allergy? Oral immunotherapy (OIT) safely allows allergic children and adults to no longer live in fear of their food allergy. Since the 1990’s a great deal of research has been conducted in the area of food desensitization. While the exact protocol differs from country to country, the general theme is very consistent: take a highly allergic child or adult, give them a VERY low dose of the offending food by mouth, have them stay on it 1-2 times a day, come back to the clinic for an increase in the dose, stay on that dose at home for a week...

  According to Accuweather , we should be breathing easier in June. Ragweed, tree pollen and grass pollen are historically low to moderate in the month of June.

Lung Function Testing. Breathing tests, also known as spirometry or pulmonary function tests, are used to diagnose and monitor asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory diseases. You will be asked to blow into a machine that will measure the volume of air leaving the lungs. A nurse will coach and encourage you to properly perform the test. You may be given a bronchodilator inhaler (Albuterol) to see if your breathing improves. After 15 minutes, the test will be performed again. After your spirometry is completed, Dr. Windom will discuss your results and recommend a treatment plan. How do...

Born 1967 Bronx, NY then raised in Westchester county NY.  Moved to Florida at the age of 21 when my parents retired.  Started my Medical career as an EMT at Bayfront Med. Center E.R. in 1990.  Graduated Nursing school with National Honors.  Received  Nurse of the year award my first year as a nurse at Bayfront E.R.  After being in the ER for 5 years I've decided to expand my knowledge and work in the Allergy field.  I worked for an Allergist in St. Petersburg from 1996 till 2006 when I joined Windom Allergy Asthma and Sinus. I'm now a Nurse...

Hives (Urticaria) Hives (Urticaria) HIVES: Hives have been referred to as welts, nettle rash, and by physicians, urticaria. They are raised areas of your skin that are warm, very itchy and red. They can suddenly appear anywhere on the body and last a few hours or as long as 48 hours. Lesions that are painful/tender and last for greater than 48 hours should be thought of as separate from hives. New hives can appear as others disappear, giving the impression of persistent lesions. Individual hives are irregularly shaped and are the size of a dime or nickel, though they often form...

Expect medium pollen levels for May in Southwest Florida. Less if we get more rain! The key culprits for this time of year are Oak (tapering off), Bermuda Grass and Hickory. From PollenLibrary.com