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Dr. Monika Korff, M.D.

Allergist & Immunologist

Dr. Monika Korff practices Allergy and Immunology care in Baltimore, MD. Dr. Korff specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma and other allergic diseases. Allergist-Immunologists are trained and certified to treat each patients sensitivity and response to allergens of varying severity. Dr. Korff provides several means of testing and treatment to increase immunity to potentially harmful substances.
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24 years Experience
Dr. Monika Korff, M.D.
  • Columbia, MD
  • Loma Linda University
  • Accepting new patients

Can I give my 9 years old daughter allergy medications?

Yes, allergy medications is safe and effective for that age and also much younger children.

What can I take for an allergic reaction to products?

Does not sound like an allergic reaction this is more likely to be an infection that could be related to ingrown hair follicles. Advise you to see your physician and get antibiotics. READ MORE
Does not sound like an allergic reaction this is more likely to be an infection that could be related to ingrown hair follicles. Advise you to see your physician and get antibiotics. For now, you can use an antiseptic topical solution. 

How long does it take for a peanut allergy to go away?

I am afraid no one can answer this question with any degree of certainty. Overall peanut allergy is not easily outgrown- less than 20% of people with it clear it over their lifetime. READ MORE
I am afraid no one can answer this question with any degree of certainty. Overall peanut allergy is not easily outgrown- less than 20% of people with it clear it over their lifetime. I would advise you have yearly visits with her allergist to monitor her levels.

What medication is best for a child's seasonal allergy?

The type of medications used to treat allergies is based on the type of symptoms the patient is experiencing - sneezing, congestion, drainage, headaches, etc. I would suggest you READ MORE
The type of medications used to treat allergies is based on the type of symptoms the patient is experiencing - sneezing, congestion, drainage, headaches, etc. I would suggest you discuss your child's symptoms with her pediatrician or allergist to get the best recommendation. The child's age is also a factor as many medications have certain age limitations. 

Can I get the COVID vaccine if I have heart disease?

Yes, you can and should get the COVID vaccine. With your heart condition, you have one more reason to try to minimize your risk of severe complications of the illness. The vaccine READ MORE
Yes, you can and should get the COVID vaccine. With your heart condition, you have one more reason to try to minimize your risk of severe complications of the illness. The vaccine will provide you with exactly that kind of protection.

What causes children to develop allergies to nuts or pollen?

We do not know why some people develop inhalants or food allergies and others do not. There are certainly some genetic predispositions but they do not fully explain the rise in READ MORE
We do not know why some people develop inhalants or food allergies and others do not. There are certainly some genetic predispositions but they do not fully explain the rise in allergies. It is an aberrant immune response to the substance - be it food, medication, or pollen/pet dander. You should have your child see an allergist and get properly evaluated. 

Monika Korff, MD
Diplomate of ABAI, FACAAI
office - 410-730-6000
mkorffmd@yahoo.com

Efficacy of the North American 80 series patch test?

Patch testing is standardized and well studied/carefully formulated extracts of the most common chemicals known to cause allergic reactions. Each of the preparations is applied READ MORE
Patch testing is standardized and well studied/carefully formulated extracts of the most common chemicals known to cause allergic reactions. Each of the preparations is applied at the right concentration and vehicle to allow for the best detection. The patch test is only able to identify allergic reactions - in cases of nonallergic or contact irritant dermatitis the patch test will give negative results. So doing the test is the best way to differentiate between allergic and irritant dermatitis. Hope that helps. 

Monika Korff, MD
Diplomate of ABAI, FACAAI
office - 410-730-6000
mkorffmd@yahoo.com

When can I get the COVID after heart stent surgery?

I will have to assume you mean when can I get the COVID vaccine or a booster? If that is your question then you should be able to get it at any time from this point on.  Monika READ MORE
I will have to assume you mean when can I get the COVID vaccine or a booster? If that is your question then you should be able to get it at any time from this point on. 

Monika Korff, MD
Diplomate of ABAI FACAAI
office - 410-730-6000
mkorffmd@yahoo.com

What can I give my child for pollen allergies?

I would advise speaking with your child's pediatrician as based on the symptoms different types of medications may be recommended. However good starting points are over-the-counter READ MORE
I would advise speaking with your child's pediatrician as based on the symptoms different types of medications may be recommended. However good starting points are over-the-counter antihistamines alone or in combination with nasal sprays such as Flonase and Nasacort. 
In order to best treat your child speaking with the pediatrician will be a necessary and rewarding step.

Can stent patients get the COVID vaccine?

Yes, getting a stent is not a contraindication for receiving the COVID vaccine or booster.  Monika Korff, MD, Diplomate of ABAI. FACAAI office - 410-730-6000 mkorffmd@yahoo.com READ MORE
Yes, getting a stent is not a contraindication for receiving the COVID vaccine or booster. 

Monika Korff, MD, Diplomate of ABAI. FACAAI
office - 410-730-6000
mkorffmd@yahoo.com

What medicine should I take for dust allergy?

Advice on what allergy medication to take is based on the type of symptoms the patient is experiencing not the allergen. I would advise seeing an allergist for the best advice. READ MORE
Advice on what allergy medication to take is based on the type of symptoms the patient is experiencing not the allergen. I would advise seeing an allergist for the best advice. For example itching and sneezing are treated differently than congestion. You can also discuss the types of symptoms you have with your PCP and ask for guidance.

I think I’m allergic to salt water?

Sorry, but there is not enough history or details to make any reasonable conclusion. Would advise seeing your primary care physician for evaluation there are a lot of other possible READ MORE
Sorry, but there is not enough history or details to make any reasonable conclusion. Would advise seeing your primary care physician for evaluation there are a lot of other possible causes that need to be ruled out before allergy is considered.

Can I get the COVID vaccination if I have high blood pressure?

Yes, absolutely - you not only can but you should. 

Monika Korff, MDDiplomate of ABAI
FACAAI
office - 410-730-6000
mkorffmd@yahoo.com

Is it safe for a child with a history of allergic reactions to get a covid-19 vaccine?

Without knowing your son's allergic history I cannot make a definitive recommendation. However, COVID vaccines are generally very safe and people with food or inhalant allergies READ MORE
Without knowing your son's allergic history I cannot make a definitive recommendation. However, COVID vaccines are generally very safe and people with food or inhalant allergies do not have an increased risk of adverse reactions. I would suggest addressing your concerns with your child's allergist. 

Monika Korff, MDDiplomate of ABAI
FACAAI
office - 410-730-6000
mkorffmd@yahoo.com

Cold or allergies?

Symptoms of the common cold and allergies can often overlap and make it hard to determine what is causing the symptoms. Usually, cold symptoms last for less or close to a week READ MORE
Symptoms of the common cold and allergies can often overlap and make it hard to determine what is causing the symptoms. Usually, cold symptoms last for less or close to a week and respond to OTC cold medications. If you have persisting symptoms and they respond to usual OTC medications like Claritin or Zyrtec then it is likely that they are allergies. You should certainly see an allergist to help with that esp. if your symptoms have been present during the same time for several yrs. Hope that helps. 

Monika Korff, MDDiplomate of ABAI
FACAAI
office - 410-730-6000
mkorffmd@yahoo.com

What are the negatives of getting a flu shot?

The primary issue will be that without the vaccination he has a much higher risk for severe complications from the flu. The vaccine may have some side effects but they are usually READ MORE
The primary issue will be that without the vaccination he has a much higher risk for severe complications from the flu. The vaccine may have some side effects but they are usually mild. We advise every patient - child and adult - to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine. 

Monika Korff, MD
Diplomate of ABAI, FACAAI
office - 410-730-6000
mkorffmd@yahoo.com

Can chiropractors help with allergies?

A chiropractor is very helpful with assistance with alignment issues, relieving pressure and pain related to skeletal abnormalities or stressors. However, those issues are not READ MORE
A chiropractor is very helpful with assistance with alignment issues, relieving pressure and pain related to skeletal abnormalities or stressors. However, those issues are not at the core of an allergy problem. I would advise seeing an allergist for proper evaluation and discussion on the best approach to relieve your symptoms. 

Can I get a COVID vaccine with a heart stent?

Yes, having a stent will not preclude you from getting the COVID vaccine.

Is the COVID vaccine safe for kids?

Yes the COVID vaccine is safe for adults and kids and is still the best weapon we have against the virus.

Itchy bumps on my body?

It is hard to tell from the pictures what type of rash you are dealing  with. However from an allergy standpoint the likelihood of food allergy is extremely unlikely. I would advise READ MORE
It is hard to tell from the pictures what type of rash you are dealing  with. However from an allergy standpoint the likelihood of food allergy is extremely unlikely. I would advise to see either your PCP or go to Urgent care where a proper exam can be done and treatment suggested - oral antihistamine for the itching and potentially topical or oral steroid. 
Monika Korff, MDDiplomate of ABAI
FACAAI
office - 410-730-6000
mkorffmd@yahoo.com