expert type icon EXPERT

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.
24 years Experience
Dr. Monika Korff, M.D.
  • Columbia, MD
  • Loma Linda University
  • Accepting new patients

Can certain foods trigger coughing?

Coughing is a complex reflex that can be triggered by variety of factors. Some foods can trigger it as well - the consistency of the food, underlying conditions such as reflux READ MORE
Coughing is a complex reflex that can be triggered by variety of factors. Some foods can trigger it as well - the consistency of the food, underlying conditions such as reflux and at times sensitivity to chemicals in the foods can be contributing to worsening cough. If you are concerned about food allergies, I would advise seeing an allergist and also addressing the issue with your child's pediatrician.

Are there any allergy shots for seasonal allergies?

Yes there is allergen immunotherapy also known as allergy shots that you can consider. You should see an allergist and have allergy testing first and then go over your options. READ MORE
Yes there is allergen immunotherapy also known as allergy shots that you can consider. You should see an allergist and have allergy testing first and then go over your options.

Is an allergy responsible for son's hives?

I am sorry your son is having trouble. Unfortunately hives are a common condition and can have various triggers. While allergies can be a cause most of the triggers for hives are READ MORE
I am sorry your son is having trouble. Unfortunately hives are a common condition and can have various triggers. While allergies can be a cause most of the triggers for hives are non allergic in nature. If the hives are recurring and seem to not have a pattern you will benefit from evaluation by an allergist - we are well trained and prepared to evaluate and treat recurrent hives.

Why is my son allergic to citrus fruits?

There are a lot of adverse reactions to citrus fruits though most of them are not truly allergic in nature. I would advise that you see an allergist who will be able to not only READ MORE
There are a lot of adverse reactions to citrus fruits though most of them are not truly allergic in nature. I would advise that you see an allergist who will be able to not only test him but give you suggestions based on the history and type of his reaction.

Can my son have soy milk if he has a dairy allergy?

I strongly advise that you see an allergist who will be able to test your child for dairy alternative milks to see which one he will be safe with. I would not suggest blindly trying READ MORE
I strongly advise that you see an allergist who will be able to test your child for dairy alternative milks to see which one he will be safe with. I would not suggest blindly trying products as you are risking a reaction in him.

What does anaphylactic shock look like?

You should have a conversation with the parent of the food allergic child for sure as they have likely seen her react before. In general, symptoms of anaphylaxis begin shortly READ MORE
You should have a conversation with the parent of the food allergic child for sure as they have likely seen her react before. In general, symptoms of anaphylaxis begin shortly after ingestion of the allergen and can include itching, sneezing, itchy watery eyes, swelling of eyes or lips, hives either on the face only or generalized, vomiting, diarrhea, and abd. pain. If ever in doubt, Epinephrine should be administered immediately, and then call 911.

Tested positive for allergy, but never had reaction. Normal?

Yes, actually there are several reasons for such situations. One possible and quite common reason is cross reactivity between proteins in foods and inhalants (pollens). That cross READ MORE
Yes, actually there are several reasons for such situations. One possible and quite common reason is cross reactivity between proteins in foods and inhalants (pollens). That cross reactivity can give a positive test result for the food while the primary allergic antibody is directed against the cross reacting pollen. I would strongly advise you review your results with a board certified allergist who is well trained on how to interpret such results and will be able to direct you about what you need and do not need to avoid in the future.

How are seasonal allergies diagnosed?

You can see an allergist who is trained in allergy testing and treatment and they can do easy superficial scratch tests to determine the specific inhalants your child is allergic READ MORE
You can see an allergist who is trained in allergy testing and treatment and they can do easy superficial scratch tests to determine the specific inhalants your child is allergic to.

What are the symptoms of a nickel allergy?

If you are interested to be tested you can see an allergist who can offer you a patch test for nickel and any other chemicals or metals you may be reacting to - they will determine READ MORE
If you are interested to be tested you can see an allergist who can offer you a patch test for nickel and any other chemicals or metals you may be reacting to - they will determine the proper testing once they obtain your clinical history in more detail.

Is there a cure for dust allergies?

There are treatments for dust and other inhalant allergies. Allergy shots, sublingual immunotherapy are only some of the options, I suggest you see an allergist who to perform READ MORE
There are treatments for dust and other inhalant allergies. Allergy shots, sublingual immunotherapy are only some of the options, I suggest you see an allergist who to perform testing and discuss the treatment options for you and your son.

How serious are peanut allergies?

Food allergies to any food can be serious. Some food allergies can be life long others can resolve with time. Your son needs to be under the care of an allergist to ensure he is READ MORE
Food allergies to any food can be serious. Some food allergies can be life long others can resolve with time. Your son needs to be under the care of an allergist to ensure he is getting constant monitoring of his food allergy. Proper testing at certain intervals can help determine the progression of his allergy and determine if certain interventions such as peanut OIT (oral immunotherapy) can be considered in his case.

Will allergy shots prevent an allergic reaction completely?

Allergen immunotherapy is a very effective long term approach to inhalant allergies. It does have some risk so I would advise you have a consultation with an allergist to determine READ MORE
Allergen immunotherapy is a very effective long term approach to inhalant allergies. It does have some risk so I would advise you have a consultation with an allergist to determine if that is the right approach in your case.

What should I say to my son's school about his gluten allergy?

Dear concerned mom, It is good that your son's teachers are aware of his situation but there isn't much they need to do other than ensure he is not offered or given any foods READ MORE
Dear concerned mom,

It is good that your son's teachers are aware of his situation but there isn't much they need to do other than ensure he is not offered or given any foods that you do not send with him to school. Examples include but are not limited to snacks, Bday celebrations of other students with cupcakes, etc. Since gluten sensitivity does not result in anaphylaxis and there is no indication for EPi device or Benadryl the administration does not need to have any medications for your child on hand. He should be aware of not accepting food from anyone and only eat the food you send for him and should he have any symptoms then seek the teacher's attention and be taken to the school nurse.

Why do I have swelling in my mouth after having pink eye?

Not completely certain they are related but certainly can be. Sometimes after an infection the immune system is activated and can cause certainly symptoms such as swelling. It READ MORE
Not completely certain they are related but certainly can be. Sometimes after an infection the immune system is activated and can cause certainly symptoms such as swelling. It will be subside with time but it does not then certainly see your physician.

What are the best ways to prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease?

Unfortunately HFMD is caused by a virus so there is nothing one can do to fully prevent it. it is quite contagious so children by their nature of touching everything are particularly READ MORE
Unfortunately HFMD is caused by a virus so there is nothing one can do to fully prevent it. it is quite contagious so children by their nature of touching everything are particularly susceptible. Things to consider are good hand washing, not sending the kids to school when they appear mildly ill or are febrile, good diet and adequate sleep will also help to keep the immune system strong.

Treating allergies?

Dear sir, sorry you are struggling with congestion. There are some other medications - oral and other sprays - that can be considered but I advise you see an allergist since they READ MORE
Dear sir, sorry you are struggling with congestion. There are some other medications - oral and other sprays - that can be considered but I advise you see an allergist since they can be contraindicated with your other co- morbidities. In terms of alternative therapies I cannot comment as that is not my area of expertise.

Is lactose intolerance a lifelong condition?

Unfortunately we cannot predict the path a food allergy or a sensitivity can take over the patient's life. Some are outgrown or resolve with time (usually years) other's persist. READ MORE
Unfortunately we cannot predict the path a food allergy or a sensitivity can take over the patient's life. Some are outgrown or resolve with time (usually years) other's persist. Given the pt's age there is a chance that may resolve with time so monitoring on a yearly basis will be able to determine is changes are occurring.

My mom is not reacting well to allergy medicine?

There are plenty of other allergy medications that can be tried. You should have a formal consultation with an allergist who can make proper recommendations

How effective are immune booster supplements?

I really cannot comment on such preparations as there are so many of them. I can only say that statements on supplements and "boosters" are not FDA cleared or verified meaning READ MORE
I really cannot comment on such preparations as there are so many of them. I can only say that statements on supplements and "boosters" are not FDA cleared or verified meaning there is no solid medical evidence to support the claims.
Hope that helps.

How can I find out if I am allergic to any medicines?

If you have never had an adverse reaction to medications that the proper way of answering the question is "I have no know drug allergies", There are no screening tests to check READ MORE
If you have never had an adverse reaction to medications that the proper way of answering the question is "I have no know drug allergies", There are no screening tests to check for such allergies - there are some tests and investigations we can do as allergists to see if a reaction to a medications (once already occurred) is of an allergic nature or not.

Most reactions to medications are not allergic in nature though they do happen so if there ever is a reaction a consultation with an allergist will be appropriate.