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
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Can lack of vitamin D make my child weaker and more susceptible to infections?
Vit. D deficiency by itself cannot be responsible solely for increased susceptibility to infections. While any vit. deficiency can potentially adversely affect the immune system READ MORE
Vit. D deficiency by itself cannot be responsible solely for increased susceptibility to infections. While any vit. deficiency can potentially adversely affect the immune system and once identified should be treated appropriately it should not be viewed as an easy answer or a reason for increased rates of infection.
I would advise working with your child's pediatrician on correcting the deficiency and making sure proper work up is done should they have issues with frequent infections.
I would advise working with your child's pediatrician on correcting the deficiency and making sure proper work up is done should they have issues with frequent infections.
Does milk improve immunity?
Cow's milk will not have an impact on your child's immunity in a positive or negative way. Drinking cow's milk is not a necessity for any human being and as long as your child READ MORE
Cow's milk will not have an impact on your child's immunity in a positive or negative way. Drinking cow's milk is not a necessity for any human being and as long as your child consumes variety of foods that provide him or her with protein, fat and calcium they will be just fine. Yogurt is another dairy food that is healthy because it is rich in probiotics - just avoid the ones with too much sugar.
My baby has rashes on his hands. Could it be due to his vaccine?
Highly unlikely that the rash has anything to do with the vaccines. Around that age is when babies can develop eczema which is a common infant rash. Or this could be some other READ MORE
Highly unlikely that the rash has anything to do with the vaccines. Around that age is when babies can develop eczema which is a common infant rash. Or this could be some other rash. I would suggest checking with the pediatrician if you are concerned.
Can an inhaler help me treat my allergies?
An inhaler will not directly treat your allergies but it can help with the sensation/symptom of breathlessness. When allergies are fairly intense sometimes they can cause that READ MORE
An inhaler will not directly treat your allergies but it can help with the sensation/symptom of breathlessness. When allergies are fairly intense sometimes they can cause that sensation and the inhaler will releave it. However, I do advise you seeing an allergist if that is the case - a lot of patients have allergic asthma that presents only when their allergies are active and the specialist will be able to evaluate and treat you best to prevent issues in the future.
What is the cure for tiny reddish spots on my throat?
Without a visual inspection of the lesions and getting detailed history I cannot directly answer this question. In terms of "cure" in the purest sense of the word if it is related READ MORE
Without a visual inspection of the lesions and getting detailed history I cannot directly answer this question. In terms of "cure" in the purest sense of the word if it is related to sensitivity to tomatoes then stopping to eat tomatoes should eliminate the issue. If it is not related then you will likely not see an improvement or resolution. You may want to have either your MD or dentist have a look in your throat and give you more suggestions.
Is it allergies or coronavirus?
The best thing to do is discuss this with your primary physician.
I have an allergic rash on the head of my penis. What could it be?
I am not sure if the rash you are referring to is truly allergic in nature or why do you think it is allergic vs. infectious or irritation type. In situations like this esp. when READ MORE
I am not sure if the rash you are referring to is truly allergic in nature or why do you think it is allergic vs. infectious or irritation type. In situations like this esp. when a rash is present and the location is concerning the best approach is not to use a forum like this for medical care. Someone - a medical provider - needs to perform a proper exam and determine what type of rash this is and rule out potentially dangerous issues/infections, etc. I strongly advise you to seek medical care in person.
I have noticed loose stools every time I eat watermelon. What could be the reason?
I am not sure - could be digestion issue, the way your body processes the fructose in the fruit, etc. It is not a sign of an allergic reaction for sure so you can still continue READ MORE
I am not sure - could be digestion issue, the way your body processes the fructose in the fruit, etc. It is not a sign of an allergic reaction for sure so you can still continue to consume it. If it makes you too uncomfortable then switching to other fruits is also an option.
Are antihistamines safe to be consumed during pregnancy?
Yes, both short acting (Benadryl) and the long acting antihistamines (ex. Claritin, Zyrtec, etc) are considered safe during pregnancy and carry pregnancy cat. B rating. So you READ MORE
Yes, both short acting (Benadryl) and the long acting antihistamines (ex. Claritin, Zyrtec, etc) are considered safe during pregnancy and carry pregnancy cat. B rating. So you can safely continue to use them to keep your symptoms under control.
My daughter was wheezing yesterday after playing with our cat. Why did this happen suddenly?
That is certainly one possibility but there are plenty of others as well. Coming down with a cold or the act of playing around can also be triggers for wheezing or more active READ MORE
That is certainly one possibility but there are plenty of others as well. Coming down with a cold or the act of playing around can also be triggers for wheezing or more active asthma symptoms. The best way to evaluate that is to monitor for recurrence of symptoms and a pattern and have her evaluated by a board certified allergies who can not only test for pet allergies but also will be able to give you he best advise how to manage asthma like symptoms both short and long term
Can sand trigger skin allergies?
Unfortunately this is not uncommon. It could be an irritant response from the friction or could be related to allergies to either dust mites or other inhalants and pollens that READ MORE
Unfortunately this is not uncommon. It could be an irritant response from the friction or could be related to allergies to either dust mites or other inhalants and pollens that end up in the sand boxes.
I would advise you seeing a board certified allergist who can do proper evaluation and advise you on how to control and prevent the symptoms from occurring.
I would advise you seeing a board certified allergist who can do proper evaluation and advise you on how to control and prevent the symptoms from occurring.
What causes my eyes to water in the morning?
I am sorry that you are having this uncomfortable feeling. It is hard to know if this is triggered by allergies - I would advise that you see a board certified allergist for allergy READ MORE
I am sorry that you are having this uncomfortable feeling. It is hard to know if this is triggered by allergies - I would advise that you see a board certified allergist for allergy testing. If the house is new construction dust could be a trigger, also other inhalants can play a role. An allergist will be able to advise you on how to treat the symptoms once a proper evaluation is performed.
Can bed bugs cause an allergic reaction?
Bed bugs do not cause an allergic reaction, but their bites can look like a rash and a physician should be able to decide if that is a possibility once they see the rash and discuss READ MORE
Bed bugs do not cause an allergic reaction, but their bites can look like a rash and a physician should be able to decide if that is a possibility once they see the rash and discuss your case. If you do not have an infestation in your home and other people at home have no issues, then bed bugs are not a likely explanation.
Best of luck.
Best of luck.
Are there any dietary recommendations for celiac besides avoiding glutenous foods?
Avoiding gluten containing products is what a person with celiac disease should concentrate on.
Can anaphylaxis or severe allergies appear out of nowhere?
Unfortunately allergies can appear or manifest themselves fairly suddenly. Without having a detailed clinical history it is impossible to know if the reaction was related to peanuts. READ MORE
Unfortunately allergies can appear or manifest themselves fairly suddenly. Without having a detailed clinical history it is impossible to know if the reaction was related to peanuts. A lot of times the actual trigger is different than what the patient suspected so prompt evaluation by a Board certified allergist is of paramount importance to ensure safety in the future.
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a form of an allergic reaction that is very severe - usually there is involvement of several systems in the body - respiratory, cardiovascular, GI are some of the READ MORE
Anaphylaxis is a form of an allergic reaction that is very severe - usually there is involvement of several systems in the body - respiratory, cardiovascular, GI are some of the possibilities.
Anaphylaxis can results from variety of triggers and those are not always allergic in nature those allergies can trigger such reactions.
Anaphylaxis can results from variety of triggers and those are not always allergic in nature those allergies can trigger such reactions.
Allergy to milk
People who are allergic to milk cannot consume any dairy products. People who have sensitivity to milk such as lactose intolerance or other mild issues can consume the types of READ MORE
People who are allergic to milk cannot consume any dairy products. People who have sensitivity to milk such as lactose intolerance or other mild issues can consume the types of dairy that do not trigger a reaction. Calcium, protein and fat are the main nutritional benefits of dairy so as long as you get those nutrients via other products in your diet you will be fine.
How does allergy immunotherapy work?
Allergen immunotherapy is a targeted and very successful treatment for allergies- it is a form of desensitization. There are several different types- oral, subcutaneous, epicutaneous. READ MORE
Allergen immunotherapy is a targeted and very successful treatment for allergies- it is a form of desensitization. There are several different types- oral, subcutaneous, epicutaneous. Each approach has its own risks, benefits. I would suggest you consult with a board certified allergist who can discuss all available options with you and help guide your choice.
Do antihistamines cause excessive sleepiness?
Yes, unfortunately in some patients antihistamines can cause sedation. Not all of them do that so it will be important for you to try different preparations and see how you respond READ MORE
Yes, unfortunately in some patients antihistamines can cause sedation. Not all of them do that so it will be important for you to try different preparations and see how you respond to them. You can also try and take them at bedtime - for a lot of patients that can help a lot.
Is there treatment for a pollen allergy?
Yes, actually there is a treatment. While medications to treat the symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be helpful for a lot of patients they only address the symptoms. Allergen READ MORE
Yes, actually there is a treatment. While medications to treat the symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be helpful for a lot of patients they only address the symptoms.
Allergen immunotherapy - also known as allergy shots - the a more definitive treatment that provides long term relief from allergies, minimizes medication need and also offers long term desensitization to the specific allergens.
Make sure to receive the treatment under the supervision and guidance of a certified allergist as there are other specialties who may offer it but are not trained to provide it safely and effectively.
Allergen immunotherapy - also known as allergy shots - the a more definitive treatment that provides long term relief from allergies, minimizes medication need and also offers long term desensitization to the specific allergens.
Make sure to receive the treatment under the supervision and guidance of a certified allergist as there are other specialties who may offer it but are not trained to provide it safely and effectively.
