Dr. Mika Cole, MD

Allergen Immunotherapy
When medications and avoidance measures do not control allergy symptoms, one should consider allergen immunotherapy--either SCIT (subcutaneous or shots) or SLIT (sublingual).  Allergy "drops" are not FDA approved and insurance will not cover it.  Most "drops" are the extracts designed for subcutaneous use.  One risk of using "drops" is the development of eosinophilic esophagitis and studies for its safely need to be established.

Asthma Treatment and Medication
Asthma is a complex disease with many causes.  Treatment of asthma needs to be individualized with one's lifestyle being considered for optimal management.  A careful history and physical exam is important.  Although steroids are effective, the overuse of steroids can cause other medical problems.  ********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************...

Biologics for Eczema
Eczema or atopic dermatitis can be difficult to treat.  Biologics have offered an advance in the treatment and management of atopic dermatitis.  It should be used under the supervision of a specialist in patients who have failed other treatment modalities. ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************* CALL 210-930-455 to schedule an appointment

Biologics for Severe Asthma
Biologics are key to controlling severe asthma and can be used to avoid side effects associated with steroids, which tend to be used too often in emergency rooms and urgent care clinics.   ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** CALL 210-930-455 to schedule an appointment

COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.  Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause disease in humans and other animals.  Like most viruses, the SARS-Cov2 virus mutates in order to survive.  Unfortunately, this virus has caused serious illness and death in susceptible hosts (ie the elderly, immune compromised, transplant patients, smokers, etc)  Fortunately, the current vaccines can prevent serious illness and death.  In addition, therapies such as Evusheld can a...

Moisturizers for Eczema
Select a moisturizer without fragrances or other chemicals which can cause a contact allergic reaction.  Moisturizer add a protective layer to skin that may need a barrier to prevent infection ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** CALL 210-930-455 to schedule an appointment

Can video game usage lead to ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex disorder that is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While excessive video game use has been assoc...

Does my Epipen® really expire?
EpiPens do have an expiration date, and it is important to replace them before they expire. The expiration date can be found on the packaging and the device itself.An expired EpiPen® may not work ...

Eggplant makes my mouth itchy. Am I allergic to it?
If eating eggplant causes itching in your mouth, it is possible that you have an allergic reaction to it. Food allergies are caused by an abnormal response of the immune system to certain proteins fou...

Is there a treatment for peanut allergy?
The treatment for peanut allergy is strict avoidance of peanuts and products that may contain peanuts. In case of accidental exposure, the use of rescue medications such as antihistamines and epinephr...

Is there really a hypoallergenic dog species?
The term "hypoallergenic" is often used to describe dogs that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in people. However, there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog, as ...