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

Are inhaled corticosteroids safe to use for my asthma?
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are a type of medication that is commonly used to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions. They are considered safe because they are delivered directly to the lungs...

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...

How does bronchial thermoplasty work to treat asthma?
Thermoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to reduce the smooth muscle in the airways, which can help to open up the airways and make it easier to breathe. The procedure is typicall...

I have COPD. What can help me breathe better?
Treatment for COPD can help improve breathing and slow the progression of the disease. Some treatments include:bronchodilators, which are medications that relax the muscles around the airways to help ...

Is there a treatment for food allergy?
The treatment for food allergies is to strictly avoid the allergenic food, and in case of accidental exposure, the use of rescue medications such as antihistamines and epinephrine (injectable) in the ...