Dr. Monika Korff, MD

Allergist & Immunologist | Allergy

4/5(15)

9891 Broken Land Pkwy 100 Columbia MD, 21046 Show map

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Rating

4/5

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About

Dr. Monika Korff practices Allergy and Immunology care in Columbia, 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.

Education and Training

Loma Linda University MD 2001

Board Certification

American Board of Allergy and Immunology

Provider Details

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Dr. Monika Korff, MD

Dr. Monika Korff, MD's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Is Pubic itching sign of an allergy?
I am sorry to hear you are uncomfortable. While an allergy could be present, it is the least likely cause for the symptoms. A thorough GU evaluation and also dermatologic exam will be important and should be done first. Taking cultures and evaluation for potential bacterial or fungal overgrowth should be done as they are more common and can certainly trigger the symptoms. Allergic triggers usually cause generalized itching, so such localized symptoms while could be allergy related will require contact with the allergen only in that body area. Hope that helps, Monika Korff, MD READ MORE
How should I deal with my daughter's oral allergy to apples?
Unfortunately, your daughter is not alone. Oral allergy syndrome with fresh fruits and vegetables is quite common. It results from cross reacting proteins found in certain pollens (Birch tree, ragweed, mugworth and Timothy grass being the main ones) and those fruits and vegetables. While this oral allergy carries negligent risk for systemic reactions and normally does not require Epinephrine device, the symptoms can be quite bothersome and include itching, during, mild swelling or hives. They are usually self limited and resolve without intervention though oral antihistamines may prove helpful. There is no direct treatment for this allergy - we generally recommend avoidance of the offending fruit or vegetable but those can safely be eaten in a cooked form. So fruits from cups, cans and in baked goods as well as apple sauce or juice will be tolerated. Some patients who choose to undergo immunotherapy (allergy shots) for their inhalant allergies may see an improvement or sometimes complete resolution of the oral allergy symptoms though this is not the outcome for everyone. So, in a few words, she can safely eat cooked forms of apples but I would advise avoiding raw/fresh apples for now and any other fresh fruits/veggies that trigger similar symptoms in the future. Hope that helps. Monika Korff, MD READ MORE
How effective are lactase enzyme tablets?
In my clinical experience not very effective. First, however, let me clarify that lactose intolerance is not an allergic issue. It is a food intolerance caused by a deficiency or a lack of enzyme needed to break down lactose. Some people are born lacking the enzyme and others may develop the deficiency later in life. There is no “cure” for the condition as we cannot replace the enzyme. The tablets may help to reduce the symptoms a bit but for most of my patients they have proven ineffective. The best approach is to avoid consuming dairy - you and may try lactose free products but even those at times may prove to be a challenge. Hope that helps. Sincerely, Monika Korff, MD READ MORE
Does echinacea work?
Depends on how you define "really works." It is not harmful and can contribute to better functioning immune system. However, if you expect the turn off the cold symptoms in 24-48hrs just because you started to take it, you will be disappointed. Remaining on it during the cold flu season daily (similar approach with vitamin C) may prove to be more beneficial than as needed use. Hope that helps, Monika Korff, MD READ MORE
Why am I allergic to just soy milk and no other soy product?
Very good question. Many of the other products contain soy lecithin or soy oil which are devoid of actual soy protein which is the molecule that the human immune system develops an allergy to. While soy beans and tofu do have concentrated soy protein cooking those products (the heat during cooking) alters the structure of the protein and is some patients (like you) that prevents the immune system from recognizing the trigger thus not triggering an immune response. So, as long as they do not bother you keep eating those foods - I suggest avoidance of soy milk as you have alternatives and there is no need to unnecessarily stimulate your immune system. Hope that helps. Sincerely, Monika Korff, MD READ MORE
Strange allergy, what is it?
What you are experiencing is not strange at all. It is called oral allergy syndrome - OAS for short. Believe it or not, it is an extension or a result of your inhalant (pollen) allergies. When we develop allergic (IGE) antibodies to certain pollens - ragweed, some grasses and minor weeds and birch tree pollen - those antibodies make the immune cells in the oral cavity (mouth, tongue, the back of the throat) react to certain fresh or raw fruits and/or vegetables. Families of proteins are shared between those fruits and vegetables and the pollens and so the immune response is triggered or stimulated. The most common foods involved are apples, stone fruits, melons, carrots and celery, cucumber, bananas, kiwi, avocado. At times, peanuts and tree nuts can trigger such symptoms. When those foods are processed or cooked the proteins change their form so the immune system is not activated as it does not recognize the food as a trigger any longer. The good news about this syndrome is that it is fairly benign and there is less than 0.5% of systemic or anaphylactic reactions so we usually do not prescribe an epinephrine in such cases. You can safely continue to consume the offending foods in their "cooked/processed" forms, just avoid eating them raw/fresh. Some patients who do allergen immunotherapy or allergy shots for their inhalant allergies notice less or even no reactions to the foods over time, but not everyone experiences an improvement to a degree to allow them to freely eat the foods. So, not much to worry about. Thank you for the question and hope this helps you in some way. Sincerely, Monika Korff, MD READ MORE
Wheat sensitivity?
I am sorry you are experiencing discomfort. It is certainly possible - not as frequent as gluten sensitivity, but I have seen it. Unfortunately, just like with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, there are no reliable tests no confirm it as the process of sensitization is not well understood. I think it maybe easier to switch to gluten free products as that will ensure no cross contamination. However, if there are products that do not trigger the symptoms you can certainly continue to consume them. Hope that helps. Sincerely, MK READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Food/medication allergies, oral and subcutaneous immunotherapy, asthma, inhalant allergies, atopic dermatitis and urticaria management

Awards

Top Doctor in Columbia 2018 Top doctors

Professional Memberships

America Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Maryland Allergy Asthma Medical Society

Dr. Monika Korff, MD's Practice location

Asthma and Allergy Center of Central Maryland

9891 Broken Land Pkwy 100 -
Columbia, MD 21046

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New patients: 410-730-6000

Mon:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tue:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wed:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thu:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Fri:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sat:Closed
Sun:Closed

Dr. Monika Korff, MD's reviews

(15)

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Patient Experience with Dr. Korff

4.0

Based on 15 reviews

Dr. Monika Korff, MD has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on the reviews from 15 patients. FindaTopDoc has aggregated the experiences from real patients to help give you more insights and information on how to choose the best Allergist & Immunologist in your area. These reviews do not reflect a providers level of clinical care, but are a compilation of quality indicators such as bedside manner, wait time, staff friendliness, ease of appointment, and knowledge of conditions and treatments.

Media Releases

Get to know Allergist and Immunologist Dr. Monika Korff, who serves patients in Columbia, Maryland.

Dr. Korff is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with a special interest in food allergies, medication allergies, and asthma. She practices at Allergy & Asthma Center of Central Maryland in Columbia, Maryland.

She and the other board-certified allergists working there specialize in providing comprehensive medical care for children and adults with hay fever (allergic rhinitis), asthma, food allergies, eczema (atopic dermatitis), contact dermatitis, drug allergy, bee sting (venom) allergy, and primary immunodeficiency. They offer skin testing for environmental and food allergies, as well as for drug and venom allergies. They also conduct spirometry breathing test (limited pulmonary function test), open food challenges, and administer allergy shots (immunotherapy).

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Korff earned her medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 2001. She then went on to complete her residency in internal medicine at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, followed by her fellowship in allergy and clinical immunology at Johns Hopkins.

Committed to keeping on top of the latest advances and news in her field, the doctor is board-certified in allergy and immunology by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, whose mission is to improve the quality of medical care by the development and utilization of professional and educational standards for the initial certification and maintenance of certification of physician specialists in allergy and immunology. She is also a member of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.

Allergy and immunology involves the management of disorders related to the immune system. These conditions range from the very common to the very rare, spanning all ages and encompassing various organ systems. An allergist and immunologist is a physician specially trained to diagnose, treat, and manage allergies, asthma, and immunologic disorders, including primary immunodeficiency disorders.