Dr. Thomas Josa
Allergy and Immunology
San Carlos, CA
41 years experience male
Locations
Office
San Carlos, CA
About
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Allergy and Immunology
Licenses
United States: California
Languages spoken
English
Doctor Q&A
457 Answers
155 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Drainage: Lymphatics are necessary for drainage of tissue fluid and are an essential part of the Immune system. It's a way for germs and debris that get carrie... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Hives: A recurrent rash that comes and goes within 24hrs is hives. Try an OTC antihistamine to manage symptoms. It's likely to go away on its own but see if ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old male asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
See a doctor: Asthma can be managed effectively. You will most likely need various inhalers and possibly more. A lung function test is critical for accurate asses... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 52-year-old female asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Cauterize: This sounds very disruptive! Most likely its a brittle vessel high up in the nose. See an ENT who can cauterize it and check for anything suspicious... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
No: This is not a mode of HIV transmission
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A male asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Several choices: For most people antihistamines with or without a decongestant can be enough. The most effective comes in the form of a steroid nasal spray that needs... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Yes: I'm glad you are getting treated and it sounds like the strep is responding to the Penicillin. It takes a while for the throat to heal even once the ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A male asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Expiration date: Expiration date can be found somewhere on the container. If it is beyond that date then the potency cannot be guaranteed. Usually meds don't turn in... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Vaccination: If you've already been vaccinated then no. if not then get the blood test and get vaccinated. Please don't have unprotected sex.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Fluids: It depends on how bad.
If you are able to hold down clear fluids then be sure not to dehydrate. The twitching may be unrelated and is referred to as... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old female asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Controversial: The effects of molds and their spores are generally only a problem for those with respiratory problems like asthma. There are always mold spores in t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old female asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Bronchiolitis: At this age the airways are so small that a little swelling causes the obstruction with wheezing rather than bronchospasm as in asthma. RSV is often t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old female asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Allergy: This sounds miserable! If it came on abruptly within minutes I worry about an allergic reaction. Take an antihistamine right away and/or go to ER i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old male asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Worried?: If I understand you correctly and it's been 11 years since exposure then you have nothing to worry about. after 2 negative tests done at the appropria... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Yes: More likely the closer it was to mid cycle. But regular periods cannot be counted on. Get a test or wait for your next period.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 51-year-old female asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Imaging: If you haven't already it sounds like a CT scan of the sinuses is indicated. Also have you had allergy testing? Don't give up. You can be helped.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old female asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Decongestant: A pseudoephedrine may help with fluid in the middle ear.
Antihistamines like Meclizine have been used for vertigo but are thought to exert their effe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old male asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Yes: It is likely that you have a new onset allergy to penicillin. Stop the Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate) and contact the prescriber. At some ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Depends: Especially if you have a history of a heart murmur.
Erythromycin and Clindamycin are a couple of alternatives to the penicillings
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Very unlikely: The frequency of serious life threatening reaction to the penicillins is very low. That fact that you have had this drug in the past makes it possibl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
If controlled: Ask your doctor for individual recommendations
Theoretically if platelet count is good ( bleeding risk is controlled) then the steroid would not be co... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Unlikely: Pregnancy is unlikely but this not a reliable method of birth control since ovulation is not always regular.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Motion sickness?: I assume you are the passenger since you are looking at your phone. It is important to keep your eyes on the road ahead so your body can adjust to tu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Lots of possibilites: This description of Dermatitis could be caused by any number of things. You would need to submit a photo or see a doctor to get more history and a go... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Pattern?: Sounds very uncomfortable. Is there a pattern to the rashes? I'm going to venture a guess that it's eczema. Apply moisturizer EVERY time you feel l... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Depends: This could be a transient irritant reaction or a couple different types of allergic reaction. I agree with oral Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to help it... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old male asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Could be: If this is an ongoing or recurrent problem then allergy is possible. If it's quite new then infection is more likely especially at this time of year.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Apnea?: If he snores he may also have apnea in which case an sleep screen and ENT evaluation is warranted.
Otherwise, large tonsils are often best left alone ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Don't know: Some may be autoimmune and I wish they were preventable. Herpes ulcerations can occur upon initial exposure. Frequent recurrences or a lasting ulcer... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old male asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Ignore: Allergy immunotherapy is cost effective in the long run.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 51-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Broad question: The immune system tailors it's response to various viruses and to various bacteria in several different ways that can be quite complex depending on ho... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Ingredients: The ultra fine mist contains oxymetazoline and the spray contains phenylephrine. These can cause rebound nasal congestion (Rhinitis Medicamentosa ) i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Not far: Just enough so that they stay in.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Yes: Unrelated species and as long as it's not somehow contaminated with shellfish protein you should be fine. Read the label.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Medic alert: Be sure that the exact nature of the reaction is well documented in your medical record . Some people wear a medic alert bracelet to warn clinicians i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old male asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Too long: Unless you have certain medical conditions the risk of a dangerous allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) far outweighs the risk associated with an Epinephri... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Yes: They can even be taken at the same time because nasal steroids are vastly different than the ingredients in the other medication.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Allergist or derm: I bet you have Atopic Dermatitis. This frequently occurs in people who have allergies though there is typically no allergic cause. It is due to a def... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Yes: Amoxicillin is a form of penicillin and does carry the risk of an allergic (immediate hypersensitivity )reaction if that is indeed what you had. Unfor... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Either or both: A more detailed history and response to specific treatments can provide clues. A test for allergies can help but doesn't rule out a sinus infection o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Doubt it: Black mold gets blamed for a lot of conditions but unfortunately scientific confirmation is lacking.
There are other more likely causes for this ofte... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Yes: You should probably have it looked at but yes, allergies can cause bleeding that comes from the very front of the septum which is rich in superficial ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Don't drive: For sure don't let him drive or operate machinery. The effects may be felt next day but not likely to cause significant harm by itself if he is otherw... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 17-year-old male asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Monitoring tool: There are charts to guide us since normal values vary by height, sex, age and race.
The peak flow is an excellent tool for monitoring the control of... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 51-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Yes: Some people with allergies to certain pollens like birch may experience this especially if the apple is fresh and during the spring time.. We call th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 51-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Double trouble: Quite often a cold can be superimposed on underlying allergies. This can make you even more miserable! The usual over the counter cough and cold rem... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 50-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Unlikely: I would just wait and see. No need for immediate action.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Requires evaluation: I hear you plea and frustration!
Since there are various types of allergic reactions there is no simple answer. For example atopic dermatitis, contac... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old male asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Ignore: Allergy immunotherapy is helpful in 8 of 10 people with allergic rhinitis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience
Benadryl (diphenhydramine): I know it's hard to watch your baby go through this.
Benadryl only treats the symptoms and will not speed up healing of the reaction itself but can he... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
1
Recommendations
269
Thank you notes
Dec 22, 2015
highly recommend
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! The MD is not in my PPO. The allergist had no answer to me when I guessed out loud that my issue is due to A/C. He was quiet and gave me an Rx. I will approach him again...Read More
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! Thank you for your answer! Took several wks of Iver ending 1mth ago.Cleand daily.Keep getting little bumps on neck.Maybe just over-sensetive skin.Hoping for the best. De...Read More
HealthTap member
Thank you; I've always hesitated drinking tea because I am allergic to so many things otherwise and didn't want to risk it. Nice to know I can probably enjoy it harm free.
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
University of Copenhagen Faculty of Medicine, Denmark
Graduated 1982MD
Residency
MORRISTOWN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Completed 1986
Awards
Top Allergist and Immunologist, First Place, the San Mateo County Region - Spring
2017
Affiliations
American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions, provide medical advice, write prescriptions, and more.
Answer emailed
in 24 hours or less