Dr. Serena Shaffren, MD

Dr. Serena Shaffren, MD is an Allergy & Immunology specialist practicing at her clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is deeply committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Shaffren is dedicated to fostering a strong patient-physician relationship built on trust and shared decision-making. Your Allergy & Immunology specialist is your primary partner in preventing allergic reactions, managing asthma, treating immune disorders, and creating a personalized, long-term health plan that coordinates screenings and promotes overall wellness. She serves all ages. Please call (727) 828-6390 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Serena Shaffren, MD is an allergist-immunologist in Saint Petersburg, FL, affiliated with Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital. She approaches patient care with a collaborative and evidence-based approach, emphasizing the importance of empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health. Her commitment is to create a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions, understand their conditions, and participate in decisions about their care. Dr. Shaffren's goal is to provide a comprehensive and personalized experience that focuses on the prevention of future issues and fosters a partnership in managing current health concerns. She provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Serena Shaffren is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Serena Shaffren can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Serena Shaffren provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Pityriasis Alba: Pityriasis alba is a harmless skin condition but can be mistaken for other issues, so early identification by a doctor is key for preventing unnecessary worry and treatment.
• Ringworm: Avoiding contact with infected individuals or animals, and practicing proper sanitation, significantly reduces your risk of contracting ringworm.
• Anaphylactic Food Allergies: Proper management of anaphylactic food allergies through allergy testing, dietary modifications, and carrying epinephrine auto-injectors can greatly reduce the risk of severe reactions.
• Cholinergic Urticaria: Cholinergic urticaria, a skin reaction to temperature changes, can be effectively managed through proactive steps to prevent flare-ups and maintain overall wellness.
• Bronchitis: Early detection of bronchitis symptoms like cough and chest discomfort helps prevent its progression into more serious lung conditions, enabling timely treatment.
• Animal Allergies: Proper management of animal allergies through allergen avoidance and medication can prevent the development of asthma or other related respiratory problems.
• Candidiasis of Skin and Nails: Managing candidiasis effectively, a fungal infection of skin and nails, involves prompt medical attention to stop its spread and prevent potential secondary complications.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Serena Shaffren offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Patch Testing: Take control of your skin allergies with patch testing: it helps pinpoint the exact culprits triggering your reactions, allowing for targeted avoidance and better management.
• Allergy Drops: Take a proactive step towards better health with allergy drops; this treatment can significantly reduce the severity of your allergic symptoms.
• Antibiotic Skin Testing: Prevent a serious reaction to antibiotics with an antibiotic skin test—a quick and simple screening that helps identify potential allergies early on.
• Desensitization: Desensitization is a treatment that gradually exposes you to allergens to reduce your allergic reactions over time, helping you proactively manage your allergies.
• Lung Spirometry: Lung spirometry is a simple breath test that helps assess your lung function and can detect early signs of asthma or other breathing problems, allowing for timely intervention.
• Asthma and Immunology Care: Ensure you're breathing easy: our asthma and immunology services offer comprehensive evaluations, helping prevent severe reactions and improve your quality of life.
• Exercise-Induced Asthma (EIA) Testing: Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) testing helps determine if your breathing problems are triggered by physical activity, allowing for proactive management and prevention of asthma attacks.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Allergy & Immunology in Florida.

Dr. Serena Shaffren is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• Recognizing the subtle signs of pityriasis alba early, a patient felt reassured and avoided unnecessary concerns about more serious skin conditions, thanks to a proactive health plan with a specialist.
• By understanding the importance of hygiene and avoiding contact with potential sources, a family significantly reduced their risk of ringworm, fostering a healthier and more peaceful home environment.
• By understanding their triggers and carrying epinephrine auto-injectors, a family felt empowered to confidently navigate social situations and reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Allergy & Immunology care with Dr. Serena Shaffren:

What is an Allergist / Immunologist?

An allergist/immunologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions related to the immune system, including allergies and immunodeficiencies. They help identify triggers and develop strategies to prevent reactions, ensuring optimal health and well-being.

What can I expect during my first allergy consultation with Dr. Serena Shaffren?

Your first visit with Dr. Shaffren will be a detailed detective process, focusing on a thorough history of your symptoms, potential exposures, and family history. This may include diagnostic tests, like skin testing, to pinpoint specific triggers and create a personalized prevention plan.

What is contact dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis is a skin rash caused by direct contact with a substance. It can be irritant dermatitis, from harsh chemicals, or allergic contact dermatitis, an immune reaction to things like nickel or poison ivy. Patch testing can help identify specific chemical triggers to prevent future rashes.

What is a primary immunodeficiency?

A primary immunodeficiency (PI) is a condition where part of the body's immune system is missing or doesn't function properly, making a person more susceptible to infections. Dr. Shaffren can diagnose these rare conditions and provide treatments, like immunoglobulin therapy, to prevent infections.

What is Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)?

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic condition where a type of white blood cell builds up in the esophagus, causing inflammation and difficulty swallowing. It's often triggered by food allergies, and Dr. Shaffren works with gastroenterologists to identify the trigger foods and manage the condition.

How are chronic sinus infections related to allergies?

Chronic sinus infections are often linked to allergies because uncontrolled allergies cause chronic inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages. This swelling can block sinus drainage, increasing the risk of recurrent infections. Treating the underlying allergies is crucial for preventing chronic sinusitis.

I think I have a drug allergy. What should I do?

Stop the medication if it's safe to do so, and contact your prescribing doctor and an allergist immediately. Dr. Shaffren can help determine if it was a true drug allergy through a detailed history and, if necessary, specialized skin testing or a drug challenge to ensure future safety.

I have asthma. How can an allergist help prevent attacks?

Dr. Shaffren can help you manage your asthma by identifying and treating any underlying allergies. Many asthma attacks are triggered by allergens, and by addressing these triggers, we can significantly reduce flare-ups. Pulmonary function testing allows us to create a personalized Asthma Action Plan for proactive prevention.

601 5th St S Ste 304
Saint Petersburg FL 33701
Phone: (727) 828-6390

Dr. Serena Shaffren, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1932786118

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Allergy & Immunology like Dr. Serena Shaffren are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your allergy & immunology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.