Allergy Clinic
An allergy occurs when the immune system is hypersensitive to an innocuous substance, leading to heightened reactions and allergic symptoms. Factors that contribute to an allergy include genetics, environment, nutrition, and lifestyle. An allergy is not infectious. Allergy symptoms may vary from person to person, ranging from coughing to runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy and swollen eyes, hives, allergic eczema, vomiting, and diarrhea. Allergy patients may experience one allergic symptom in one organ system or a combination of symptoms in multiple systems. Some may experience anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction. Patients can go into shock, become unconscious, or even die.
Currently, there is a global trend of increasing prevalence of allergies. Statistics reveal that among every 100 Thai individuals, 4 to 5 adults and eight children are affected by food allergies. Additionally, in the past two decades, there has been a threefold increase in asthma cases, with the majority occurring in children rather than adults. Moreover, over 80% of asthma patients experience concomitant symptoms of allergic rhinitis. The causes of these conditions are due to external factors that are challenging to control, such as pollutants and airborne particulate matter.
The rising allergy prevalence in Thailand and globally underscores the critical importance of initiating appropriate treatment from the onset of symptoms, which is especially crucial for allergies in infants under one year old. Timely and accurate treatment can help prevent the progression towards the "Allergic March" or the development of multi-system allergies and multiple symptoms, a significant challenge that complicates the treatment of allergies. Therefore, if you or your family members are affected by allergies, seeking prompt medical attention from experienced allergy specialists is advisable. They can identify the root causes, diagnose the condition, and provide targeted treatment, addressing the allergy at its source.
The Allergy Clinic at MedPark Hospital provides specialized medical care and treatment for patients with allergies and immune-related disorders. Our team of experienced allergists and immunologists is proficient in investigating the causes of allergic symptoms from various factors. We offer comprehensive care for patients with allergies, encompassing short-term, medium-term, and long-term health perspectives.
Equipped with expertise in diagnosing the root causes of allergies and autoimmune diseases, our interdisciplinary team collaborates efficiently with medical professionals and related specialists. We excel in identifying the underlying causes of allergic conditions, ensuring a genuine understanding of the triggers. This knowledge is then applied to tailor treatment plans that suit the unique allergic profiles of individual patients.
Furthermore, our allergists at MedPark Hospital provide ongoing monitoring of symptoms, imparting knowledge and understanding for self-care. They offer guidance on avoiding triggering factors that have the potential to cause symptoms in other systems. Our focus extends beyond symptom-relief medication, emphasizing the importance of selecting the most beneficial approach to allergy treatment. We prioritize environmental adjustments, nutritional considerations, and lifestyle modifications to enhance the likelihood of achieving a lasting resolution for allergies without relying solely on medication. This approach aims to reduce the probability of future recurrences.
Why the Allergy Clinic at MedPark Hospital?
- Providing diagnosis and treatment for allergies and immune-related disorders of all types, our specialized allergists/immunologists team, well-trained abroad, collaborates with specialists in related fields, such as pediatricians and gastroenterologists, ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
- Offering detailed consultations and family medical history assessments, we focus on understanding the patient's underlying sensitivities. Paying attention to small but crucial details that may provide clues to allergic reactions, enhance the precision of diagnosis, and tailor treatment plans for various stages, as allergies can result from multiple factors related to the immune system. Thus, we emphasize addressing the root causes as the primary approach, especially for chronic allergy patients and those with compromised immune systems, contributing to an improved quality of life.
- Employing state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques with diverse options, we aim for treatment outcomes that extend up to five years. Examples include skin prick tests for allergies, a non-invasive method involving the topical allergen drop and needle scratch (less intimidating and painful than injections), and blood tests that provide insights into potential causes.
- Our ISO 15189 and ISO 15190 certified clinical laboratory ensures high test standards. The fully automated lab system provides rapid and accurate analysis, significantly reducing lab turnaround times, which aids doctors in obtaining in-depth patient information and efficiently diagnosing the underlying causes of the disorders.
- Allergists at MedPark Hospital adopt an internal-focused approach to treatment and recovery. By delving deep into the root of the problem and addressing it directly, we minimize reliance on symptom-relief medication. Since each patient has different genetics, lifestyles, and growth backgrounds influencing their immune systems and factors leading to allergies, we believe in individualized treatment plans. While current allergy medications, including oral and nasal forms, have been developed for safe use, even in children, our emphasis remains on behavioral adjustments, nutrition, and environmental considerations. This approach aims to reduce stimuli that trigger allergic reactions, empowering patients to self-manage effectively and lead lives as close to normal as possible. Additionally, we recommend preventive vaccines for various allergies from childhood through adolescence to adulthood. However, vaccination is advised selectively based on medical necessity.
Diseases and conditions
- Respiratory allergies, including chronic cough, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis.
- Skin allergies, including rashes, hives, eczema, and psoriasis.
- Eye allergies include itchy eyes, swollen eyes, allergic conjunctivitis, and allergic blepharitis.
- Anaphylaxis
- Asthma
- Immunodeficiency
- Immune system disorders
- Chronic flu-like symptoms
- Food and drug allergies, such as egg allergy, cow’s milk allergy, gluten allergy, peanut allergy, favism, soy allergy, shellfish allergy, and wheat allergy.
- Cosmetic allergies
- Allergic rhinitis
- Chemical allergy
- Latex allergy
- Insect allergies
Tests and procedures
- Allergy consultation, providing recommendations for allergy relieves, foods to eat, and avoid
- Advice on how to take allergy and asthma medications
- Pulmonary functioning test
- Skin prick test
- Food allergy test with allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) test
- Intradermal tests for suspected drug allergies
- Allergy vaccination, such as vaccines for cat dander allergy and house dust mite allergy
Specialties
· Treating allergies and immune system abnormalities at their roots is crucial since various types of allergies and immune-related disorders result from multiple factors. Addressing the root cause allows for the targeted alleviation of symptoms, reducing the incidence of illnesses and improving overall health. Patients can lead a more normal life and enjoy an enhanced quality of life without long-term reliance on symptom-relief medications.
