ศูนย์รักษาโรคหอบหืดและภูมิแพ้ โรงพยาบาลบีเอ็นเอช
ดูแลหอบหืดและภูมิแพ้ในทุกระดับความซับซ้อน
Have you ever experienced persistent sneezing, a rash that won’t go away, or uncontrollable itching? These could be signs of allergies disrupting your daily life. If left untreated, allergies can become chronic and, in some cases, life-threatening.
Allergies may be closer than you think. Asthma and allergy symptoms vary from person to person. Some people experience mild, recurring symptoms, while others face multiple symptoms at once or struggle to keep their condition under control. Appropriate care therefore requires a clear understanding of the causes and characteristics of each condition to ensure targeted treatment and reduce the risk of symptoms worsening.
In 2024, BNH Hospital, led by Professor Emeritus Prof. Emeritus Pakit Vichayanond, established BNH Asthma and Allergy Centre to provide comprehensive, systematic care for allergic conditions — from early symptoms to complex and severe diseases such as asthma, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and urticaria.
Table of Contents
Annoying Symptoms That May Be Signs of Allergies
Have you experienced any of these symptoms — restless sleep, a runny nose, snoring, itchy eyes, ear congestion, rashes, or a sore throat?
Many people experience these bothersome symptoms without realizing they may be signs of underlying allergies.
- Nasal allergies: runny nose, nasal congestion, sinusitis, sneezing, itchy nose
- Eye allergies: red, itchy, or watery eyes
- Upper respiratory allergies: frequent throat clearing, chronic coughing, postnasal drip
- Rhinitis or nasopharyngeal congestion: ear congestion, ear fullness
- Nasal congestion or drug allergies: insomnia, restless sleep, waking up feeling unrested
- Skin allergies: itching, rashes, dermatitis
- Asthma: chronic coughing, chest tightness, wheezing
If you are experiencing these symptoms but are unsure whether allergies may be the cause, you can undergo a detailed evaluation at BAAC. Our asthma and allergy specialists provide systematic, long-term care — from identifying allergens and addressing root causes to controlling symptoms and relieving persistent discomfort — with the goal of improving your quality of life every day.
Who Says Allergy Treatment Is the Same Everywhere?
At BAAC, we are a specialised centre for allergies and asthma, combining expert medical professionals with advanced treatment innovations to provide comprehensive, targeted care.
Why BAAC’s Care Is Different
- Specialised Allergy and Immunology Team
Care is provided by a highly experienced team of specialists in allergies, asthma, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and urticaria. - Comprehensive Care for All Ages
Services are available for patients of all ages — from newborns and children to adolescents, adults, and the elderly. - Detailed Diagnosis and Evaluation
Comprehensive assessments include allergy testing, inflammation evaluation, disease severity assessment, and identification of individual triggers. - Personalised Care Plans
Treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s symptoms, test results, risks, treatment goals, and lifestyle, ensuring targeted and appropriate care for individual needs. - Innovative Treatments for Complex or Difficult-to-Control Conditions
Advanced treatment options include allergy immunotherapy, oral immunotherapy for food allergies, biologic therapies, and other novel medications as medically indicated. - Continuous Care Beyond the Hospital
We extend care beyond the hospital setting through programs such as the Food Allergy Free School Program (FAFSP), helping support patient safety and continuity of care in daily life.
A Comprehensive Allergy Treatment Centre
At BAAC, we provide systematic allergy care delivered by highly experienced specialist physicians, covering a wide range of allergic conditions, including food allergies.
Food Allergies
Food is not only a basic necessity but also an important source of joy and connection in everyday life. From childhood through adulthood, food plays a role in social interaction, exploration, and new experiences. However, for people with food allergies, dietary restrictions can significantly affect daily living and may lead to acute allergic reactions such as rashes, swelling, coughing, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and, in severe cases, life-threatening reactions.
Food allergies are especially common in children. Many parents respond by completely avoiding suspected allergenic foods. However, this may lead to nutritional deficiencies and limit a child’s opportunity to enjoy a variety of foods. In reality, not all foods within the same category necessarily trigger allergic reactions. For example, a child who is allergic to shrimp heads may still be able to eat shrimp meat or other types of seafood safely.
At BAAC, we create personalised food allergy care plans designed to reduce lifestyle limitations, Minimise the risk of accidental allergen exposure, and restore confidence and enjoyment in eating.
Our Food Allergy Care Services Include
- Systematic Assessment
- ALEX Test technology: Which can analyse up to 295 allergens, allowing patients to identify the specific causes of their allergies, enabling more precise avoidance strategies and targeted treatment.
- Component Resolved Diagnosis (CRD): Advanced protein-level testing helps accurately assess allergy severity and identify specific allergenic proteins associated with reactions.
- Sustainable Treatment Approaches
- Oral Immunotherapy (OIT): Carefully supervised by physicians to gradually build tolerance to allergenic foods. This approach can reduce the severity of allergic reactions, lower the risk of accidental exposure, and in some cases, lead to long-term remission.
- Food allergies are also commonly associated with atopic dermatitis: BAAC provides individualised care strategies to help patients maintain a good quality of life throughout and after treatment.
- Close Monitoring and Safety
Oral Food Challenge testing is conducted by BAAC specialists according to international standards, with continuous monitoring throughout the immunotherapy process. - Food Allergy Care in Schools
To support continuous care for children with food allergies, BAAC works closely with schools and families. This includes education on prevention, symptom recognition, first aid, and individualised care planning. We collaborate with school nurses, teachers, administrators, food service providers, and parents to help children live safely and confidently at school.
Allergic Skin Conditions
Approximately 10% of people in Thailand experience allergic skin conditions, in which the body reacts to allergens through conditions such as atopic dermatitis and urticaria. These conditions can occur at any age, especially in infants. Symptoms may last only a few days, persist for years, or recur intermittently.
Patients often experience intense itching in affected areas, which can significantly impact daily life, including sleep quality and self-confidence. In young children, inadequate rest caused by persistent itching may also affect growth and development.
Sustainable management of allergic skin conditions requires addressing the root causes — from identifying and avoiding allergens to receiving immunotherapy to help build immune tolerance. At the same time, it is important to control rashes and hives promptly in order to break the cycle of itching, scratching, inflammation, and recurring symptoms.
At BAAC, we provide individualised treatment approaches tailored to each patient’s condition and lifestyle.
Treatment Approaches Include
- Reducing Itching and Restoring the Skin Barrier
Moisturizing therapies such as lotions, saline baths, and specialised techniques like wet wrap therapy can help soothe inflammation and relieve symptoms within a few days. - Managing Rashes and Inflammation
BAAC offers a range of advanced treatment options for allergic skin conditions, selected according to symptom severity and individual patient needs. These include biologic therapies, JAK inhibitors, and newer-generation antihistamines designed to provide faster and more effective symptom control.
Allergic Rhinitis, or Airborne Allergies
Sneezing and a runny nose can be symptoms of many conditions. However, when nasal discharge is clear and persistent, it may indicate allergic rhinitis, commonly known as an airborne allergy. This is one of the most common allergic conditions in both Thailand and worldwide, often affecting daily life, comfort, and self-confidence in social situations.
At BAAC, we provide advanced and comprehensive care for patients with allergic rhinitis through both detailed diagnosis and personalised treatment approaches.
Allergy Assessment
- Initial Evaluation: Diagnostic options include skin prick testing, blood tests such as ImmunoCAP, and macroarray blood testing that can identify multiple allergens simultaneously.
- Advanced Evaluation: For cases in which initial results are inconclusive, additional investigations such as nasal cytology and nasal challenge testing may be performed to help determine the underlying cause of symptoms.
Holistic Treatment Approaches
- General Symptom Management: Treatment may include saline nasal irrigation, intranasal corticosteroid sprays, and antihistamines to help relieve inflammation and control symptoms.
- Treatment for Moderate to Severe Allergies: For patients with more persistent or severe allergic rhinitis, BAAC offers allergy immunotherapy (allergy vaccines), available in both sublingual (SLIT) and subcutaneous (SCIT) forms. Immunotherapy can help reduce sensitivity to allergens, improve long-term symptom control, and in some cases reduce or eliminate the need for ongoing oral or nasal medications.
Sinusitis
Patients with allergic rhinitis who do not receive proper treatment may be at increased risk of developing sinus inflammation, which can lead to sinusitis. In more severe cases, chronic airway inflammation may also contribute to the development of asthma.
At BAAC, we provide a comprehensive approach to sinusitis management, including detailed diagnosis, targeted treatment, and long-term care.
- Comprehensive Assessment and Diagnosis: Evaluation begins with detailed history taking and physical examination, followed by additional investigations when indicated, such as sinus X-rays or CT scans, to accurately assess the severity and underlying causes of the condition.
- Initial Treatment: Many patients improve with proper nasal care, including saline nasal irrigation, nasal sprays, and appropriate antibiotic treatment when bacterial infection is suspected.
- Advanced Treatment for Complex Cases: For patients with persistent, severe, or complicated sinusitis, additional treatment may be required. This may include surgical intervention in selected cases. In patients with chronic sinusitis accompanied by nasal polyps, advanced treatments such as biologic therapy with Dupilumab or further surgical management may be recommended.
Adenoid Inflammation and Snoring
Children with allergic rhinitis or sinusitis may develop enlarged adenoids, a condition known as adenoid hypertrophy. Enlarged adenoids can obstruct the airway during sleep, leading to snoring and, in some cases, obstructive sleep apnea.
At BAAC, we provide comprehensive care for adenoid inflammation and related sleep-breathing problems.
Drug, Insect, Vaccine, and Other Allergies
BAAC provides comprehensive evaluation, testing, and long-term care planning for drug allergies, insect allergies, vaccine-related allergies, and other uncommon allergic conditions.
Our specialists carefully assess each patient’s symptoms, medical history, and individual risk factors to develop a personalized care plan that supports accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and ongoing safe management tailored to each patient’s needs.
Asthma
Asthma is an allergic disease affecting the lower respiratory tract, caused by increased airway sensitivity to triggers such as allergens, exercise, or viral respiratory infections. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, asthma can lead to chronic severe symptoms and, in some cases, become life-threatening. However, with effective control and appropriate care, patients can return to normal daily life with fewer exacerbations and improved lung function.
At BAAC, we provide comprehensive, personalised care for asthma patients through detailed evaluation, targeted treatment, and long-term disease management.
- Comprehensive Asthma Assessment: Assessment may include lung function testing, measurement of exhaled nitric oxide levels, and bronchial provocation testing to help physicians accurately diagnose asthma and determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on disease severity.
- Diagnosis and Management of Co-existing Conditions: Many conditions can worsen asthma control and must be treated alongside asthma itself. These include uncontrolled allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, nasal polyps, snoring or sleep apnea, acid reflux, stress, and depression. Sustainable asthma management requires addressing these contributing conditions simultaneously. However, approximately 5–10% of patients may continue to experience uncontrolled symptoms despite treatment of associated conditions and standard inhaler therapy. These patients are often classified as having severe asthma.
- Advanced Treatment for Severe Asthma: For patients with severe or difficult-to-control asthma, biologic therapies — also known as targeted therapies — may be recommended. These medications work directly on specific disease mechanisms and are designed to improve asthma control while minimising side effects. Biologic therapies are generally considered highly safe for long-term use and may help some patients achieve asthma remission. Selecting the most appropriate biologic treatment requires a detailed evaluation of the patient’s asthma phenotype, including allergy history, allergen levels, inflammatory markers, white blood cell counts, and airway inflammation patterns.
- Lifestyle Modification and Long-Term Care: In addition to medication, lifestyle modifications play an important role in asthma management. Recommendations may include maintaining healthy sleep habits, weight management, regular exercise, avoiding triggers, and smoking cessation.
Between 2024 and 2025, BAAC provided care for 602 asthma patients, achieving highly satisfactory outcomes, with symptom control successfully achieved in 95% of patients.
Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can occur suddenly within minutes after exposure to an allergen. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment and hospitalisation. Delayed treatment can become life-threatening.
Severe allergic reactions may affect one or multiple body systems simultaneously, including:
- Skin: hives, itching, eyelid swelling
- Respiratory system:coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath
- Gastrointestinal system: abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea
- Nervous system: dizziness, confusion, lightheadedness, fainting, seizures
- Cardiovascular system: low blood pressure, circulatory collapse, heart failure
Because of the potentially life-threatening nature of anaphylaxis, BAAC provides comprehensive evaluation, treatment, and long-term prevention planning to help minimize patient risk.
- Comprehensive Allergy Assessment: Diagnostic options include blood testing, which can often be performed without stopping allergy medications, skin testing, and supervised oral challenge testing. BAAC also offers the innovative ALEX Test, capable of identifying up to 295 allergens to support accurate diagnosis, prevention planning, and personalised long-term care.
- Personalised Treatment and Emergency Preparedness: BAAC provides individualised treatment planning tailored to each patient’s allergy profile and risk factors. Patients and caregivers also receive education on recognising the warning signs of severe allergic reactions and proper use of an EpiPen to ensure fast and effective emergency response when needed.
Innovative Treatments We Are Proud Of
Medical innovations play a crucial role in managing allergies. At BAAC, we utilise cutting-edge technology at every step of care, ensuring that patients receive targeted treatment tailored to their individual symptoms and needs.
Allergy Cause Investigation
- To identify allergens and triggers that may be related to symptoms, enabling doctors to better understand the root causes of the disease.
- Skin Prick Test
- ImmunoCAP Blood Test
- Macroarray Blood Tests such as the MIC Test and ALEX Test
- Oral Food Challenge Test for patients suspected of having food allergies
- Specialized tests such as Nasal Cytology and Nasal Challenge Tests for patients requiring further evaluation
Assessment of Severity, Inflammation, and Impact on the Respiratory System
- To help doctors plan more appropriate care.
- Pulmonary Function Tests
- Measurement of nitric oxide levels in exhaled breath using the FeNO Test to assess bronchial inflammation
- Bronchial Sensitivity Tests, as medically indicated
- Additional tests such as sinus X-rays or CT scans for patients suspected of having sinusitis
Personalised Treatment Based on the Characteristics of the Disease
Once the cause is identified, Individualised treatment is provided. The physician considers the severity of the disease and factors related to symptoms through test results and medical information, creating a personalised care plan that takes into account the type of disease, risk factors, safety, treatment goals, and lifestyle of each patient. This ensures targeted and comprehensive care, while allowing follow-up adjustments to the treatment plan to suit symptoms and lifestyle changes over time.
Advanced Treatment Innovations for Complex and Difficult-to-Control Allergic Diseases
- Biologic drugs for patients with asthma, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, or certain severe allergic diseases
- Allergy vaccines in both sublingual and subcutaneous injection forms (SLIT and SCIT immunotherapy)
- New drug classes such as JAK inhibitors for patients with severe or difficult-to-control symptoms
- Oral immunotherapy for food allergies
- Care and preparation for severe allergic reactions, including guidance on EpiPen use and emergency care planning for high-risk patients
Meet the BAAC Specialist Team
Prof. Emeritus Pakit Vichayanond, MD
Expert in Atopic Dermatitis and Food Allergy with over 40 years of experience
- Director of BNH Asthma and Allergy Centre (BAAC).
- A leading physician in the development of allergy patient care in Thailand.
- A pioneer in the development of a comprehensive allergy centre within the BDMS network.
Prof. Dr. Orapan Poachanukoon, MD
Allergy & Asthma Specialist with over 30 years of experience in asthma care.
- Director of Thammasat University – Center of Excellence for Asthma, Allergy and Pulmonary diseases.
- A physician behind innovations that promote equal access to asthma treatment for all Thais.
Dr. Anchalee Senavonge
Allergy and Immunology Specialist
Dr. Tachakwan Intapuntee
Allergy and Immunology Specialist
Dr. Kanlada Wongworapat
Allergy and Immunology Specialist
Misconceptions About Allergies
Allergies are common, yet many people may not realize they have them, or they may underestimate their severity, leading to improper self-care. BAAC has compiled some common misconceptions to help you better understand allergies.
Is it true that being diagnosed with a dust mite allergy means our home is unclean?
Is it true that owning a short-haired or hairless cat prevents allergies?
Is it true that frequent nasal irrigation thins the nasal lining or increases the risk of ear infections?
Is it true that if you only had mild symptoms after eating an allergenic food, the next reaction will not be severe?
Is it true that frequent use of asthma inhalers causes addiction?
Is it true that if asthma symptoms improve, you can stop using your inhaler on your own?
Is it true that long-term use of steroid nasal sprays leaves residues or causes stunted growth in children?
Is it true that allergies never improve?
If you suspect that you or someone close to you may have allergies and are managing the symptoms on your own, how can you be sure that your methods are appropriate and will not worsen the condition?
Consult the allergy medical team at BAAC to better understand allergies, manage symptoms effectively, and improve your quality of life free from bothersome allergy symptoms.
ตรวจสอบสารก่อภูมิแพ้ที่หลากหลายและเจาะลึกถึงระดับโมเลกุล
Allergy Multiplex MolecuTest (AMM) – ALEX Plus
It can detect up to 295 types of allergens at the molecular level, covering foods, plants, animal toxins, insects, furry animals, mold, yeast, dust mites, and rubber products—substances commonly responsible for allergic reactions in everyday life.
ตรวจสอบสารก่อภูมิแพ้ที่หลากหลายและเจาะลึกถึงระดับโมเลกุล
Skin Prick Test for Allergy 20 points
hy nose, itchy eyes, runny nose and frequent sneezing – could these be signs of an allergy?
This quick skin test helps identify possible allergic reactions to common allergens, such as dust mites, grass pollen and certain foods. Results are available within 15–20 minutes, using a safe and effective testing method, with guidance from an allergy specialist.
ตรวจสอบสารก่อภูมิแพ้ที่หลากหลายและเจาะลึกถึงระดับโมเลกุล
Skin Prick Test for Allergy 20 points
Avoiding certain foods but unsure if it is a true allergy?
This quick skin test helps identify possible immediate food allergies, such as wheat, egg or milk, with results available within 15–20 minutes and specialist guidance for safer daily food choices.
ตรวจสอบสารก่อภูมิแพ้ที่หลากหลายและเจาะลึกถึงระดับโมเลกุล
Allergy Test Package: 10 Common Allergens
Living with pets but experiencing allergy symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes or skin irritation affect daily life?
This skin test helps identify possible allergies to common pet-related allergens, including cats, dogs, rabbits or rodents, especially when symptoms affect daily comfort.
ตรวจสอบสารก่อภูมิแพ้ที่หลากหลายและเจาะลึกถึงระดับโมเลกุล
FENO TEST package
Allergy symptoms with chronic cough, wheezing or chest tightness may be linked to airway inflammation.
This simple breath test is quick, non-invasive and provides immediate results, with guidance from an allergy and immunology specialist.