Of the 65 million Thai population, more than 18 million have allergies. Of this number, 10 million suffer allergic rhinitis, which is the inflammation of the nasal membrane, sneezing and runny nose. About five million others suffer from asthma.
"Allergies have long been considered a chronic disease. It is curable as long as the actual cause can be identified," said allergy and immunology specialist Dr Savitree Punyaphibarn.
Medically speaking, an allergy is a reaction of the body's immune system to something that is normally harmless. In most people, these substances -- scientifically referred to as allergens -- cause no problems. But for those allergic to them, the immune system identifies them as a threat and subsequently responds with unwanted symptoms.
According to internal medicine expert Dr Evelyn Leechawengwongs, there are roughly six types of allergies -- respiratory allergy, skin allergy, food allergy, insect stings allergy, drug allergy and anaphylaxis or severe allergy in which allergic reactions require immediate medical assistance and can be fatal.
"Allergic symptoms can also vary according to the system in the body that responds to the allergens," Dr Evelyn explained. "For example, a patient will develop an inflamed nose and eye membrane if the allergy takes place in the respiratory system. In case of a skin allergy, the common reaction is rashes."
Allergies can be hereditary, too. Generally, genetic factors are responsible for 15 to 20 allergy cases. If one parent suffers an allergy, there is a 30% chance that the child will also have an allergy. However, if both parents are diagnosed as suffering from an allergy, chances that the child will also fall prey to the disease will rise to 50%.
Allergies have been increasingly regarded as one of the most common illnesses among urbanites given allergens that are almost everywhere in the environment, both indoor and outdoor.
"Allergens that can be found inside the house are, dust mites, particles from saliva and excretion of cockroaches, pet hair and mould. Outside the house, allergies can be caused by pollen and mould," said Dr Evelyn, adding that other common allergens also include cigarette smoke, pungent odours, exhaust fumes, pollution, as well as changing weather.
These days, allergies are so common that people usually rely on antihistamines as a treatment. What many do not know is that the disease can be cured.
The bottom line is the frequency and severity of the allergic reactions, added Dr Savitree. If the symptoms occur less than four days a week or the allergic condition does not last more than four weeks, medication is likely to be able to put the allergy at bay.
"But if the allergy is more severe and is not controllable by means of medication, a specialist might consider an approach which allows the patient to not rely on drugs for the rest of his life," said Dr Savitree, also an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Dr Savitree referred to the cure for allergies as a "vaccine". But for allergy doctors to prescribe the vaccine, he or she needs to ensure if the patient is really suffering from allergies and what allergens the patient is allergic to. This is confirmed with a skin prick test.
"During the skin test, the patient's skin is exposed to a concentrated liquid of suspected allergens," explained Dr Evelyn. "If a red bump is visible in the tested area, it means the patient is allergic to certain allergy-causing substances."
The vaccine is actually the extract of what the patient is allergic to and is administered at the right dosage based on allergic reactions the patient develops after being exposed to allergens," Dr Savitree noted. "The injection might start from once a week for a period of six months. At this point, the patient is likely to develop an immunity to fight against the allergens. The allergic symptoms would apparently lessen."
Physical examination and evaluation will be carried out after six months of continuous vaccine administration. Then the dosage might be adjusted to once every two or three weeks until it is reduced to only once a month. The doctor will then maintain this dosage for three to five years until the body no longer considers the injected allergens as enemies.
According to Dr Savitree, the vaccine efficacy is up to 90%. "In most cases, the vaccine has no side effects. Pregnant and breastfeeding women can receive the vaccine but it is crucial to notify an allergy specialist of their physical conditions. For children, it is advisable that the vaccine be given to kids above the age of four, due to their ability to communicate with doctors."
"The vaccine is to help stimulate the body to have the immunity to fight the allergy," the specialist concluded.
"It gives patients a chance to permanently recover. In the long run, it helps cut the expenses caused by medication and also definitely helps improve the patient's quality of life."
A skin prick test introduces a tiny amount of allergen into the skin. A red bump in the tested area means the patient is allergic to the tested substance.
Extracted allergens used during a skin prick test.
