Allergy test types and prices in Bangkok
Allergy testing options at Bangkok hospitals and allergy clinics (2026):
- ▸Skin Prick Test (SPT): ฿1,500–฿4,000 for a panel of 20–40 common allergens; results in 15–20 minutes; most efficient way to identify environmental allergies; requires stopping antihistamines 3–7 days before
- ▸Total serum IgE: ฿500–฿1,000; measures overall atopic tendency; used as screening but not specific to individual allergens
- ▸Specific IgE blood test (RAST / ImmunoCAP): ฿500–฿1,500 per allergen or ฿3,000–฿8,000 for a panel of 20 allergens; no antihistamine restriction needed; useful when skin prick is not possible (severe eczema, dermatographism)
- ▸ImmunoCAP ISAC (multi-allergen component test): ฿8,000–฿15,000 — tests 112 allergen components from 51 allergen sources in one blood test; detailed molecular-level sensitisation profile; available at Bumrungrad, Samitivej, Bangkok Hospital
- ▸Patch test (contact allergen / delayed allergy): ฿2,000–฿5,000 — for skin contact allergens (nickel, fragrances, preservatives, rubber); separate from immediate IgE allergy testing; requires 3 visits over 4 days
- ▸Food elimination challenge (supervised): ฿3,000–฿8,000 — supervised oral food challenge under allergist supervision; gold standard for food allergy diagnosis
- ▸Common Bangkok panel allergens tested: house dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae), cockroach, local tree pollen (acacia, casuarina), grass pollen, mould (Aspergillus, Alternaria, Cladosporium), cat/dog dander, latex, common foods (shrimp, fish, peanut, soy, wheat)
Most common allergens in Bangkok
The main allergens affecting Bangkok residents and long-term visitors:
- ▸House dust mites: #1 cause of allergic rhinitis and asthma in Bangkok — DPT and DFT thrive in Thailand's heat and humidity; sensitisation rates in Bangkok residents are among the highest in Asia
- ▸Cockroach allergen: highly prevalent in Bangkok apartments and buildings; common cause of year-round rhinitis and asthma
- ▸Mould spores: Thailand's wet climate supports Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Alternaria — symptoms often worse in rainy season (June–October)
- ▸Tropical pollen: acacia trees, Bermuda grass, other tropical species — seasonal peaks but year-round in Bangkok
- ▸Pet dander: cat and dog allergy rates similar to Western countries; common in expat households
- ▸Latex: relevant for healthcare workers, frequent hospital patients; cross-reacts with banana, avocado, kiwi (latex-fruit syndrome)
- ▸Seafood: shrimp, prawns, and other shellfish — common in Thai cuisine; allergy is distinct from fish allergy; very common new-onset allergy for people moving to Thailand
- ▸Note: many expats who never had allergies in their home countries develop dust mite or mould allergy within 1–3 years of living in Bangkok's climate
Allergy treatment in Bangkok
Allergy treatment and immunotherapy options available at Bangkok hospitals:
- ▸Antihistamines: cetirizine, loratadine, bilastine — widely available OTC at Thai pharmacies; ฿50–฿200/month; second-generation are non-sedating
- ▸Nasal corticosteroid sprays (mometasone, fluticasone, budesonide): available OTC in Thailand; ฿100–฿400/bottle; most effective daily treatment for allergic rhinitis
- ▸Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT / desensitisation shots): subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) available at Bumrungrad, Samitivej, Praram 9, Phyathai; ฿2,000–฿4,000 per monthly injection; 3–5 year course; can achieve long-lasting remission
- ▸Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT drops or tablets): house dust mite SLIT drops — convenient at-home treatment between visits; ฿2,000–฿5,000/month; available at most allergist offices
- ▸Monoclonal antibody therapy (Dupixent / Dupilumab): for severe atopic dermatitis or eosinophilic asthma unresponsive to standard treatment; ฿20,000–฿30,000 per injection at Bangkok hospitals; cheaper than US/Australia but significant cost
- ▸Biologics (Omalizumab/Xolair for severe allergic asthma): available at Bumrungrad, Samitivej; ฿15,000–฿25,000/month
- ▸Best allergists in Bangkok: Bumrungrad International Allergy Centre, Samitivej Allergy Clinic, Bangkok Hospital Allergy Unit, Phyathai 2 (Dr. Jettanin allergy team)