Quick answer. Allergists (allergy and clinical immunology specialists) diagnose and treat allergic conditions — food and drug allergy, allergic rhinitis and asthma, eczema, hives and anaphylaxis — as well as some immune-system disorders, in both adults and children. The Singapore allergists below are grouped by focus. See one for recurrent, severe or unclear allergic reactions, or to confirm and manage a specific allergy.
Allergy and clinical immunology deals with conditions where the immune system over-reacts — food and drug allergies, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, eczema, hives (urticaria) and anaphylaxis — as well as some disorders of immune function. Allergists confirm triggers with testing and set up management, from avoidance and medicines to immunotherapy. Several focus on children. The directory below groups Singapore allergists by their main area of focus.
How we compiled this directory
This is an editorial directory, not a ranking or endorsement. We list Allergists practising in Singapore, grouped by area of focus, compiled from public hospital and clinic listings. Always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) register, and choose based on your needs, your GP’s referral and your insurance.
Paediatric allergy & immunology
- A/Prof Elizabeth Tham — Division of Paediatric Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Department of Paediatrics (paediatric allergy & immunology)
- Adj Asst Prof Chong Kok Wee — Department of Paediatric Medicine, Allergy Service (paediatric allergy)
- Dr Goh Si Hui — Allergy Service (paediatric allergy)
- Prof Hugo Van Bever — Division of Paediatric Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Department of Paediatrics (paediatric allergy & immunology)
- Prof Lynette Shek Pei-Chi — Division of Paediatric Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Department of Paediatrics (paediatric allergy & immunology)
Drug, food allergy & anaphylaxis
- Adj A/Prof Thong Yu Hor Bernard — Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology (drug allergy & anaphylaxis / clinical immunology)
- Dr Loh Wenyin — Allergy Service (food allergy & eczema)
Clinical immunology & general allergy
- Adj A/Prof Leong Khai Pang — Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology (clinical immunology & general allergy)
- Dr Chia Li-Ann Faith — Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology (general allergy)
Common allergic conditions
Allergists commonly manage allergic rhinitis (hay-fever-type nose and eye symptoms), asthma with an allergic trigger, food allergy, drug allergy and reactions, eczema (atopic dermatitis), urticaria (hives) and anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions). Assessment often includes a careful history plus skin-prick or blood (specific IgE) testing, and sometimes supervised challenge tests. Treatment ranges from avoidance and medication to immunotherapy (desensitisation) and, for anyone at risk of anaphylaxis, an adrenaline auto-injector and an action plan.
A key part of an allergist’s job is working out whether symptoms are genuinely allergic, since many reactions blamed on ‘allergy’ turn out to be intolerances or unrelated. Accurate diagnosis matters: it avoids unnecessary food avoidance or wrongly labelling someone as ‘penicillin-allergic’, both of which can cause harm of their own. Where a true allergy is confirmed, a clear management and emergency plan — and, for some allergies, immunotherapy — can make a real difference to daily life.
What an allergist treats, and when to see one
An allergist diagnoses and manages food and drug allergies, allergic rhinitis and asthma, eczema, chronic hives and anaphylaxis, and investigates whether symptoms are truly allergic. Testing may include skin-prick or blood tests and supervised challenges. See one for severe or recurrent allergic reactions, a suspected food or drug allergy, poorly-controlled rhinitis or hives, or a previous anaphylaxis — often after a GP, paediatrician or dermatologist referral.
What to look for when choosing an allergist in Singapore
For a child, choose a paediatric allergist; for a suspected drug allergy or previous anaphylaxis, one experienced in testing and challenges. Access to proper allergy testing and, where appropriate, immunotherapy matters. Consider whether adult or paediatric care fits, plus practicalities like cost and insurance.
Public versus private care
Public (restructured) hospitals and private clinics both have experienced Allergists. Public care is more subsidised and often the route for complex, multidisciplinary cases; private care offers more choice of doctor and shorter waits, at higher cost. Many specialists listed here work in, or trained at, the public institutions. Your GP can refer you either way.
Costs and financing
Consultations and allergy testing are charged separately; immunotherapy is a longer-term course. Public-hospital allergy clinics are subsidised and means-tested; private care costs more with shorter waits. Some testing and treatment may draw on insurance depending on your plan. Confirm current fees with the clinic.
Common questions
What does an allergist treat?
Allergic conditions such as food and drug allergy, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma with an allergic trigger, eczema, hives and anaphylaxis, plus some immune-system disorders — in adults and children. They confirm triggers with testing and set up management.
When should I see an allergist?
For severe, recurrent or unclear allergic reactions, a suspected food or drug allergy, poorly-controlled rhinitis or chronic hives, or a previous anaphylaxis. A GP, paediatrician or dermatologist often refers you.
What does allergy testing involve?
Usually a careful history plus skin-prick tests or blood (specific IgE) tests, and sometimes a supervised challenge test done under medical supervision. The right tests depend on your symptoms and suspected triggers.
Can allergies be cured?
Many are managed rather than cured — through avoidance, medicines and, for some allergies, immunotherapy (desensitisation), which can reduce sensitivity over time. Some childhood allergies are outgrown. An allergist can advise on your situation.
Should my child see a paediatric allergist?
For children, a paediatric allergist (or paediatrician with an allergy interest) is usually the right choice, as childhood food allergy, eczema and asthma are common and have age-specific management.
Related
This directory is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual. Details can change — verify registration on the SMC register and confirm specifics with the clinic. See our editorial policy.
Listed here, or want to be? If you are a doctor or clinic featured on this page and would like your entry corrected, updated or removed — or you would like to be added or featured — please reach out to us or use our contact form.