Dr Wong Yee Ming - Baby & Child Specialist

14/01/2026

The journey from a milk allergy diagnosis to drinking a glass of milk isn't a leap, it's a calculated climb.

As a Paediatrician, I see the best results when we combine Science with Strategy:

(1) The Science: We use serial IgE or Skin Prick Testing (SPT) to watch for that 'safety window.' When those levels trend down, it’s a sign the immune system is maturing.

(2) The Safety Check: For high-risk cases or those with previous severe reactions, a supervised Hospital Food Challenge is the gold standard before starting any reintroduction.

(3) The Strategy: The Milk Ladder! Starting with baked milk proteins (which are relatively less allergenic) allows the gut to build tolerance gradually.

The Result? Studies show that structured reintroduction can lead to a faster resolution of the allergy compared to strict avoidance alone.

Is your child currently 'stuck' on a step or waiting for a challenge? Let’s talk about it in the comments! 👇



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27/12/2025

Did you know "Shellfish" isn't a single allergy? 🦐🐚

While Crustaceans (like prawns and crabs) have a high cross-reactivity rate of ~75%, Molluscs are much more individual. This group includes bivalves (Clams, mussels, oysters), cephalopods (Squid, octopus), and gastropods (Snails, abalone).

The secret lies in the proteins. While they share similarities, subtle differences mean you might be allergic to one group but not another! This explains why some people can enjoy scallops but must avoid shrimp.

Safety first: Consult a doctor with allergy-expertise for specific testing to explore your options. 🩺✨

16/12/2025

Managed to summon a bigger piece of paper! 📄 After 2 years, thrilled to receive my Postgraduate Diploma in Allergy and Immunology from University College Cork (UCC).
The certificate is comically oversized than last year's A4 size, but I’m incredibly honored to have trained at University College Cork (UCC), a recognized WAO (World Allergy Organization) Center of Excellence in Allergy.

Feeling tiny next to this accomplishment. Looking forward to a busier chapter ahead, and hopefully the finale!

12/12/2025

Think all fish are equally allergenic? Perhaps not!

The main culprit is parvalbumin (PV), but its type matters:
Bony Fish (e.g., Cod, Salmon, Tuna): These contain the highly allergenic Beta-parvalbumin, the most common trigger for most (approximately 75%) fish allergies. Because of its high cross-reactivity, most people allergic to one bony fish must avoid all of them.

Cartilaginous Fish (e.g., Shark, Ray): These have Alpha-parvalbumin, which is far less allergenic. Studies show many people allergic to bony fish may actually tolerate cartilaginious fish!

Bonus Tip: White muscle (often white fish) has significantly higher PV content than the darker muscle (often blue/oily fish like tuna), making it generally more allergenic.

Always consult your allergist for personalized testing and advice before trying a "safe" fish! 🩺

02/12/2025

Spent an incredible time at APAPARI 2025 in beautiful Bali! It was truly a quick escape from the usual busy work to dive into more allergy knowledge while enjoying a much-needed getaway. (Nevertheless I was still doing some dissertation work there, unfortunately, so it's not all play)

The highlight? Catching up with my fantastic fellow Malaysian delegates, especially the awesome Prof Intan and the UPM Peds Immuno team! Also fellow allergy enthuasist Dr Fua from CT Woman and Child Clinic! Sharing laughs and insights with such brilliant, like-minded people made the whole experience jovial and unforgettable. Learning by day, exploring by evening, and coop up at night. This was a rather much needed refreshing break. Until the next adventure! Cheers!

*And no, I did not win the poster award. Was on stage for someone else who was not able to receive the prize. Congratulations

27/11/2025

We often talk about food and pollen allergies, but sometimes the trigger comes from our surroundings.

Detergents, especially when aerosolised or strongly scented, can act as external stimuli to the airway. This can irritate the lining and worsening respiratory allergies or asthma.

Similarly, v**e aerosols contain chemicals that behave like surfactants. Studies show they can damage the airway barrier, trigger inflammatory “alarmins,” and increase sensitivity to environmental allergens.

So for those with allergic rhinitis, asthma, or airway hyper-reactivity, avoiding va**ng is just as important as avoiding other known triggers. Protect the lungs, as they’re never designed for detergents or v**e chemicals.

15/11/2025

Soy milk is often considered as an alternative for infants with cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA), but is it really suitable for infants? There is a known risk of cross-reactivity, especially in younger infants, higher in non-IgE mediated cow's milk allergy than IgE mediated Cow's milk allergy. BEsides, there are concerns on phytoestrogens and the long term effects on puberty. Current evidence shows that soy formulas are generally safe, yet not the first choice in many cases. More importantly, every child’s allergy profile is different. Before introducing soy, it is best to evaluate the risks and suitability properly. Always discuss these decisions with an allergist or paediatrician who can guide the safest feeding option for your child.

31/10/2025

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is one of the leading causes of severe respiratory illness in infants under one year old and it can be frighteningly dangerous.

Complications may lead to hospitalisation, especially in young or premature babies. The good news? Malaysia now has both the maternal RSV vaccine and monoclonal antibody available. These can greatly reduce the risk of severe infection and hospital admission. While the cost may be on the higher side, it’s worth considering for your child’s protection.

It's RSV "season" whole year round in Malaysia. Early prevention saves worry, hospital stays, and sometimes, lives.

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23/10/2025

Breastfeeding offers many benefits, including protection against allergic rhinitis, and possibly atopic dermatitis and asthma. However, evidence shows that prolonged exclusive breastfeeding beyond 6 months may increase the risk of food allergy. This does not mean breastfeeding is harmful, but rather that timely introduction of complementary foods between 4 to 6 months. This is important, particularly for high-risk infants with a family history of allergies. Early and appropriate exposure to allergenic foods such as peanut or egg may help the immune system develop tolerance and reduce the likelihood of future allergies. Balanced timing remains key in allergy prevention.

06/10/2025

Wishing everyone a warm Mid-Autumn Festival! 🌕✨ Grateful for the thoughtful gifts and delicious mooncakes shared this season. As we enjoy reunion moments with family, let’s not forget to stay mindful of allergies, especially in our little ones. May your celebrations be joyful, safe, and filled with togetherness. From your friendly neighborhood Dr. Wong Yee Ming. 😊

05/10/2025

Allergy is on the rise among Malaysian children, from eczema and food allergies to allergic rhinitis and asthma. The most important risk factor? Family history. If mum, dad, or siblings have allergies, your child’s chances increase too. Early recognition and prevention can make a huge difference in their quality of life.

We now have the Malaysia Allergy Prevention (MAP) Guidelines, 2nd Edition. It's the latest reference for healthcare professionals to improve allergy care.

📘 Want a copy? Comment “MAP” below and we’ll send you the download link within the week! (Comment on the Instagram post have a faster response to download link due to automated response)

29/09/2025