Allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, hay fever

Last updated on: 20 April 2020 | Released on: 8 November 2019

Q1: What are the main points for differentiating between symptoms from a cold or other such illness, and allergies?

A1: While sneezing, a runny nose, a blocked nose, and other such symptoms are not unique to allergies, when they are a symptom of an allergy they last for a long time, and especially in the case of hay fever, severity of allergy symptoms varies depending on factors like the weather. Furthermore, in the case of a cold, the patient may develop a fever or a cough and sputum in some cases, all of which are symptoms that differ from allergic rhinitis.

A2: The number of children suffering from hay fever is increasing. According to a survey carried out in the past by Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the estimated cedar tree pollen allergy rate for 0 to 14 year olds in Tokyo increased in 2006 compared to 1996. The fact that the number of children who suffer from hay fever or other kind of allergy is in an upward trend and the amount of pollen in the air has increased compared to several decades ago are considered to be factors behind this.

A3: A method of treatment that may have the potential to completely cure cedar pollen fever is allergy immunotherapy. In fall 2014, sublingual immunotherapy became covered by the national health insurance scheme, and treatments went on sale. This form of therapy involves an extract that includes allergens being given continuously under the tongue in order to have the body absorb it and reduce the symptoms. For more information, please speak to a medical institution that provides sublingual immunotherapy.

Q4: Do the medicines that are prescribed for hay fever and rhinitis have any side effects?

A4: While some medicines may cause symptoms such as drowsiness, as long as you fully understand your doctor’s instructions and the precautions for using the medicine, and use the correct dose while making sure you use it properly, then you can consider that there will be no serious impact on your health. If you develop symptoms that concern you through your use of medicine, stop using the medicine and consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Q5: What points should I take into consideration when choosing a medical institution to treat hay fever?

A5: Medical centers that are specialized in hay fever have departments such as ENT departments and allergy departments. It is recommended that out of the medical institutions that are easy for you to get to, you choose one at which to be examined having first checked that it is able to diagnose and treat hay fever. It might also be a good idea to check whether it provides sublingual immunotherapy if you are thinking of undertaking treatment to tackle the root cause in the future.

Q6: Is it better to start taking medicine for hay fever before the start of the season in which pollen is in the air?

A6: The effects of allergy medication are gradually seen over the course of time, so it is effective to start taking it on the day on which pollen is predicted to start being present in the air (or around a week prior to this date for some medicines). Some medicines have an immediate effect, so follow your doctor’s advice and other information, and be sure to use your medicine correctly.

Q7: Other than pollen from cedar and cypress trees, are there any types of pollen that are sometimes present in large volumes in the air?

A7: While not carried over large distances like cedar and cypress pollen, pollen such as that from grass species and flowering plants in the daisy family, including common ragweed and Japanese mugwort, is present around the areas in which these things grow. Be sure to avoid such plants when they are flowering.