Hay fever (Kafunshou)

Hay fever

While pollen levels peak at the end of March, levels can be high from around ten days before this peak at the end of March to the middle of April.

1. What is hay fever?

Hay fever is an allergy caused by the body reacting to pollen.

2. What are the symptoms?

The body tries to rid itself of pollen by either sneezing or by washing it out in the form of tears and nasal mucus. Other symptoms which can occur include inflammation, a blocked nose and itchy eyes.

3. When does pollen usually occur in the air?

Pollen from Japanese cedars, cypress and other trees is usually released in the spring while pollen from grasses is released in early summer. Midsummer to the beginning of autumn sees pollen from plants such as ragweed released before the end of the season and a drop in pollen levels.

4. What should I do if I have hay fever symptoms?

For nasal symptoms see an ear, nose and throat specialist (耳鼻咽喉科　じびいんこうか). For eye symptoms we recommend you see an ophthalmologist (眼科　がんか). Other doctors who can treat symptoms of hay fever include internal medicine specialists (内科　ないか), pediatricians (小児科　しょうにか) and allergy specialists (アレルギー科　アレルギーか).

5. What is the treatment?

There is a variety of remedies on offer for hay fever including medication, desensitization and surgical treatments. Please see your doctor for more information. Through the appropriate treatment symptoms can be somewhat relieved. We recommend that sufferers of hay fever see their physician as soon as possible before the pollen season begins.

6. Hay fever and daily life

（１）It is important to prevent inhalation of or contact with pollen:

・Wear a mask and glasses when going outside

・Wear clothing and hats which have a smooth surface

・After going outside brush your clothes down to remove pollen before washing your hands and gargling with water or mouthwash

（２）Make sure you are getting enough sleep

（3）Eat balanced meals

（4）Avoid large amounts of alcohol

（5）Reduce number of cigarettes smoked

For information about pollen levels in Mie Prefecture please use the following link:

「Mie Prefecture Pollen Information」