Writer:Hibiki K
Editor: Himia T.
Translator: Hanae F.
Life in Japan
Every year in Japan, large amounts of pollen from cedar and cypress trees spread through the air, causing many people to suffer from seasonal allergies such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes. These symptoms not only reduce daily comfort, but can also negatively affect concentration and work performance. This article contains practical prevention methods and coping strategies that readers can easily start using today, offering tips to help make the difficult allergy season a little more comfortable.
Allergy Causes
Cedar and cypress trees release large amounts of pollen in the spring and are the most common causes of hay fever in Japan. Meanwhile, ragweed, mugwort, and pampas grass are weed pollens that spread from summer to autumn, with ragweed being especially well known for causing strong allergic reactions. All of these plants are “wind pollinated”, meaning their pollen spreads widely through the air. Because different types of pollen are released in different seasons, many people experience allergy symptoms over a long period of time.
Dealing with Allergies
- When Outside
To reduce symptoms caused by pollen, taking precautions when going outside is very important. Properly wearing a mask and choosing one designed to block pollen can greatly reduce the amount you inhale. In addition, using anti pollen glasses can help prevent itchy or red eyes. These glasses can be purchased at eyewear shops such as Zoff. Avoiding going outside during times when pollen levels are especially high can also help prevent symptoms from getting worse.
- When Returning Home and Indoors
To reduce symptoms caused by pollen, it is important to take care after returning home and to create a clean indoor environment. First, brush off any pollen attached to your clothes at the entrance before coming inside, and wash your face and hair to remove any pollen remaining on your skin or hair. When indoors, ventilating the room during times when pollen levels are lower and using an air purifier together can effectively reduce the amount of pollen in the air.
- Managing Allergies with Medication
To reduce the symptoms of hay fever, it is important to combine medical treatments with improvements in your daily habits. First, starting medication before the pollen season begins, known as early treatment, can effectively prevent symptoms from appearing or becoming more severe. After symptoms develop, choosing medication based on the specific symptoms can help reduce discomfort. For example, antihistamines are commonly used for sneezing and runny noses, steroid nasal sprays for nasal congestion, and eye drops for itchy eyes. In addition, immunotherapy is another option for those seeking a more long-term improvement. Furthermore, getting enough sleep, maintaining good nutrition, and avoiding smoking can help reduce the body’s inflammatory response and make symptoms less likely to worsen.
Clinics with Allergy Departments Near the Ikebukuro Campus
- Ikebukuro Otani Clinic
Address: 1-39-4 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
- Clinic for ikebukuro
Address: 2F, Aburaki Daiichi Building, 1-27-10 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
- Kitagawa Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology
Address: 2-12-9 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3971-5521
- Ikebukuro Nanairo Clinic
Address: 6F, Shinto Daiichi Building, 1-16-10 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
English speaking support:
- Shinbashi International Health Care Clinic
Address：3F, Sueyoshi Building, 2-10-5 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Lastly
To effectively manage seasonal allergies, it is important to first check the pollen forecast calendar for your area and understand when pollen levels are expected to peak. Based on this information, preparing medication in advance and starting early treatment before the pollen season begins can help prevent symptoms from becoming severe. In addition, daily measures such as brushing pollen off before entering your home, washing your face and hair, improving indoor ventilation, and using an air purifier are also essential. If your symptoms are severe or if you are unsure about the best way to manage them, consulting an ear, nose, and throat specialist or an allergy specialist can provide reassurance and help you receive treatment that suits your condition.
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