Appointments for hay fever (allergic rhinitis) are available exclusively at the dermatology outpatient clinic of IC Clinic Shinjuku.
“What causes hay fever?”
“What should I do if I develop hay fever?”
If you are struggling with hay fever, you are certainly not alone.
Hay fever is an allergic reaction triggered by plant pollen.
This article explains the causes of hay fever and the treatment options available. The latter half also covers over-the-counter medications that may help relieve symptoms, as well as preventive measures — please read on to the end.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is Hay Fever?
- 2 Who Is Prone to Hay Fever? Causes Explained
- 3 Does Hay Fever Cause Coughing? Symptoms Explained
- 4 How Is Hay Fever Diagnosed and Tested? Key Symptoms to Check
- 5 Treatment Options for Hay Fever
- 6 Over-the-Counter Medications for Hay Fever
- 7 How to Prevent Hay Fever
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions About Hay Fever
- 8.1 Are there foods or drinks that may help with hay fever?
- 8.2 Which medical department should I visit for hay fever?
- 9 For Hay Fever Treatment in Tokyo, Consult IC Clinic
What Is Hay Fever?
Hay fever is a type of allergic reaction caused by plant pollen, also known as “seasonal allergic rhinitis.”
It is characterized by symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. In severe cases, diarrhea and a feverish feeling may also occur.
Approximately 60 plant species in Japan are known to cause hay fever, and it is estimated that around 39% of Japanese people suffer from cedar pollen allergy.
Who Is Prone to Hay Fever? Causes Explained
The plants that cause hay fever and the seasons during which symptoms tend to appear are as follows.
| Plant | Season |
|---|---|
| Cedar (Sugi) | February – April |
| Japanese Cypress (Hinoki) | March – April |
| Grass family (Gramineae) | May – October |
| Alder (Hannoki) | January – April |
| White Birch (Shirakaba) | Late March – June |
| Ragweed (Butakusa) | August – September |
| Mugwort (Yomogi) | September – October |
| Japanese Hop (Kanamugura) | August – October |
It is considered that people who have other allergic conditions themselves, or who have family members with allergic conditions, may be more susceptible to developing hay fever.
Does Hay Fever Cause Coughing? Symptoms Explained
The main symptoms of hay fever include the following.
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy and bloodshot eyes
- Itchy throat
- Itchy skin
- Diarrhea
- Feverish feeling
In addition, allergic reactions occurring in the nasal passages can spread to the airways, which may lead to coughing.
How Is Hay Fever Diagnosed and Tested? Key Symptoms to Check
There are three main methods used to diagnose hay fever.
| Diagnostic Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Blood IgE Test | ・Measures the level of IgE antibodies in the blood ・Checks total IgE levels or IgE specific to pollen allergens ※ IgE: antibodies involved in triggering allergic reactions |
| Skin Prick Test | ・The skin surface is lightly scratched and pollen extract is applied to check for a reaction |
| Nasal Mucosa Provocation Test | ・Paper soaked in pollen extract is placed on the nasal mucosa to check for a reaction |
Other methods may include applying pollen extract as eye drops or collecting samples from the eye’s mucous membrane to assess the number of white blood cells associated with allergic reactions.
Treatment Options for Hay Fever
Hay fever treatment can be broadly divided into “symptomatic therapy,” which aims to control symptoms, and “curative therapy,” which targets the underlying cause.
The main treatment approaches are as follows.
| Treatment | Category | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacotherapy | Symptomatic therapy | ・Uses antihistamines and antileukotriene drugs ・Helps suppress the release of substances that trigger allergic reactions ・May help relieve sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion |
| Laser Treatment | Symptomatic therapy | ・The nasal mucosa is treated with laser to reduce allergic reactions ・Considered when medications are not sufficiently effective and nasal symptoms are severe |
| Immunotherapy | Curative therapy | ・Gradually introduces allergens into the body to build immune tolerance ・Treatment typically takes 2–3 years |
Traditionally, immunotherapy was administered only by injection; however, in recent years a method known as “sublingual immunotherapy” has become more widely available.
Sublingual immunotherapy involves placing medication under the tongue, waiting two minutes, and then swallowing it — a method that is free from injection-related discomfort and easy to carry out.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Hay Fever
Antihistamines are one category of over-the-counter medications that may help relieve hay fever symptoms.
They work by suppressing the release of histamine, a substance involved in triggering allergic reactions, and can help reduce sneezing and a runny nose. However, over-the-counter formulations tend to have a shorter duration of effect.
While they can provide relatively quick symptom relief, the effects do not last long, so they are best considered as a temporary measure.
How to Prevent Hay Fever
To help prevent hay fever, early treatment and the use of masks and other protective measures are important.
Starting preventive treatment before symptoms appear may help reduce the severity of symptoms even during peak pollen season.
Additionally, wearing a mask and glasses to limit pollen exposure, and removing pollen from clothing before entering the home, can also contribute to prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hay Fever
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about hay fever.
Are there foods or drinks that may help with hay fever?
Foods and drinks that may help with hay fever include the following.
| Foods | ・Yogurt ・Blue-backed fish (e.g., mackerel, sardines) ・Chocolate ・Foods rich in dietary fiber etc. |
|---|---|
| Drinks | ・Green tea ・Sweet tea (Tian cha) ・Rooibos tea ・Lactic acid bacteria beverages ・Coffee etc. |
Yogurt, which is rich in lactic acid bacteria, may help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora and support the activity of beneficial bacteria, potentially helping to moderate hypersensitive reactions associated with hay fever.
Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids found in blue-backed fish such as mackerel are known to help suppress inflammatory responses in the body, and “cacao polyphenols” found in chocolate have been shown to have anti-allergic properties — both are expected to contribute to the relief of hay fever symptoms.
Please note, however, that foods and drinks can only be expected to provide modest symptomatic relief. For proper treatment, please consult a physician.
Which medical department should I visit for hay fever?
Hay fever can be treated at an allergy outpatient clinic.
Treatment is also available at ear, nose and throat (ENT) clinics, ophthalmology clinics, and internal medicine departments.
For Hay Fever Treatment in Tokyo, Consult IC Clinic
Hay fever is a type of allergic reaction caused by pollen from plants such as cedar and cypress.
Symptoms rarely resolve on their own without treatment, and they can often interfere with concentration or contribute to feelings of irritability.
IC Clinic aims to be a welcoming clinic where patients of all ages and backgrounds feel comfortable seeking advice.
Whatever your symptoms, our team will work with you to discuss and recommend appropriate treatment options. If hay fever is a concern, please do not hesitate to reach out to IC Clinic.
Appointments for hay fever (allergic rhinitis) are available exclusively at the dermatology outpatient clinic of IC Clinic Shinjuku.
