What kind of disease is hay fever?
Hay fever is a seasonal allergic disease caused by certain pollens.
Nasal and eye symptoms are often central, and are also called allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis, respectively.
Although there are many different pollens that can cause hay fever, it is estimated that about 70% of hay fever is caused by cedar.
Other pollen allergens such as cypress, birch, grass, and ragweed can also cause hay fever.
When these pollens enter through the nose or eyes, the body recognizes them as foreign substances and produces antibodies.
Antibodies produced by repeated exposure to pollen react and are released from cells called mast cells in the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes,
Substances such as histamine and leukotriene are secreted.
This action on the blood vessels causes them to swell and fluid in the blood to seep out, resulting in the symptoms of rhinitis and conjunctivitis.
What are the symptoms of hay fever?
Rhinitis symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion. Conjunctivitis causes itchy and bloodshot eyes.
In those with severe symptoms, respiratory symptoms such as itchy throat and cough, and systemic symptoms such as fatigue and malaise may accompany the disease.
What tests are performed when hay fever is suspected?
Hay fever is suspected when symptoms of rhinitis or conjunctivitis occur during the pollen season.
To investigate the cause more precisely, a blood test called specific IgE antibody is performed.
This is a test for the presence of antibodies called IgE to various substances that may cause allergies.
IgE is an antibody that causes allergies. Results are graded on a 7-point scale, with 2 or higher being considered positive.
However, this is because a substance that tests positive in a blood test is not necessarily the cause of the allergy,
The final decision must be based on symptoms and progress.
Other tests may be performed on the nasal discharge or on the skin to see how it reacts to a potentially causative agent.
What is the treatment for hay fever?
There are two types of treatment for hay fever: treatments to suppress symptoms and treatments to suppress the allergy itself.
Symptom-suppressing treatments include drugs that suppress the action of histamine and leukotrienes that cause hay fever symptoms, as well as drugs that suppress the action of histamine and leukotrienes,
More potent immune-suppressing steroids and other drugs are used.
Usually, histamine-suppressing oral medications are used first, and depending on the symptoms, eye drops or nasal drops may be used in combination.
Treatment to suppress the allergy itself is called allergen immunotherapy.
This is a treatment in which the body is given small doses of the allergy-causing substance and gradually acclimates to it.
It is currently the only treatment that can improve allergy itself.
Allergic substances can be administered by injection or under the tongue (sublingual administration).
While injections require frequent visits to the hospital, sublingual administration can be performed at home without pain, and is currently the mainstream method.
In addition to treatment with these medications, it is also important to avoid contact with pollen in daily life.
Specifically, pay attention to pollen reports, refrain from going out when pollen counts are high, and avoid bringing pollen into the house,
Frequent cleaning and the use of air purifiers are effective measures.
Hay fever is generally not a serious disease, but it is important to get sand and treatment if symptoms are severe or if you have other health problems.
Early and appropriate treatment can improve the quality of daily life.
What kind of hay fever tests and treatments are available at Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic?
The clinic specializes in orthopedics, internal medicine, and sports medicine and can provide a variety of tests and treatments.
The following tests and treatments for hay fever can be performed at our clinic.
Examination: Blood test
Treatment: Prescription of medicines to suppress symptoms, allergen immunotherapy
At our clinic, we provide careful care and a peaceful environment,
We are committed to alleviating your concerns and supporting the improvement of your health.
Please feel free to take a walk and consult with us at our clinic.