What kind of illness 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.
When you suspect hay fever, what kind of tests are performed?
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 broadly two types of hay fever treatments: "treatments to alleviate symptoms" and "treatments aimed at improving the allergy itself."
In symptomatic treatment, medications are used to suppress the action of histamine and leukotrienes that cause hay fever symptoms, as well as anti-inflammatory steroids.
Usually, oral antihistamines are used first, and eye drops or nasal sprays are used concurrently depending on the symptoms. For those with severe nasal congestion, nasal sprays are recommended, and for those with severe eye itching, eye drops are recommended. Combining these can make it easier to control symptoms.
In addition to drug therapy, it is also important to reduce contact with pollen.
Measures such as refraining from going out on days with high pollen counts, using masks and glasses, removing pollen from clothes and hair when returning home, and frequent cleaning and using air purifiers can also lead to symptom relief.
Meanwhile, allergen immunotherapy is a treatment aimed at improving allergies themselves.
This is a treatment method in which small amounts of allergens are introduced into the body, gradually acclimatizing the body.
Allergen immunotherapy can be administered through injections or by placing medication under the tongue.
Currently, sublingual immunotherapy, which can be easily continued at home, is widely performed.
Regarding sublingual immunotherapythis way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)We provide detailed information at.
What kind of pollen allergy 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 medication to control symptoms, sublingual immunotherapy
At our clinic, we aim to ease your concerns and support your health
through attentive medical care in a calm and welcoming environment.
Please feel free to stop by and consult us, even during a casual walk around the neighborhood.