There are predictions that it will be a tough year for those who suffer from hay fever.

It is said that the amount of pollen flying in the air this year will be much more than in previous years. This may cause severe hay fever symptoms for those who already suffer. In addition it is possible that more people may start developing hay fever for the first time.

Pollen Forecast in 2013

Nationwide Average： 1.7 times more than 2012
From Kanto to Hokkaido: 3-7 times more (5-6 times more in Tokyo)
Kyushu and Shikoku region: average yearly amount

The quantity of pollen in the air around Tokyo is forecasted to be 5 to 6 times more than usual.
It was announced that the hay fever season has officially started on February 20^th around the Tokyo area.

What is “hay fever”? Why do so many people suffer from hay fever in Japan?

Pollenosis (commonly referred to as “hay fever”): allergic reactions triggered by pollen
Symptoms of hay fever: sneezing, runny nose, nose congestion, eye irritation

The types of pollens that trigger allergic reactions are Japanese cedar, Hinoki cypress, and pine trees pollen. Out of all of these, the most significant one is known as Japanese cedar pollen.

In Japan, many people started to suffer hay fever from cedar pollen from around 1960. Around that time, the Japanese government ordered a large number of cedar and cypress trees to be planted. These trees grew fast and were affordable materials for urban development and the post war recovery of World War II. It is assumed that the significant increase of pollens due to such efforts caused this increase in the number of people who suffer from hay fever.

Japanese cedar pollen is in the air from February through April. During this period, the number of patients who suffer from hay fever increases drastically. In Japan, it is assumed that approximately 25 million people suffer from hay fever. Sometimes it is said that not one Japanese person doesn’t know someone who is affected by it.
During this season the pollen quantity is forecasted everyday along with the weather on TV, newspaper and internet.
Expect to see many Japanese people wearing a mask between February and April.

The reason why there will be more pollen in 2013

1. The growth of Japanese cedar trees and hence pollen are effected by the climate in July and August of the previous year. Especially, the duration of sunshine, temperature and precipitation effect growth the most. The summer of 2012 was a record-breaking heat and also many sunny days in the Kanto region up to Hokkaido. Consequently, the Japanese cedar trees are very healthy this year.

2. The quantity of pollen tends to alternate every year with a lot one year, and then less the next. The amount of pollen in 2012 was less than usual, so it is predicted that there will be more this year.

Protection methods against hay fever

1. Avoid pollen

Avoid going out on the days when more pollen is predicted to be in the air.
Check >> http://weather.yahoo.co.jp/weather/jp/kafun/

The link above is the pollen forecast around Japan updated daily by Yahoo.
Although it is only in Japanese, you can check the pollen quantity by the color codes.
Blue: little
Green: some
Yellow: a lot
Orange: extremely a lot
Gray: no information

2. Prevent exposure to pollen

Glasses：　You can find glasses that avoid exposure to pollen.
Ex. http://www.meganeichiba.jp/brand/eyesaver/

Mask：　You may want to find a high-density mask that fits the face tightly. The triangular shaped ones might help you breath more easily.
Ex. http://www.unicharm.co.jp/mask/products/cold/index.html

You can find such masks at any pharmacy.

3. Moderate the symptoms by medication

Medication:  Get prescription medication

Consultation at a hospital:
Many people consult with an ear/nose/throat clinic or just a normal family doctor. Other medical institutions can be options as well such as an ophthalmologist, pediatrician, dermatologist, a clinic for allergies, etc. depending on the symptoms.

Bilingual Medical Institutes in Tokyo >> http://www.realestate-tokyo.com/info/hospital/

If you find you are developing hay fever, it is advisable to take the preventive measures above, or to go see a doctor and get professional advice and medication to help you through this difficult season.

Over-the-counter medications:
You can get these medicines at a pharmacy or drag store.

Ex.) Alegra

Ex.)  Aneton Almedi decongestant tablet

These medicines help soothing sneezing and runny nose and decongest developed due to hay fever, house dust, etc.

At our company, Plaza Homes, many employees also suffer from hay fever.
We have some measures of our own that help us through this season.

Measures against hay fever practiced by Plaza Homes employees

• Do not hang laundry outside (because pollen will be attached)
• Shake off pollen from jackets, hair, etc. before entering the house or office. Do not bring the jacket in to the bedroom or living room because it is likely to have some pollen.  Ask other family members and colleagues to do the same.
      
• Gargle and wash the eyes with eye drops when returning home. 
• Clean the A/C filters frequently
• Avoid going to areas where pollen will be flying densely but travel instead to areas with little pollen such as Okinawa or overseas.
• Use a high-spec air cleaner around the desk in the office and use it exclusively.