Hay Fever Treatment | Dermatology Outpatient Clinic

✅ Do any of these symptoms sound familiar?
🤧 Non-stop sneezing and runny nose
👀 Eye itching that makes it impossible to concentrate
😴 Nasal congestion so severe you can’t sleep at night

⚠️ Left untreated…
❌ Work and study productivity may drop by 30% or more
❌ Sleep deprivation can weaken your immune system — making symptoms worse
❌ Risk of complications such as sinusitis or asthma

💡 By reading this article, you will…
✨ Learn ways to help significantly reduce your symptoms
✨ Discover treatment options that may suit you
✨ Be better prepared for a more comfortable spring this year

😷 “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.

🌼 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.

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.

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.

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.

Hay fever symptoms may be reduced even during peak pollen season by starting preventive treatment before symptoms appear.

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.

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.

🧬 Understanding the Mechanisms Behind Hay Fever

🔬 The Body’s Internal Process in Hay Fever

Hay fever begins when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies pollen as a harmful foreign substance. Upon first exposure to pollen, the immune system produces specialised antibodies called IgE antibodies, which bind to cells known as mast cells and remain in a standby state.

When the same pollen is encountered again, the IgE antibodies recognise it, causing mast cells to release large amounts of chemical substances such as histamine and leukotrienes. These substances dilate blood vessels and trigger inflammation, producing the typical hay fever symptoms of a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

⚡ The Sensitisation Process in Hay Fever

A process called “sensitisation” plays a key role in the development of hay fever. Sensitisation refers to the body becoming hypersensitive to a specific allergen. In the case of hay fever, repeated exposure to pollen from childhood through adolescence advances sensitisation, which eventually manifests as symptoms at a certain point.

Recent research has highlighted urban air pollution and changes in living environments as factors that may accelerate sensitisation. In particular, diesel exhaust particles are known to bind with pollen and amplify allergic reactions, and this is considered one reason for the increasing number of hay fever sufferers in urban areas.

👶👨👴 Hay Fever Management by Age Group and Life Stage

👶 Hay Fever Management for Infants and Toddlers (Ages 0–3)

Hay fever is relatively uncommon in very young children, but extra care is advisable if there is a family history of allergic conditions. Key considerations at this stage include:

🏠 Environmental Measures

• 👕 Always dry laundry indoors
• 💨 Use an air purifier (a model with a HEPA filter is recommended)
• 🛁 Change clothes and bathe after returning home
• 🚼 Use the pram hood to minimise pollen contact

👀 Recognising Symptoms
As very young children cannot express symptoms in words, watch for the following signs:

• 👃 Frequently touching or rubbing the nose
• 😢 Persistent irritability
• 🍼 Poor appetite
• 😴 Disrupted sleep quality

🎒 Hay Fever Management for School-Age Children (Ages 4–12)

School age is a period when hay fever onset becomes more common. Measures to minimise the impact on school life are important.

🏫 Measures at School

• 👨‍🏫 Inform the class teacher about symptoms and request understanding
• 😷 Wear a mask at all times (obtain permission from the school)
• 💧 Carry eye drops and teach the child how to use them correctly
• ⚽ Discuss adjustments to physical education lessons

📚 Addressing the Impact on Learning
Hay fever symptoms can significantly affect learning ability. To help prevent a decline in concentration:

• 💊 When selecting antihistamines, choose formulations with less tendency to cause drowsiness
• 💧 Make nasal rinsing a regular habit
• 🌙 Ensure adequate sleep

💼 Hay Fever Management for Adults

In adulthood, the impact on work and social activities becomes more significant. Managing symptoms to maintain quality of daily life is important.

🏢 Measures in the Workplace

• 🚃 Check pollen forecasts during commuting hours
• 💨 Improve the office environment (use humidifiers and air purifiers)
• 📊 Adjust medication before meetings or important tasks
• 🏠 Make use of remote working arrangements (where possible)

⏰ Adjusting Daily Routines

• 🌅 Avoid going out in the early morning and evening (times when pollen dispersal is highest)
• 🏃 Switch to indoor exercise
• 🍽️ Incorporate dietary approaches alongside other measures

🤰 Hay Fever Management During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the range of medications that can be used is limited, making non-pharmacological approaches particularly important.

🤰 Points to Note During Pregnancy

• ⚠️ The medications that can be used during pregnancy are restricted
• 💧 Nasal sprays and eye drops are considered relatively safe
• 👨‍⚕️ Regarding oral medications, always consult your obstetrician/gynaecologist first

🍼 Measures During Breastfeeding

• 💊 Select antihistamines with a well-established safety profile
• 💧 Make active use of nasal rinsing and saline nasal sprays
• 🏠 Thoroughly improve the indoor environment

👴 Hay Fever Management for Older Adults

In older adults, attention must be paid to comorbid conditions and potential drug interactions.

⚠️ Special Considerations

• 💊 Check for interactions with existing medications
• 👨 Men with benign prostatic hyperplasia should be aware that certain antihistamines require caution
• 🧠 Select medications with consideration of potential effects on cognitive function
• ⚠️ Avoid medications with a strong sedative effect that may increase the risk of falls

🌲🌳🌾 Detailed Management Strategies by Pollen Type

🌲 Managing Cedar (Sugi) Pollen Allergy

Cedar pollen is the most representative cause of hay fever in Japan, and is characterised by its long dispersal range and widespread impact.

📊 Characteristics of Cedar Pollen

• 📅 Dispersal period: Late February to late April
• 📈 Peak: Mid to late March
• 🔬 Particle size: approximately 30 µm
• 🌪️ Dispersal range: can extend to several hundred kilometres

💡 Cedar Pollen–Specific Measures

• 📅 Begin preventive treatment from early February
• ☀️ Avoid going outdoors on sunny afternoons
• 🌧️ Take extra care the day after rain (pollen dispersal surges)
• 💊 Sublingual immunotherapy is particularly considered for cedar pollen allergy

🌳 Managing Japanese Cypress (Hinoki) Pollen Allergy

Japanese cypress pollen frequently shows cross-reactivity with cedar pollen, and it is estimated that approximately 70% of cedar pollen allergy sufferers also react to cypress pollen.

📊 Characteristics of Cypress Pollen

• 📅 Dispersal period: Mid-March to early May
• 📈 Peak: Early to mid-April
• 🔬 Slightly smaller particles than cedar pollen
• ⚠️ May trigger stronger allergic reactions

💡 Cypress Pollen–Specific Measures

• ⚠️ Remain vigilant even after cedar pollen season ends
• 🎌 Take particular care during the Golden Week holiday period in April
• ⛰️ When travelling to mountainous areas, reinforce preventive medication in advance

🌾 Managing Grass Family (Gramineae) Pollen Allergy

Grass family plants are common in everyday surroundings and are characterised by releasing pollen over an extended period.

📊 Characteristics of Grass Family Pollen

• 📅 Dispersal period: May to October
• 🌿 Multiple plant species release pollen at staggered times
• 📍 Dispersal range is relatively short
• ✂️ Mowing and lawn cutting can worsen symptoms

💡 Grass Family Pollen–Specific Measures

• 🏞️ Take care when spending time along riverbanks or in parks
• ✂️ Wear full protective gear when mowing
• 🏃 Avoid early-morning jogging or walking

🌻 Managing Ragweed (Butakusa) and Mugwort (Yomogi) Pollen Allergy

These plants are the main causes of autumn hay fever.

📊 Characteristics of Autumn Pollen

• 📅 Dispersal period: August to October
• 🌿 Grow wild in vacant lots and roadsides
• 🌅 Dispersal is highest in the morning
• 🌀 Strong winds such as typhoons can cause a sudden surge in pollen dispersal

💡 Autumn Pollen–Specific Measures

• ⚠️ Avoid vacant lots and riverbeds
• 🌀 Wear full protective gear when going out before and after typhoons
• 🍁 Prepare in advance for outdoor activities during the autumn leisure season

🏠 Practical Hay Fever Management in Daily Life

🏡 Managing Pollen in the Home Environment

🪟 Tips for Ventilating Your Home
Ventilation is necessary, but there are ways to minimise pollen entering your home:

• 🌅 Open windows only in the early morning or late at night
• 📏 Keep windows open no more than 10 cm
• 🛡️ Fit pollen-blocking filters to window screens
• ⏱️ Keep ventilation time to within 5 minutes

🧹 Effective Cleaning Methods
Pollen accumulates on floors, so appropriate cleaning is important:

• 🌅 Vacuum first thing in the morning (before pollen is disturbed into the air)
• 💧 Follow up with damp mopping
• ✨ Hard flooring is preferable to carpets
• 🛏️ Vacuum futons regularly (using a dedicated attachment)

🛏️ Improving the Bedroom Environment
Quality sleep is important for reducing hay fever symptoms:

• 🚫 Completely prevent pollen from being brought into the bedroom
• 💧 Maintain appropriate humidity (50–60%) with a humidifier
• 💨 Run an air purifier 24 hours a day
• 🛏️ Change pillowcases daily

🚶 Managing Pollen When Going Out

😷 Choosing and Using a Mask Effectively

• ✅ Choose a non-woven fabric mask (fabric masks allow pollen to pass through more easily)
• 📐 Select a size that fits snugly to your face
• 🗑️ Use disposable masks as standard
• 🛡️ Place a thin layer of gauze on the inside of the mask as a double layer of protection

👔 Choosing Your Clothing
It is important to wear clothing that pollen is less likely to cling to and easier to remove from:

• ✨ Choose fabrics with a smooth surface (e.g. polyester, nylon)
• ❌ Avoid wool and cotton materials
• 🎩 Wear a hat to prevent pollen from settling in your hair
• 👖 Wear long sleeves and long trousers to minimise exposed skin

🏠 Returning Home Routine

• 👋 Brush down your clothing before entering
• 🧼 Wash your hands, gargle, and wash your face thoroughly
• 🚿 Change clothes and shower if possible
• 👕 Store outdoor clothing near the entrance

🍽️ Dietary Approaches for Hay Fever Management

🔥 Making Use of Anti-Inflammatory Foods

🐟 Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• 🐟 Blue-backed fish such as mackerel, sardines, and Pacific saury
• 🌾 Flaxseed oil, perilla oil
• 🥜 Nuts such as walnuts and almonds
• ✅ Recommended intake: fish dishes at least three times a week

🍇 Actively Consuming Polyphenols

• 🍵 Catechins from green tea: 3 or more cups per day recommended
• 🫐 Anthocyanins from blueberries
• 🍷 Resveratrol from red wine (in moderate amounts)
• 🍫 Cacao polyphenols from cocoa

🦠 Improving Gut Health Through Fermented Foods
It is known that gut health and allergic reactions are closely linked:

• 🥛 Fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi, and natto
• 🔬 In particular, “L-92 lactic acid bacteria” and “Bifidobacterium BB536” have been reported to have effects on hay fever
• 📅 Continued consumption (for a minimum of 3 months) is important

❌ Foods to Avoid
Some foods may worsen hay fever symptoms:

• 🍺 Alcohol (vasodilation can worsen symptoms)
• 🌶️ Excessive consumption of spicy foods
• ⚠️ Heavily processed foods with many additives
• 🍅 Fruits that may cause cross-reactions (in the case of cedar pollen allergy: tomatoes, melon, etc.)

⚠️ Dietary changes alone are not enough!
Foods and drinks are only a supportive measure for symptom relief.
Proper treatment requires consultation with a specialist physician.
If your symptoms are causing you distress, please consult a doctor first.

※ This article provides a comprehensive overview of hay fever management, from practical day-to-day measures to the latest treatment options.
Find the approach that works for you and take back the comfort of daily life!