ASOURCE Navi

We will soon have a full-fledged hay fever season. It's a depressing season for people who are worried about pollen, but this year it overlaps with the epidemic of the Omicron strain of the new coronavirus, and the symptoms of hay fever and the Omicron strain are similar, so if you have symptoms of hay fever, Omicron There is concern that even if infected with the strain, it will be difficult to notice. For this reason, the Japanese Society of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery advises, ``Treatment of hay fever early and suppressing symptoms are effective measures against infection with the new coronavirus.''

According to Weathernews, this year's pollen count is expected to be higher in northern Japan and Hokuriku than last year, about the same in Kanto and Tokai, and lower in western Japan. It is expected that cedar pollen will peak from late February to mid-March, and cypress pollen from late March to mid-April.

Hay fever refers to allergic symptoms caused by the pollen of plants such as cedar and cypress, and it can be said to be a seasonal disease in which symptoms appear only when the pollen that causes it scatters. Typical symptoms of hay fever include not only nasal symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy feeling), but also eye symptoms (itching, tearing, hyperemia). Skin itching and fatigue may also occur. Once hay fever develops, it often develops every year, and the appearance and severity of symptoms vary from person to person.

According to the Japanese Society of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, 73% of the symptoms of infection with the Omicron strain of the new coronavirus are runny nose, 60% sneezing, and may be accompanied by malaise. It is reported to be difficult to distinguish. As a point to distinguish, experts point out that the possibility of infection with the Omicron strain is suspected if there is a strong sore throat. In addition, if a person with hay fever is infected with the new coronavirus, there is a risk that sneezing will spread many viruses around, so it is important to treat hay fever early and suppress symptoms. .

Hay fever is an allergic reaction that occurs when pollen such as cedar pollen enters the body through the mucous membrane of the nose. Humans are equipped with an immune function that attacks and eliminates harmful foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses when they enter the body. However, an allergic reaction is when the body attacks something that is normally harmless and causes harm to the body. Pollen is originally harmless to humans, but when it accumulates in the body over a long period of time, the immune system malfunctions and chemical reactions occur, causing symptoms of hay fever.

The main treatments for hay fever include symptomatic therapy, which suppresses symptoms with oral medications, eye drops, nasal drops, etc., and allergen immunotherapy (desensitization), in which the body is given small amounts of substances that cause allergic symptoms to acclimate to the body. therapy) are available. Antihistamines, which are effective for sneezing and runny nose, and anti-leukotrienes, which are effective for nasal congestion, are often used for symptomatic treatment. In addition, steroid nasal sprays, which are expected to be effective not only for nasal symptoms but also for itchy eyes, have been widely used from the early stages. Sublingual immunotherapy is available as an allergen immunotherapy specialized for cedar pollinosis. It is a therapeutic method in which a therapeutic agent containing diluted cedar pollen extract is held under the tongue for a while and then swallowed to build immunity little by little. You can expect it. However, treatment should be continued for at least 3 years.

In addition, there is a method of administering antibody drugs by injection to severely ill people who are unable to obtain sufficient effects from existing drug therapies such as oral medication, eye drops, and nasal drops, and which interfere with their daily lives, work, and studies. I have.
The development of antiallergic drugs has progressed in recent years, and treatment options are increasing, such as drugs that work 24 hours a day once a day, drugs that make it difficult to fall asleep, and patches for people who are not good at taking oral drugs. Preventive medication that starts before the pollen that causes your own allergic reaction is flying is considered to be a very effective means, so it is recommended to take measures as soon as possible.

In addition, frequent hand washing, alcohol disinfection, wearing a mask, and using glasses and goggles are also effective as measures against hay fever in the corona sickness.

・Pay attention to pollen information
・Refrain from going out when there is a lot of scattering
・When there is a lot of scattering, close the windows and doors.
・When there is a lot of pollen scattering, use a mask and glasses when going out.
・When returning home, wash your clothes and hair well before entering the room. Wash your face, gargle, and blow your nose
・Encourage cleaning
・Avoid using coats such as woolen fabrics that have a shiny surface.

2010 Health, Labor and Welfare Scientific Research Grant Immune Allergy Disease Prevention and Treatment Research Project Public Interest Incorporated Foundation
From the project of the Japan Allergy Association [For accurate treatment of hay fever (2nd edition)]