Surviving Kafunsho (Hay Fever/Pollen Allergy) In Japan

Kafunsho, or hay fever, is an allergic reaction to pollen, and it affects millions of people, including those in Japan. 

During spring, the weather becomes a little dry, and the trees, grasses and weeds release their pollen which causes symptoms such as sneezing, running noses, itching of the eyes and even fatigue. This seasonal strife is known as kafunsho in Japanese. 

Read more to learn everything about kafunsho (hay fever/pollen allergy), how to make it through it, and what the best kafunsho cure is in Japan.

What Is Kafunsho (Hay Fever/Pollen Allergy)?

Kafunsho (hay fever/pollen allergy) is an allergic reaction to the pollen produced by plants, especially during the spring and autumn seasons. In Japan, the main sources are cedar and cypress trees, which produce considerable amounts of pollen. 

When people who have hay fever breathe in the air containing this pollen, their body perceives it as some form of threat, and the immune system produces histamines to deal with it. This leads to the appearance of the primary symptoms of the kafunsho disease.

Symptoms Of Kafunsho

The symptoms of kafunsho can range from mild to severe and include:

• Sneezing and runny nose
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Throat irritation
• Fatigue and headaches

For many, these symptoms can be debilitating, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life.

How To Survive Kafunsho Season

The key option for managing the symptoms is to have an effective plan for dealing with Hay fever or pollen allergy season. 

Here are some general recommendations to reduce your exposure to pollen and treat your allergies effectively.

• Monitor Pollen Levels

One can monitor the level of pollen in the environment on a daily basis in order to make adjustments. 

There are many websites and applications to find out current pollen count and it is better to minimize outside time on days with high pollen count.

• Create A Pollen-Free Environment

Although one cannot completely escape pollen, you can minimize it within the house environment. 

Use air purifiers with HEPA filters and refrain from opening doors during periods of high pollen concentrations, which are usually in the morning and late afternoon.

• Personal Protective Measures

Avoid rubbing your eyes, as you can prevent pollen from getting into your eyes by putting on a mask and sunglasses when going out. 

It is also advisable to change clothes and take a shower whenever you get indoors to reduce the chances of having the pollen stick on your hair or skin.

• Natural Remedies

Some people use natural treatments like nasal irrigations using saltwater that treats and cleans pollens out of nasal passages and consumption of honey produced in the area, taking into consideration that it can also build up a tolerance to the pollen in the area.

Effective Medicine In Japan For Kafunsho (Hay Fever/Pollen Allergy) 

There are many kinds of kafunsho medicine available in Japan that can be used to alleviate the symptoms of hay fever. 

• Antihistamines: Kafunsho (hay fever/pollen allergy) is treated primarily with antihistamines. Common drugs bought without prescription include Allegra and Claritin that assist in controlling sneezing, itching, or runny nose.
• Nasal Sprays: Some of the sprays used include Flonase and Nasonex, which are corticosteroids used to minimize inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages. These sprays work best when the pollen season is still ongoing.
• Eye Drops: For those who experience itchy and watery eyes, there are antihistamine eye drops such as Patanol and Zaditor.
• Prescription Medications: In some instances, seeking advice from a healthcare provider is advisable. They use more potent treatments, such as oral corticosteroids and allergen immunotherapy, where the patient is given small doses of pollen to accustom the body to them.
• Decongestants: Another medication that can be taken to manage the symptoms of kafunsho (hay fever/pollen allergy), especially the congestion, is decongestants. Other products, for instance, Sudafed, can also be taken to minimize inflammation of the nasal passages, and the passage of air becomes easier. 

These kafunsho medicines usually do not require a prescription, but their consumption should be regulated, especially for people who have hypertension and other related illnesses. Before taking any new drug, one should always seek the advice of a doctor.

However, if you’re a newbie in Japan, check out this guide on how to go to the doctor in Japan.

Living An Active Lifestyle Despite Kafunsho

Kafunsho (hay fever/pollen allergy) is quite a test, but don’t let it ruin your life in Japan. 

In other words, by ensuring high-quality pollen control measures, avoiding direct exposure to pollen, protecting oneself, and using potent kafunsho medicine, individuals with cedar-pollen sensitivity can effectively control their condition and also remain physically active.

And if you’re not a Japanese native stuck under the influence of Kafunsho, check out this guide on English speaking doctors in Tokyo to help you get perfect medical assistance without language being a barrier.

Wrapping Up

It isn’t uncommon for Japanese people becoming a target of Kafunsho (hay fever/pollen allergy). 

However, by avoiding outdoor activities when pollen is high, managing indoor environment, and using personalized protective measures and good kafunsho medicine, one can greatly minimize the effects of hay fever. 

So, rest assured that there is no need to sneeze away the beauty of the Japanese seasons if you know the right strategies. With One Coin English’s blogs, you can get all the information you need about getting treated from a doctor the right way!

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