[For Seniors] Trivia Quiz & Fun Facts on Hay Fever: Learn Prevention Methods and Symptoms You Should Know

Take your medication every day even if you have no symptoms, and consult your doctor for guidance.

Hay fever medication is more effective when taken consistently rather than starting only after symptoms worsen. If you stop taking it on your own judgment—even on days when symptoms are mild or absent—your symptoms may flare up again. Therefore, it is recommended to keep taking your medication at the same time every day as directed by your doctor, and always consult your doctor about when to stop or taper the medication.

mugwort

Mugwort is a representative pollen that disperses in autumn. Mugwort is a plant in the Asteraceae family and grows abundantly in familiar places such as vacant lots and riverbanks. Since its pollen dispersal peaks from August to October, if you experience symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose from late summer to autumn, it may be mugwort pollen allergy.

About one-third to one-sixth

According to a survey by the Ministry of the Environment, wearing a mask correctly can reduce the amount of pollen you inhale to about one-third to one-sixth of what it would be without a mask. In particular, it is important to choose a mask that fits your face size perfectly and to ensure a tight seal around the nose, cheeks, and chin so that no gaps are left.

pollen corona

A pollen corona is a phenomenon in which sunlight strikes large amounts of pollen—such as cedar or cypress—scattered in the atmosphere, and the light is bent, causing multiple rainbow-like colored rings to appear around the sun. It is said to be a rare phenomenon that can only be seen on clear, windy days in early spring, especially when pollen levels are extremely high.

about 950,000 pieces

Of Japan’s forest area, artificial cedar (sugi) plantations extend to approximately 4.41 million hectares. Converted into the size of the Tokyo Dome, that’s an astounding area equivalent to about 950,000 domes.

People with hay fever are more likely to develop food allergies.

It is known that people with hay fever are prone to developing a food allergy called oral allergy syndrome, in which the mouth or throat becomes itchy or swollen after eating certain fruits and vegetables. This occurs because the allergenic components of pollen are very similar in structure to the proteins contained in fruits and vegetables, causing the body’s immune system to mistakenly react.

sleep disorder

When hay fever becomes severe, uncomfortable symptoms such as nasal congestion, a runny nose that won’t stop, and sneezing can persist through the night, potentially causing a sleep disorder that prevents you from getting a good night’s rest. Ongoing sleep deprivation can lead to daytime fatigue and reduced concentration, and in the worst cases may also result in elevated blood pressure and a weakened immune system.