Questionnaire Survey on the Effects of Asian Sand Dust on Human Health in Shimane Prefecture

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis, especially Japanese cedar pollinosis, is a major problem in Japan. Recent research has revealed that the symptoms of allergic rhinitis are aggravated after the Asian sand dust (ASD) phenomenon which tends to occur concomitantly with the pollen season in Japan. Objectives: A questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate whether ASD is recognized as a factor which affects human health, and whether people are interested in information about the ASD phenomenon. The questionnaire survey was undertaken in cooperation with otolaryngologists in the eastern area of Shimane prefecture. Results: Three hundred and seventy-seven volunteers including 288 patients with allergic rhinitis and 89 without allergic rhinitis were enrolled. Two hundred and seventy-six of the 377 volunteers (73.2%) recognized ASD as a factor which may affect human health and 150 of the 377 volunteers felt that their own health condition changed after the ASD phenomenon. As symptoms, in addition to nasal symptoms, other symptoms such as sore throat, abnormal sensation, cough and eye symptoms developed in volunteers with/without allergic rhinitis. Two hundred and ninety-seven of the 377 volunteers answered that they were interested in information about ASD, such as the relationship between allergic rhinitis and ASD. Conclusion: The results of this survey suggest that clinicians who treat allergic diseases need to collect and provide information on not only pollen but also the ASD phenomenon for patients, especially those who have allergic rhinitis, to help them to maintain a good quality of life.