2022 Volume 68 Issue 2 Pages 83-89
Purpose : Nasal allergies in Okinawa Prefecture reportedly have regional characteristics. We herein report the latest changes. Subjects and methods : Specific IgE antibody test results for Dermatophagoides farinae (HDM), house dust 1 (HD), cat dander, dog dander, cedar, Candida and Aspergillus from 2013 to 2021 were examined. In addition, the annual changes among elementary school students diagnosed with nasal allergy for 1993-1995, 2010-2012 and 2017-2019 were also examined. Results : A total of 186 cases of nasal allergies were analyzed. Positive findings were as follows : 88.7% for HDM, 85.5% for HD, 34.4% for cat dander, 17.7% for dog dander, 6.5% cedar, 5.3% for Candida, and 3.8% for Aspergillus. The multiple antigen-positive rates for nasal allergy were low, and the larger the mite class, the higher the multiple antigen-positive rates. Nasal allergy was seen in 8.5% of cases from 1993-1995 but increased to 17.7% and 18.4% from 2010-2012 and 2018-2020, respectively. Conclusion : The sensitization rates of HDM and HD have continued to increase. Rates of nasal allergies increased remarkably in elementary school students over time, underscoring the need to carry out educational activities in the living environment being in together with the local government. In addition, the prevalence of antibodies against cat dander is rising, making it necessary to pay close attention to future trends. Since the rate of allergy to vegetation pollen has remained low, Okinawa Prefecture seems suitable for health tourism.
