[Investigation into the frequency of cases with Japanese cedar pollinosis among the students and staff members in our university].

Japanese cedar pollinosis, peculiar to Japan, has recently become a subject of public concern owing to the huge number of cases. Progress has been made in research on atmospheric pollen counts, consequently pollen calendars have been made and pollen forecasts are given in various parts of the country. However approach to pollinosis of this kind from physical side is not yet sufficient. In this study, the author investigated the frequency of cases with Japanese cedar pollinosis on the occasion of a periodical health examination in 892 students and 202 members of staff at our university. As a result of this study, the percentage of specific antibody carriers among the students was found to be 27.4%, and the frequency of Japanese cedar pollinosis sufferers was 12.0%, which was significantly higher than the rates found among members of staff. In addition to this, 14.7% of the students were considered to be about to become sensitized to Japanese cedar pollen, that is to say, they are "reservists" to pollinosis. Follow up investigations and preventive treatment of these cases are necessary, because they are considered very likely to become pollinosis sufferers in the future. 25.2% of the students with Japanese cedar pollinosis had asthmatic symptoms besides nasal and/or conjunctival manifestations. Accordingly it is important to examine and treat them for general allergic manifestations.