Asthma - Could I live in Japan?

Hiya,

I've dreamed of living in japan since I was a child. I'm now getting to the age where I am able to move to japan, and start a life. Before I start applying for visas etc . . . would I be able to live in japan comfortably with my asthma.

The things which can trigger my asthma are:
pollen (doesn't really effect my asthma though)
Dust mites (same as the pollen really)
cats
Colds (flu)

I can generally go for months without showing a symptom however I sometimes experience an odd week where my asthma flares up for no particular reason.

Any advice?

regards,
Jjp

It very much depends where in Japan, but the Tokyo area is notorious for hayfever in spring because of the sugi (Japanese cedar) pollen that blows towards the city. Do all pollens affect you, or just some? It's likely you wouldn't have been exposed to that pollen before, so you might not be sensitive to it.

As for dust, older tatami are often full of dust mites and can trigger allergies- I am pretty allergic to dust mites and went through many packs of tissues when I lived in an older Japanese house. You would probably want to live in a newer building without tatami, and you would have to make sure you aired your futon very regularly.

Cats tend to live inside in the cities, and because apartments are small and often rented, not so many people have them. You probably won't have much contact with cats.

As for colds, it's the same here as in any country- there are cold viruses around and people catch them. Trains are often crowded in the cities, so it can be easy to catch them, but even so I only get one or two at the most in a year.

One thing that is very common to see in Japan is people wearing what look like surgical masks- during the hayfever season or in winter when many people have colds you will see lots of people wearing masks- I'm not sure if this is possible for you, having asthma, but it could help you with the above problems.

I too have severe asthma and in the past had problems with flare-up while visiting Japan during any season of the year (like you I can get a flare-up anytime of the year). But with recent advances in asthma medications my last 2 visits (in four years) have been symptom free and I traveled the lenght of Japan.

To see if you have the most up-to-date information and protocols for your type of asthma-see an allergy and asthma specialist. If your asthma is controlled in your orginal country-it should be in Japan as well, except in highly industrial areas where the air quality might be bad.

Good luck! Never will know unless you try.