Investigation of trends in patients with pollinosis by using web site and the correlation access number and Japanese cedar pollen counts]

BACKGROUND: Recently the number of patient with Japanese cedar pollinosis is increasing. We think many patients are not consulted by a doctor, therefore the questionnaire survey only at hospitals is not enough to know patient's trend. In this study, we examined the trend of patients with pollinosis by the use of a web site. METHODS: For this examination, questionnaire on web site was used from February 1 to April 30, 2003. In this time, the correlation between the pollen counts and access number, how to collect information of pollinosis and the presence of early treatment were focused. RESULTS: The access number to the web site was 348,045 and 1,612 patients answered the questionnaire. There was a good correlation between Japanese cedar pollen counts and the access number to the web site. Most patients (61.2%) collected information about pollinosis and pollen counts by television/radio as well as internet. Patients under 40 years had a medical consultation after the onset symptoms of pollinosis, on the other hand patients over 40 years had a medical consultation before the onset symptoms of pollinosis. Patients who lived in east Japan had a medical consultation before the onset of pollinosis and lived in west Japan after having symptoms. CONCLUSION: It concluded that age and area of patients influenced the patient's trends. Nowadays the spread of internet is remarkable. Therefore, the reliable presentation of information of pollinosis through internet become more important.