Doctor's Insight

Since the latter half of the 20th century, the number of allergy patients has been increasing rapidly, especially in developed countries. In Japan, a country known for its high prevalence of allergies, one in two people is said to have some form of allergy. Recent studies have shown that the rise in the number of food allergy cases in adults are linked to the increase in hay fever. The symptoms include swelling and itching in the mouth and throat. Find out the mechanisms of food allergy in adults and how to prevent it.

Food allergies can cause anaphylaxis, a condition in which multiple allergic symptoms occur simultaneously. But did you know that it can occur even without consuming food through your mouth? Immune cells can overreact when the causative food is repeatedly exposed to the face or hands. This episode features anaphylaxis, a condition which sushi and soba chefs are found to be at a higher risk of. Also find out how wheat, latex gloves and other everyday items can cause anaphylaxis and how to use adrenaline auto-injectors in an emergency.

It is well known that obesity increases the risk of lifestyle diseases. And in recent years, it has also been found to increase the risk of developing allergies. In particular, obesity worsens the symptoms of asthma, a condition that causes the airway to narrow making it difficult to breathe. A BMI over 25 greatly increases the prevalence of asthma as well as refractory asthma in adults. Women especially need to be careful as they are at higher risk. Find out the how obesity affects asthma and what you can do about it.

To help identify your food allergies, doctors perform a blood test which measures the amount and the type of IgE antibodies. A Japanese researcher played a major role in the discovery of the IgE antibody in 1966. This discovery led to the rapid advancement in allergy research and treatment. Find out the methods for diagnosing food allergies including the prick test and oral food challenge. Also discover how a smartphone can be used to improve communication with your doctor during your next visit.

The number of colorectal cancer patients is increasing worldwide with 1.8 million new cases in 2018. Compared to 2002, the number of new patients is 1.7 times higher. Most colorectal cancer patients can be cured with early detection and treatment and the key is to increase the screening rate. In this episode, we will introduce the features of the fecal occult blood test and endoscopy. Find out how to get tested and learn about the pitfalls of having an "it won't happen to me" attitude.

Japan is considered to be a pioneer in the field of endoscopy as 90% of colonoscopes used around the world are made in Japan. Although endoscopies are critical for colorectal cancer screening, 30% of Japanese who need to be screened do not undergo the procedure. Now, it's becoming easier than ever to get an endoscopy. Endoscopes have thinner tubes and laxatives not only taste better but patients are required to drink less of it. We'll introduce the latest system using AI that assists doctors with diagnosis. Also find out why it's important to get an endoscopy for colorectal cancer screening and treatment.

Drugs are used to treat advanced colorectal cancer as it cannot be removed with surgery. The development of drugs has been remarkable in recent years. 25 years ago, there were only 2 types of drugs for treating colorectal cancer, but now there are 22 types. Specifically, it has become possible to analyze cancer at the genetic level and choose the most appropriate drug according to the type of cancer. Find out how molecular-targeted drugs help patients live much longer and drastically reduce serious side effects that require hospitalization.

Japan's National Cancer Center has released a list of risk assessment data on lifestyle habits that prevent colorectal cancer. According to the data, smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity increase the risk, while exercise and intake of dietary fiber, calcium and unsaturated fatty acids are effective in preventing the disease. Find out what lifestyle habits you should adopt or change in order to prevent and minimize your risk of colorectal cancer.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which immune cells, that normally work to protect our body, mistakenly attack healthy cells in our joints. They can cause pain and joint deformities. In Europe and the United States, the number of new cases of rheumatoid arthritis is increasing, affecting 1 in every 100 to 200 people each year. In Japan, 80% of all patients are women and the onset age is surprisingly young, peaking in the 40s. The cause of the disease is still unclear and it is difficult to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis in its early stages. What are the signs to look out for and when should you see a doctor? Find out some tips that can help lead to the early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that is difficult to cure completely. The treatment goal for patients is to achieve remission by taking therapeutic drugs. Therapeutic drugs have advanced considerably, and the remission rate in Japan has improved over the years, now standing at 61%. In particular, the development of the anti-rheumatic drug "methotrexate" and the launch of biologics have been particularly effective. Currently, 90% of rheumatoid arthritis patients are reported to be satisfied with their medication. How do the drugs work? What are the side effects? Find out the latest on drug treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

As rheumatoid arthritis progresses, it can lead to deformities in large joints such as the knee and hip joints. In severe cases, surgery becomes one of the treatment options. They include tendon repair and artificial joint replacement surgery. Advancements have been made in the quality of artificial joints and surgery. In particular, robotic-assisted surgery has helped improve precision, bringing the margin of error down to 1mm and 1-degree angle. Other advantages include the fact that surgeons do not need to cut the cruciate ligaments during surgery. Find out the latest advances in the surgical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Every year, the number of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is increasing worldwide. However, the cause of the disease is still unknown and anyone can be affected by it. In this episode, find out how to ease pressure on your joints in your daily life as well as tips on rehabilitation. Also discover some of the latest assistive devices including bottle openers, doorknob turners and nail clippers that do the job without twisting your wrists. We'll focus on ways to help make living with rheumatoid arthritis easier.

Periodontal disease or gum disease is called a "silent disease" because you typically don't experience any noticeable symptoms. As there is no pain, it could lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Gum disease is caused by an infection and it is recognized as a big problem worldwide. In recent years, it has also been found to affect the entire body, causing or aggravating various diseases such as diabetes, stroke and heart attack. Find out the methods for preventing gum disease through at-home care such as proper brushing and getting dental checkups.

In preventive dentistry, the idea is to visit the dentist for a checkup before problems arise rather than to treat dental problems after they occur. Dental checkups not only include tests for gum disease and cavities, but also involves cleaning and getting advice on brushing. In this episode, find out the latest testing equipment developed in Japan including the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) used for diagnosing early stages of tooth decay and a saliva test that can determine the condition of your gum disease and tooth decay.

Plaque, the cause of gum disease and tooth decay can harden into tartar. Generally, it is said that if you can remove more than 80% of plaque with oral care, you can reduce the risk of gum disease. It is difficult to achieve this rate with only a toothbrush and experts recommend combining it with cleaning tools such as interdental brushes or dental floss. In this episode, an expert will give tips on how to properly brush your teeth and show you how to use other dental cleaning tools for at-home care.