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Origin and season
Dust raised in dry continental areas can travel to Japan, including Fukuoka. In Japan it is more frequent in March to May, but can occur in other seasons.
Different from pollen and PM2.5
Pollen allergy is a reaction to particular pollen. Yellow dust is not one single allergen. Some dust is fine enough to be included in PM2.5; not all PM2.5 comes from dust. Haze describes the air’s appearance.
Symptoms and assessment
Dust may irritate the eyes, nose and throat and worsen respiratory symptoms. Allergy, infection and asthma may coexist. Persistent symptoms should be assessed.
Practical precautions
Check the forecast, reduce prolonged outdoor exposure, remove dust from clothing and wash your face after returning. Use a well-fitting mask if tolerated and manage indoor air with filtration and necessary ventilation.
Safe nasal rinsing
Follow the device instructions. Use sterile or distilled water, or water that has been boiled and cooled, with the correct saline mixture. Do not use tap water directly. Clean and dry the device, do not share it, and stop if pain occurs. Ask a clinician before rinsing a child’s nose.
Children and older adults
Adjust outdoor activity and watch for changes in breathing, cough and general condition, especially in people with asthma or heart or lung disease.
Air-quality information in Fukuoka
Fukuoka forecasts and official advisories and monitoring links (Japanese). Check the place and time; forecasts and measurements are different.
When to seek care
Contact an ENT clinic for persistent nose or throat symptoms or cough. We assess the history and examine the nose and throat; tests and treatment depend on findings. Other causes, including infection and asthma, must be considered. Referral to internal or respiratory medicine may be needed.
Call 119 for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, blue lips or altered consciousness. Do not assume these are due to air pollution. Sublingual immunotherapy is not provided at this clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Is yellow dust the same as hay fever?
No. Irritation from dust and pollen allergy can overlap; symptoms alone cannot distinguish them.
Related guides
Visiting Honda ENT Clinic
Check temporary changes
| Day | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Mon / Tue / Wed / Fri | 9:00–12:30 | 15:00–18:20 |
| Saturday | 9:00–11:00 | 14:00–16:00 |
| Closed | Thursday, Sunday and public holidays | |
Reception opens 15 minutes before each session. Walk-ins are welcome for general consultations. Vaccinations may require an appointment.
Please call before visiting if you have a fever of 37.5°C or higher, a recent positive infection test, a household member with an infection, or would like infection testing. The waiting-time service is in Japanese.
Schedules can change. Check clinic news or call before travelling.
References and information management
Published by Honda ENT Clinic. Content management: Medical Director Dr. Yusuke Honda. Reference checking and editing: website administration. Updated: 18 October 2026.
General information; individual diagnosis and treatment require clinical assessment.