Market Trends of Japan Respiratory Devices Industry
Inhalers Segment is Expected to Witness Strong Growth Over the Forecast Period
An inhaler is a device used to deliver medication to the lungs and airways. It is mainly used to treat or prevent respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cystic fibrosis. Inhalers are medications that are inhaled through the mouth and into the lungs, which helps to relax the muscles that tighten around the airways. Inhalers help to open up the airways, allow more air to move in and out of the lungs, and help the patient breathe more easily.
The increasing cases of respiratory diseases such as hay fever and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are the major factors propelling the segment's growth. In Japan, the most prevalent respiratory allergy in the country is Hay fever, which is caused due to the cedar pollen spread throughout the country. For instance, according to the article published in January 2022, it was estimated that 25.0 million people were found suffering from hay fever in Japan.
The advantages of inhalers over drugs are propelling their demand among the general population. For instance, inhalers allow an instant application of medicine to the airways, providing quick relief. It also comes with a portable size, making it convenient to carry and easy to use. In June 2022, Iconovo, one of the key companies in respiratory inhalers, launched its ICOone inhaler in Japan. With such new launches, the segment is believed to witness healthy growth in the coming years.
In addition, increasing respiratory syncytial virus infections among children in Japan is also one of the major drivers propelling market growth. For instance, according to a study from PubMed published in February 2022, it was observed that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common causes of lower respiratory tract infections in children aged five years and above. RSV imposes a significant burden on the Japanese healthcare system. Therefore, the increasing burden of such diseases is anticipated to increase the demand for inhalers in Japan, thereby propelling the segment growth over the forecast period.
CPAP Devices are Believed to Grow Significantly in the Coming Years
A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine is used for treating sleep apnea, which is one of the common respiratory diseases. The device uses a hose connected to a mask or nosepiece to deliver constant and steady air pressure to help a person breathe while asleep.
The high prevalence of sleep apnea and the increasing use of CPAP devices in the country is leading to segment growth. For instance, as per the PubMed data published in February 2022, it was observed that the prevalence of sleep apnea in Japan was around 9% in males and 3% in females as of 2022. The data further stated that the burden of sleep apnea is drastically increasing in the country, which is acting as a growth promoter for the CPAP devices segment.
Additionally, as per the Springer Journal data published in November 2021, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) was being used by more than 500,000 patients in Japan during 2021. This high number of people using CPAP devices indicates that there is a well-established market for the same.
Additionally, the presence of key companies providing CPAP products is contributing to the market growth in Japan. For instance, ResMed provides an advanced portfolio of CPAP devices in Japan and has a strong presence in the country.
Therefore, owing to the above-mentioned factors, the segment is believed to witness strong growth in Japan over the forecast period.
