The effect of mask use on allergic rhinitis symptoms during COVID-19 pandemic

Authors : Sakine NAZİK BAHÇECİOĞLU, Hale ATEŞ, İlkay KOCA KALKAN, Kurtuluş AKSU, Şenay DEMİR, Musa TOPEL, Selma YEŞİLKAYA

Pages : 266-269

Doi:10.38053/acmj.1313818

View : 48 | Download : 74

Publication Date : 2023-07-28

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aims: Inspiratory particle load including the allergens in the inhaled air is decreased by the use of the mask, which is one of the methods for COVID-19 protection. The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of masks used by seasonal allergic rhinitis patients with pollen allergy on the control of rhinitis symptoms. Methods: Mask usage characteristics of patients insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(mask type used, average number of days per week for mask usage, daily usage time);,whether there was a change in the time spent outdoors during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period, and rhinitis complaints and frequency of rhinitis-related drug use before the pandemic compared to the pandemic period were investigated. Results:The frequency of nasal discharge insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(6.62±1.69; 6.00±1.89: p<0.001);, obstruction insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(4.56±1.64; 4.28±1.86: p=0.099);, itchinginsert ignore into journalissuearticles values(7.49±1.55; 7.16±1.83: p=0.038);, sneezing insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(5.54±1.60; 5.21±1.89: p=0.046);, and frequency of drug use insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(5.52±1.62; 5.17±1.91: p=0.037); decreased statistically significantly after the pandemic according to the visual analog scoring. However, an increase was found in ocular symptoms. Conclusion:Although studies with larger patient and control groups are needed, we think that the use of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic is an effective protective measure for protection from pollen in patients with allergic rhinitis,who have pollen sensitivity.
Keywords : Mask usage, allergic rhinitis, COVID 19, rhinitis symptoms, pandemic