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

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

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 (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 (6.62±1.69; 6.00±1.89: p<0.001), obstruction (4.56±1.64; 4.28±1.86: p=0.099), itching(7.49±1.55; 7.16±1.83: p=0.038), sneezing (5.54±1.60; 5.21±1.89: p=0.046), and frequency of drug use (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,

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