The protection efficacy of face masks during this covid 19 pandemic has been well documented. The changes in human nasal functions after wearing facemask for prolonged period is not known. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of prolonged usage of facemask by ENT professionals during covid 19 pandemic. It is a cross sectional study conducted in department of ENT in Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam. A self-constructed questionnaire containing 21 queries regarding the effects of prolonged use of face mask, after being analysed by the experts of our institution were distributed to 124 ENT professionals all over India. People who are ENT by professionals can participate in this study. Participation is voluntary. Study period was from March 2020 to December 2020. All answered questionnaires were sent for statistical analysis. 63.71% experienced difficulty in breathing while wearing face mask, 37.10% experienced dry nose, 46.77% experienced dry mouth. The most common modality of prevention in an OPD setup was face mask with face shield (31.45%). About 80.65% people believed there are side effects due to wearing mask. Since facemasks are essential to protect us from COVID-19, certain strategies can be followed to reduce the discomfort due to its prolonged usage such as encouraging nasal breathing, taking short breaks from wearing mask in a safe environment and to maintain hydration.

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Nasal polyposis is a multifactorial disease. Despite the presence of numerous theories proposed towards the aetiology of nasal polyp, inflammation is the main causative factor. Fungi can impair the local immune system and bring about an inflammatory response causing polyp formation. The aim and objective of the research was to know the prevalence of fungal infection in nasal polyposis and to assess the microbiological and pathological features of fungi in nasal polyposis.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A total of 100 patients operated for nasal polyposis were included in the study excluding immune-compromised patients. All the nasal polyposis cases were subjected to clinical examination, diagnostic nasal endoscopy and medical treatment before undergoing surgical treatment. Polyps removed were subjected to histopathological examination (HPE) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) wet mount examination under microscope.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Out of the 100 patients studied 66 patients (66%) were in the age group between 31 to 60 years. 85 patients had bilateral polyps, in which fungal element was isolated in 11 patients and among 15 patients with antrochoanal polyp 1 patient had fungal isolates. Of the 17 patients who had previous history of surgery, fungi were isolated in 4 patients and the rest were from patient who got operated for the first time. 3 out of the 8 patients, who had recurrence, were positive for fungal infection.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Fungi are found to be more prevalent in nasal polyps and fungi can be considered as one of the main causative factor for formation of nasal polyposis and its recurrence after surgery. Anti-fungal agents could be a helping hand in the management of nasal polyposis to prevent its recurrence.</p><p> </p>