Assessment of Effects on Prolonged Usage of Face Mask by ENT Professionals During Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

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.

Protective masks during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic: Any relationship with temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain?

“…8 The etiopathogenesis of headache associated with the masks could be related to hypoxemia, hypercapnia, mechanical factors or stress. [21][22][23] Only mechanical factors related to the protective masks, more easily usable, were detected. However, the partial pressures of carbon dioxide and oxygen were not evaluated in this study.…”

Effect of face masks on salivary parameters and halitosis: Randomized controlled crossover trial

“…To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study aiming at quantifying frequently described oral-health related side-effects of face masking. In previous studies, participants frequently reported self-perceived dry mouth [7][8][9][10] and halitosis. [10][11][12] However, these self-perceived side-effects could not be verified by the quantitative measurements in the present study.…”

“…Some studies found that the continuous use of face masks increases the perception of dry mouth 7–10 or halitosis 10–12 . Moreover, oral hygiene habits might have changed during the pandemic 12 .…”

“…[3][4][5] With regard to health concerns, several studies addressed potential side effects of face masking, 6 but limited information on oral side effects is available so far. Some studies found that the continuous use of face masks increases the perception of dry mouth [7][8][9][10] or halitosis. [10][11][12] Moreover, oral hygiene habits might have changed during the pandemic.…”

Awareness, Preferences, and Consequences of Mask Usage among MBBS Students

“…Research studies have shown that the prolonged mask wearing could lead to headaches, skin breakdowns, itching, ear pain, discomfort, redness, dryness, rash, nasal bridge scarring also, there is evidence that the prolonged use of masks i.e., more than 4 hours may cause inconvenience [2][3][4][5][6] . Since the beginning of COVID-19 infection, MBBS students tend to use masks for longer duration due to their visits to hospitals and classes at college, hence they are expected to be well versed with the mask usage to avoid adverse effects on health due to wearing of mask.…”