Effects of N95 Mask Use on Pulmonary Function in Children

Lubrano, Riccardo; Bloise, Silvia; Marcellino, Alessia; Ciolli, Claudia Proietti; Testa, Alessia; Luca, Enrica De; Dilillo, Anna; Mallardo, Saverio; Isoldi, Sara; Martucci, Vanessa; Sanseviero, Mariateresa; Giudice, Emanuela Del; Malvaso, Concetta; Iacovelli, Claudio; Leone, Rita; Iorfida, Donatella; Ventriglia, Flavia

doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.05.050

Cited by 24 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…Similarly, no distinction was made between surgical masks and FFP2/KN95 masks in the evaluation, as otherwise the sample sizes, especially in the group of students wearing K95/FFP2 masks, would have been too small. There are indications in studies that tighter-fitting masks stress subjects more, but without seriously affecting them [ 3 , 8 ]. In addition, in the “Co-Ki” survey [ 17 ], the majority of children reported wearing looser-fitting masks such as cloth masks or surgical masks, so we do not suspect a major influence.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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To Mask or Not to Mask—Evaluation of Cognitive Performance in Children Wearing Face Masks during School Lessons (MasKids)

Schlegtendal

Eitner

Falkenstein³

et al. 2022

Children

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In the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, wearing a face mask is mandatory again during school lessons. There are no controlled studies in children to date indicating an effect on cognitive performance from wearing face masks. In a randomized controlled trial, we analysed the influence of face masks on cognitive performance of pupils during regular school lessons. Pupils (n = 133, fifth to seventh grade) were randomized by alternating allocation into control (with masks, n = 65) and intervention groups (without mask, n = 68). After two school lessons with (control) and without (intervention) face masks in class, all pupils performed digital tests for cognitive performance regarding attention and executive functions (switch, Corsi block-tapping, 2-back and flanker task). Overall, there were no significant differences in cognitive performance between both groups, masks vs. no masks. Wearing face masks has no significant influence on attention and executive functions of pupils and can still be recommended during school lessons.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Children wearing FFP2/K95 masks were more stressed, which was shown, for example, by a higher breathing rate or higher end-tidal CO 2 . However, other relevant parameters were not significantly affected (oxygen saturation or pulse rate), and the effect could probably be reduced by wearing a surgical mask [ 8 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

To Mask or Not to Mask—Evaluation of Cognitive Performance in Children Wearing Face Masks during School Lessons (MasKids)

Schlegtendal

Eitner

Falkenstein³

et al. 2022

Children

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“…However, such rigid containment measures also led to negative psychological effects, especially in children; in fact, the closure of schools, parks and sporting activities and the orders to stay at home have disrupted children’s usual lifestyle, promoting distress, confusion, anxiety and hostility, with possible relevant effects on their psychosocial well-being and cultural education in the long term [ 50 , 51 , 52 ]. In particular, many parents have questioned the use of face masks by their children, raising concerns about possible negative effects on respiratory function that are not supported by proven scientific evidence [ 45 , 53 , 54 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Change in Pediatric Health Care Spending and Drug Utilization during the COVID-19 Pandemic

et al. 2021

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Objective: To evaluate how the restrictive measures implemented during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have influenced the incidence of the most common children’s diseases and the consumption of medications in 2020 compared to 2019. Methods: We involved all family pediatricians of the local health authority of Latina, from which we requested data of monthly visits in 2019 and 2020 for six common diseases disseminated through droplets and contact, and the territorial and integrative pharmaceutical unit of the area, from which we requested data of the net expenditure regarding the most commonly used drugs at pediatric age. Results: There was significant reduction in the incidence of the evaluated diseases and in the consumption of investigated drugs between 2019 and 2020 in the months when the restrictive measures were in place, with an attenuation of this effect during the months of the gradual loosening of those measures. Conclusion: Nonpharmaceutical intervention measures have caused changes in the diffusion of common pediatric diseases. We believe that the implementation of a reasonable containment strategy, even outside of the pandemic, could positively influence the epidemiology of infectious and allergic diseases in children, and healthcare system spending.

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“…In general, face masks do not appear to significantly change breathing physiology [ 5 ]. However, face masks have some caveats and limitations that should be taken into account, particularly those related to perceived discomfort and a potential increase in end-tidal CO 2 [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. People with underlying anxiety disorders or claustrophobia can particularly be affected by wearing a mask.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spurious Asthma Presentation during COVID-19

Amirav

Lavie

2021

Children

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The use of face masks as a means for preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 is now a common practice world-wide. Three children presented to our specialty clinic with respiratory complaints during protective face mask wearing. They were diagnosed as asthma and referred to our specialist clinic for further evaluation after asthma treatments were ineffective. Full details and a video clip demonstrating the effects of wearing the mask is presented for the first patient. The detailed evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of hyperventilation. Conclusions: In the current era of the daily use of masks, pediatricians should be aware of potential anxiety and hyperventilation while the mask is being worn, causing symptoms that mimic common respiratory disorders, such as asthma.

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Effects of N95 Mask Use on Pulmonary Function in Children

Cited by 24 publications

References 36 publications

To Mask or Not to Mask—Evaluation of Cognitive Performance in Children Wearing Face Masks during School Lessons (MasKids)

To Mask or Not to Mask—Evaluation of Cognitive Performance in Children Wearing Face Masks during School Lessons (MasKids)

Change in Pediatric Health Care Spending and Drug Utilization during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Spurious Asthma Presentation during COVID-19

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