Control of rhinitis: does the facial mask influence?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-5929.ijohns20222437Keywords:
Rhinitis, Facial mask, COVID-19, PandemicAbstract
Background: The aim of the study was to understand the impact of face masks usage during the COVID-19 pandemic on allergic rhinitis to pollens symptoms.
Methods: A total of 200 patients was included in this study, with 100 patients having a previous diagnosis of allergic rhinitis to pollens and 100 patients having a diagnosis of non-allergic rhinitis. All patients answered the Rhinitis control assessment test (RCAT) and were asked about symptom control after introduction of the mandatory use of face masks in public. Patients with a RCAT score of 22 or higher were considered to have symptomatic control.
Results: 78% (n=78) of patients with allergic rhinitis to pollens reported improvement of symptoms after starting to use a face mask, with a mean score of 24.78 points (SD±3.13) on the RCAT. Among non-allergic rhinitis patients, 10% (n=10) reported improvement of symptoms, with 50% reporting worsening of symptoms and with a mean RCAT score of 21.54 (SD±3.23). A statistically significant difference (p<0.01) was found between the RCAT scores, with the allergic rhinitis group showing higher scores and, thus, better symptom control.
Conclusions: The face mask appears to act as a barrier for patients with allergic rhinitis, helping improve symptomatic control, making this an option for an adjuvant treatment for allergic rhinitis to pollens.
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