ENT symptoms of mask-wearing in the coronavirus disease 2019 era
Journal of Laryngology and Otology, vol.136, no.7, pp.645-648, 2022 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 136 Issue: 7
- Publication Date: 2022
- Doi Number: 10.1017/s0022215122000676
- Journal Name: Journal of Laryngology and Otology
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, MLA - Modern Language Association Database, Veterinary Science Database
- Page Numbers: pp.645-648
- Keywords: COVID-19, Itching, N95 Face Masks, Nasal Blockage, Speech Discrimination
- Uşak University Affiliated: No
Abstract
Objective Analysis of the otorhinolaryngological problems caused by mask-wearing in the coronavirus disease 2019 era. Methods A survey with 26 questions was sent by e-mail to 576 individuals. Results The most frequently worn masks were three-layer surgical ear loop masks (n = 434, 80.1 per cent), followed by N95 or filtering facepiece code 2 masks (n = 58, 10.7 per cent), and cloth masks (n = 50, 9.2 per cent). The most bothersome symptoms caused by mask-wearing were difficulty in nasal breathing (n = 227, 41.8 per cent), nasal itching and pain (n = 93, 17.2 per cent), earache (n = 88, 16.2 per cent), difficulty in expressing oneself (n = 73, 13.5 per cent), difficulty in understanding speech (n = 56, 10.3 per cent), and ear itching (n = 5, 0.9 per cent). Conclusion The problems associated with mask-wearing may result in avoidance of wearing them. Thus, there is a need for new methods that will reduce the problems related to mask-wearing, to increase their use in the community.