1 question Asthmatics Want to know about masks
Is it OK for Asthmatics to Wear Face Masks?
Asthmatics can, in fact, wear face masks.
“It’s probably not going to be a concern for those with moderate asthma or well-controlled asthma,” said Dr. David Stukus, a member of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s Medical Scientific Council (AAFA). “It might pose greater concerns for patients who have a really severe condition and have many exacerbations, ER visits, hospitalizations, require a lot of drugs, and have frequent symptoms.”
It’s critical to keep your asthma under check. Continue to take your medications as directed. If you’re having trouble breathing and need to use your quick-relief inhaler (albuterol) more than twice a week, it’s time to see your doctor.
Try a different fabric or fit if you’re having problems wearing a mask. Medical masks, when used correctly, do not cause you to breathe in more carbon dioxide or lower your oxygen levels, according to the WHO. This is supported by other studies as well. 1 A three-layer face mask, on the other hand, is unlikely to have an impact on your oxygen levels. If your mask is making you uncomfortable, try a different one.
What Role Do Face Masks Play in Coronavirus Prevention?
The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is airborne and transmits from person to person, according to the CDC. When you breathe, talk, sing, yell, eat, sneeze, or cough, it can spread through droplets from your nose or mouth. If you are not fully vaccinated and are within 6 feet (2 metres) of someone who is infected, you are most likely to contract it.
Even if you are completely vaccinated, the CDC recommends wearing a mask in public indoor settings. They further propose that all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status, use universal indoor masking.
Both vaccinated and uninfected people benefit from wearing masks to prevent the transmission of the coronavirus.
2 Many patients with COVID-19 don’t show symptoms, according to studies. They could also have the infection for a few days before showing symptoms. Wearing a face mask will protect you while also preventing you from distributing COVID-19 to others. This is particularly true in public indoor areas.
If you do have COVID-19, wearing a face mask may help to lessen the severity of the symptoms. 3 Several studies have found that wearing a face mask helps minimise the quantity of coronavirus particles you inhale, resulting in a milder disease. 2
It’s also crucial to take good care of your face mask if you want to limit your risks of contracting COVID-19. When applying and removing a face mask, follow these steps:
- Before applying a face mask, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
- While wearing the face mask, avoid touching it.
- Replace your face mask with a clean one if it becomes damp.
- Remove the mask by the ear loops or ties, avoiding the sections of the mask that come into contact with your face.
- Hands should be washed or sanitised.
- Fabric face masks should be washed in hot, soapy water right away. Dispose of disposable masks right away.
What kind of face mask should i consider?
There are numerous types of masks available to help you stop the coronavirus from spreading.
Respirators or N95 and KN95 Masks
If supplies are available, you should consider using a N95 mask or respirator if you contact with large groups of people or are at a higher risk of being ill. N95 respirators with the labels “surgical” or “medical” that have been approved by NIOSH should be prioritised for health care workers. N95 and KN95 masks should be fitted appropriately.
Although smaller respirators are available, they are primarily developed for use by adults in the workplace and have not been extensively tested in children.
KN95 masks are a non-medical alternative to N95 respirators and are recommended for usage in non-healthcare settings. KN95 masks may be preferred by people who are at a higher risk of COVID-19 sickness, teachers, staff, and other adults in an indoor school setting.
Not all KN95 masks fulfil the same standards as N95 masks. Locate a reputable retailer of KN95 masks. Exhalation valves on KN95 masks should not be used since they can allow the virus to escape.
Masks made of cloth and disposable masks
Cloth face masks come in a variety of styles. Face masks can be purchased at many major retail stores or online, or you can manufacture your own. Fabric composed entirely of cotton, such as a heavy-duty quilt fabric or a knit fabric, can work well.
If you’re allergic to latex, stay away from elastic ear loops. Face masks with fabric ear loops or that tie behind your head are a good choice.
The best protection comes from a mask that is both comfortable and well-fitting. you can Get more information on reccomendations from the WHO
