Some 30 years ago, we worked with an entrepreneur that wanted us to help him develop a breathing apparatus for those with allergies and asthma.
Back then, materials choices were more limited, so the device looked more like a space helmet. (Just like the picture above.) The concept was simple- by wearing this device for an hour a day, which provided clean, filtered air to the subject, one’s respiratory passages would be clearer- and the subject would fell relatively free of the stuffiness that accompanies their allergies. (The device was called 7th Heaven, and, yes, it actually worked. [It was considered a class 1 device.])
To some degree, that is the concept behind the nasal lavage system (Navage). The fluid passing through one’s upper respiratory tract cleanses the tract and one’s breathing is easier and less labored.
Well, given what we’ve all gone through the past 22 months or so due to the pandemic, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that many severe allergy sufferers (somewhere between 10 and 20% of the population are among the sufferers) have determined that wearing a mask outside is a great idea.
Medical data supports their suppositions. Drs. AA Dror, N Eisenbach, T Marshak, E Layous, A Zigron, S Shivatzki, EA Alon, O Ronen, E Zusman, S Srouji, and E Sela, as well as Nicole Morozov and Shaher Talber described their studies of 215 nurses back in 2020. (Reduction of allergic rhinitis symptoms with face mask usage during the COVID-19 pandemic.) They found that almost ½ (42.3%) had alleviated sneezing and other moderate symptoms of seasonal allergies after donning a mask for a week.
As we found with our 7th Heaven study, the airborne allergens include pollen (10 to 100 microns), fungal spores (2 to 50 microns), and house dust mites (10 to 40 microns). As you can see, these are tremendous size multiples of coronavirus, so their removal via masking is far more complete. And, it was those sized particles that triggered the IgE (immunoglobulin E) responses that constitute allergic rhinitis.
It’s also possible that the increased temperature and humidity associated with mask wearing also attenuated symptomology, and not just the filtration of the irritants.
But, the goal of the test was to attenuate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis- and the masks clearly did so.
Maybe we should consider the continued use of masks for a variety of reasons- not to mention the spiked increase in omicron variant BA.2.
Very interesting post. Thank you for the info.
Glad to oblige, Deb!
In my family, we continue to wear our masks. We also continue to social distance.
I didn’t mention social distancing, Rachel. I should have. Thanks for bringing it into the conversation.
I remember those space helmets for those with allergies. For me, the masks just seem like putting on socks and shoes when going out. It’s a no brainer. Alex likes them because she doesn’t have to do a full face of makeup before leaving the house. 🤣
Great analogy, Martha! I’m with you.
I took the train into town yesterday, and at the gate, sooo many people were sniffling, coughing and sneezing. I gladly put on my maks. I don’t need their whatever it is they’re carrying!
That’s why last year’s flu season was so attenuated, Tamara.
My former neighbor always wore a mask when he was mowing the lawn because it reduced his allergy symptoms. This was 40 years ago!
A prescient citizen, Kate!
Hi, Roy! How are you?
I will continue using a mask even with the announcement that we are already at Alert Level 1 (no restrictions in terms of indoor & outdoor activities). I have comorbidity and I can’t take the risk.
Yet another reason for the extra personal protection!
All the more reason to hang on to my masks, right? And for the next surge as well.
Well said, Dominique!
Interesting post. I can see how it might help those with allergies. I personally just take an allergy medication, but each to their own.
The allergy medication only alleviates the symptoms, so if your allergies are more intense, it’s better to preclude the allergens from entering your respiratory tract.
I know we will be continuing use of masks (at least in indoor public places) for a while yet.. but yes, masks have helped so many in various ways and regardless of everything else, continuing wearing masks doesn’t harm anyone, so why not continue, right?
Great thoughts, there, Vidya! I’m with you.
Definitely. I’m not ready for the second booster. Right now, the virus had receded. Soon to return, I’m sure.
I have no data that the virus has receded. It DID recede, but its waxing once again.
This is so true. My allergies have decreased since wearing a mask.
Glad to hear that. Keep on masking, Miste!
I have spoken to people who travel by plane and they are convinced masking works- these people have caught colds and even pneumonia on planes. I can certainly see the help with pollen.
I beleive they are right, Alana!