Prolonged use of a mask causes discomfort in the nose and throat

Rhinitis and allergy are two problems of the respiratory area (nose and throat). Both are linked to the prolonged use of a mask. This has become an essential input to prevent the transmission of the coronavirus, which causes the covid-19 disease.

To these effects are added dysphonia or the loss of the normal timbre of the voice, as established in a study carried out at the University of Chile. Medical colleges in Spain have also warned about these discomforts in their patients.

In Ecuador the same problems have been reported in the respiratory area. The otolaryngologists Esteban Serrano and Efraín López explain it.

The first points out that these inconveniences occur at the level of the nose. The reason is that the mask prevents the proper passage of air to the body. That is why rhinitis or inflammation of the mucosa appears.

“The mask prevents the passage of air. There is no correct filtration or very little passes. This causes stuffy nose and throat irritation. Also, there is usually a bit of burning ”, says the doctor.

Rhinitis -notes López- can become acute or chronic sinusitis. That is, there can be a greater inflammation that affects the nasal passages.

Additionally, there are people who have problems with allergies to the material of the mask. For this reason, there are also problems in the respiratory area.

More people have come to your office with these problems. The increase has been 30%, says the specialist. In Serrano's office, the figures are similar.

Teachers use the mask for a long time in face-to-face classes

Teachers make up one of the groups that use the mask for a long time. On Monday, November 22, 2021, the third technical and rural baccalaureate returned to face-to-face classes. The rest of the students and teachers will join until Monday, January 17, 2022.

Teachers and students must remain the whole day with the mask. This will protect them from the covid-19 disease, but the discomfort described above may appear.

Paola, who requested that her last name not be used, is a teacher. She met her students again on Monday the 22nd. "It was exciting, but I am concerned about the prolonged use of the mask."

She has experienced some discomfort, such as a dry nose and throat problems. “After wearing the mask for a long time, her nose and throat feel congested. I have had to use home remedies,” he says.

Recommendations to avoid problems in the respiratory area

The doctors interviewed provided some tips to avoid problems in the respiratory area: rhinitis, sinusitis, allergies and dysphonia.

Lubrication of the nose. They should lubricate their nostrils. Aloe vera ointments can be applied to prevent dryness.

Nasal washes. They can use physiological serums in 'spray' to avoid congestion in the nose.

Throat washing. You can use hot water with a pinch of salt or chamomile tea for throat cleansing. These products are anti-inflammatory.

Constant hydration. Water intake is essential, to be well hydrated.

Respiratory exercises. During the school day you can perform two breathing exercises. It consists of removing the mask in an open place without people. Then, take a deep breath so that there is adequate air intake. If you can't do it during the school day, do it at home.