Some Studies Suggest Wearing Mask For COVID May Be Playing Role In Alleviating Allergy Symptoms
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – About 25 million Americans suffer with seasonal allergies. But some are reporting they feel better than they have in previous seasons and doctors think a COVID prevention measure could behind the relief.
Some studies suggest wearing a mask may be playing a role in alleviating allergy symptoms.
Israeli researchers looked at data on nurses who wore masks for two weeks. Forty percent with severe allergies reported less symptoms when they wore a mask, according to the study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. Fifty-four percent with mild allergies said they felt symptoms improved.
"It almost acts like a barrier between you and the pollen when you're outside. It can even protect against indoor allergens if you, you know, wear a mask indoors while you're working or what have you. Dust mites, mold," said Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist and immunologist at the Allergy & Asthma Network.
Dr. Parikh said she tells patients to change clothes and shower to avoid bringing pollen into the house. So, the same thing applies for masks.
"You don't wanna keep putting that same mask that might have pollen on it on your face every day. You should be washing your mask frequently regardless," Dr. Parikh said.
Ben and Cherie Rosen's seasonal allergies are so severe that their plans often revolve around the daily pollen count. Cherie said her eyes get very itchy, and "sometimes it's even hard to breathe." Ben said his symptoms are sneezing and coughing, on top of his allergic asthma.
But the couple said they've noticed some changes this spring.
"It's hard for me to speak sometimes just because the allergies are so bad, and I haven't had any of that so far this year," Cherie said.
Ben and Cherie say even a little bit of relief is a good thing.
"I don't know if the mask has contributed to it, but I know overall I feel like I've had much less allergy attacks than I've had in past years," Cherie said.
They make sure to take their medications and get allergy and asthma shots to help.
Another way to reduce allergy symptoms is to wear sunglasses to block allergens like pollen from getting in the eyes.
