Impact of wearing a surgical mask on respiratory function in view of a widespread use during COVID-19 outbreak. A case-series study

• DOI: 10.23749/mdl.v111i5.9766
• Publication Date: 2025-03-05T12:58:01Z
• Authors: Catalina Ciocan; Marco Clari; Donatella Fabbro; Maria Luigia De P...; Giacomo Garzaro; Alessandro Godono; Attilia Gullino; Canzio Romano
• Keywords: 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

Background: Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, widespread use Respiratory Protective Devices (RPD) is recommended to prevent spread infection. This recommendation involves not only healthcare workers but other category and general population as well, in public places, especially where social distancing difficult maintain. The facemasks should cause physical impairment individuals, for people suffering from lung heart diseases. Objectives: To evaluate impact RPDs on respiratory function healthy asthmatic subjects, order identify fitness mainly, for, occupational purposes during outbreak. Methods: Ten individuals were included, three which affected by asthma current smokers. A Functional Test (RFT) was performed at times: beginning work shift 1) without wearing 2) surgical masks, 3) after 4 hours usual working activities masks. Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) samples also tested before first test third test. Results: Observed RFTs ABG parameters did suffer significant variations, Maximal Voluntary Ventilation (P=0.002). Data subjects smokers comparable subjects. Discussion: Our results suggest that a mask does produce nor with asthma. Four continuing mask-wearing do reduction breathing parameters. Fitness more severe conditions has be evaluated individually. adapted technique could adopted individual evaluation.