Asthma and mask wearing

[LizPat30]

Hi yesterday was the first time I had worn a mask, probably for about 20 minutes. My breathing was not good wearing the mask but the main problem has been afterwards. Tight chest, shortness of breath still problems today. I don't know if this is a result of mask wearing or something else triggering my asthma. I was only diagnosed last year and it is usual post exercise that I have problems. If anyone has any advice or guidance it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Jo

[starveycat]

When you can and it's safe, just pull your mask down and take a few good breaths, it'll keep you going for a while. I mask up every time I go anywhere to start with awful now not so bad. I have severe asthma. Good luck

[LizPat30 in reply to starveycat]

Thank you I will do as you suggest.

[Missveronica in reply to LizPat30]

I have read on a authentic site not to pull your mask down to your chin ....It said not to do this because if you have been in contact with anything where the virus might be you then transfer it to your neck as you pull the mask down ...and when you pull the mask up again it can transfer to the inside of the mask ...and it’s safer to take it off by the side elastic xxx

[twinkly29]

I saw advice a few weeks ago which suggested starting off with very short times and in open spaces and building up. The advice was for someone who had had a traumatic experience in the past and so have a face covering was difficult for that reason but I thought the advice was quite good anyway as it trains the brain to realise it is ok. Might not be quite the right advice in your case but maybe once your chest gets used to it, it'll be easier? Do things improve with your ventolin?

I just went to the garden centre, mask inside (not very enjoyable at first as the first bit is the stuffy greenhouse type atmosphere) then removed it for outside as I can only do short times at the moment. I don't think the level or severity of asthma is a factor though - I think it's a very personal thing. Some people with severe asthma can do masks, others can't. Just like most people with mild asthma should be able to manage but others will find it hard.

[LizPat30 in reply to twinkly29]

Thanks for replying. My reliever inhaler was no help at all. I suppose I thought there may be difficulties whilst wearing the mask but wasn't expecting the effect to continue afterwards.

[twinkly29 in reply to LizPat30]

If your reliever didn't help at all my inclination would be that it wasn't an asthma issue but maybe one caused by anxiety (maybe subconsciously) or by a breathing pattern issue. I imagine both are common in mask wearing because it's an alien thing.

This post explains stuff quite well: healthunlocked.com/asthmauk...

I think I'd be a bit "huh?!" if it carried on afterwards as I'd not expect that either.

[AirIsUnderrated]

Thankfully I mostly only have to wear my mask for a few minutes at a time at work, but much longer and I get the same as you.

Are you wearing a home-made fabric mask or the surgical ones? I find the surgical masks are worse. I can't help wondering if there is some *-icide in the fabric to keep them "clean" that triggers me. My home-made double-layer (with pocket if 3rd layer becomes advised) fabric masks washed in my hypo-allergenic laundry liquid are easier on my chest.

[LizPat30 in reply to AirIsUnderrated]

Thanks for replying, I have a breathable mask recommended by our local Breatheasy Group.

[AirIsUnderrated in reply to LizPat30]

Have you tried wearing it round the house to get used to it, where you can concentrate on how you're breathing? Wearing a face covering does change how you breathe instinctively. It takes practice. Good luck!

[Hidden]

Try different type of fibre masks, the washable ones I find you need to wash in boiling water without soap powder, what was affecting me I think was different fibre they were made from and as said washing powder.

Trial and error I think.

[LizPat30 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you.

[Wintersbite]

Hi I think like you I'm also suffering from after wearing a mask I have the same type as the hospital gives you I noticed this due to being sent to hospital for epilepsy and issued a mask as the ambulance didn't ask for me to get mine but ever since I have had trouble getting rid of rubbish on my chest and I normally only suffer with this during winter as I have had part of my right lung removed I have noticed that I am upping my ventolin inhaler to help with the breathing and as I don't have a proventer due to being allergic this does make it harder with the pollen tomorrow I'm going out for the first time to meet up with friends so this will really be a test but hopefully it will be worth it.

Keep at it good luck and hope this helps

[Mezitonka]

I have the same problem. I have mostly copd, but some asthma. The air we breath in is only a tiny fraction co2, but the exhaled air is 4%. With a mask we're rebreathing some of that exhaled air, including its co2. If our oxygen intake is already at a premium, then were going to be challenged. Co2 will build up in our red blood cells, thus less o2 in them to transport and deliver to the body. I looked on the net for reviews on best, most breathable masks. The best was the addidas for runners etc. They're 13.99 delivered. You get three including extra filters. They are washable. I ordered a set yesterday. They should be here by friday. I'll try them out and send a post/verdict. Hope this is useful.

[LizPat30 in reply to Mezitonka]

This is really interesting and I suppose explains the after effects. Interesting to hear your review of the masks.

[Mezitonka in reply to LizPat30]

Errors reported on the addidas masks. You dont get 3, just the one, as i found when it got delivered this afternoon. But theyre reasonably robust, also washable. For a mask, theyre relatively "attractive", not too prosaic, as would be expected from a sports goods manufacturer. As to breathability, theyre a lot better than others. I wore it to the shops and back. About 25 mins. It was a lot better than others, which at most i can only wear for 5 mins before i start to get stuffy and breathless. I find this one reasonably ok - not at all perfect, but much better than others. If you have no choice, then these are a decent option. Meanwhile the face shields should be tried, although you do look a bit outer-spacey in them.

[Usa2elsewhere in reply to Mezitonka]

I would be claustrophobic with a shield in front of my entire face. Some of the dental people wear them here in the USA.

[Logo132]

Try different types of masks. By law it only has to be a face covering so you may be better with a scarf or piece of fabric. I don’t like thE surgical ones but I’m much better with my fabric one that I bought off Etsy as the air flow is much better.

[LDloveslattecoffe]

As a few have said

1) slowly build up time wearing a mask

2) try different masks - it has been said a silk one is more breathable.

3) try literally putting mask on just before entering shop and remove as soon as come out

4) if you are worried about the issues re pulling mask down and put up try disposable.

I find I touch my face more when wearing mask as I end up itching and rubbing the outside of the mask on my nose etc.

If you really struggle you can carry exemptions but you do not have to show proof you just have to tell them you are exempt.

[LizPat30 in reply to LDloveslattecoffe]

Thank you, I think I'm just surprised at the longer term effects. I assumed once the mask was off I'd be okay.

[LDloveslattecoffe in reply to LizPat30]

Best option is try a variety of mask face covering types.

I won't need a face covering come winter because I always have mouth/nose covered with scarf because of the wind.

[Usa2elsewhere in reply to LizPat30]

I would be alarmed to have asthma symptom after the mask was removed. Hope you're feeling back to normal.

[Usa2elsewhere]

I am short of breath with my nose covered by a mask if I am lacking sleep or very anxiety-ridden.