The effect of face mask usage on the allergic rhinitis symptoms in patients with pollen allergy during the covid-19 pandemic

PURPOSE: The study aims to evaluate the use of face masks on allergic rhinitis symptoms in pollen allergy patients who were compulsorily using face masks due to the covid-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 15-item questionnaire was developed following the study goals by a team experienced in allergic rhinitis. Then the records of patients who underwent allergy tests in our hospital between 2013 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Fifty participants with isolated pollen allergy were included in the study. Patients who agreed to participate in the research answered the questions over the phone. RESULTS: Of the 50 participants, 30 (60%) were female and 20 (40%) were male, with a mean age of 34.34 ± 9.41 years. While the rate of participants who defined their nasal symptoms as severe-moderate in the pre-pandemic period was 92% (46 patients), this rate decreased to 56% (28 patients) during the pandemic when they used face masks. In ocular symptoms, the same rate decreased from 60% (30 patients) to 32% (16 patients). A statistically significant decrease was found in both nasal and ocular symptoms of patients after mask use (p < 0.001). The most regression in allergy symptoms was observed in sneezing (p = 0.029) and nasal discharge (p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: This study observed that the use of face masks reduced both nasal and ocular allergic rhinitis symptoms in individuals with pollen allergy. These results support the hypothesis that the use of face masks would reduce the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms.