The National Asthma Council Australia urges GPs to reassure patients with asthma that it is safe to wear face masks.
In the midst of lockdowns and pandemic restrictions, The National Asthma Council Australia (NACA) is urging doctors to reassure asthma patients that wearing face masks is a safe practice and does not lead to exacerbated asthma attacks.
The statement came about due to confusion among people with asthma with regards to the use of masks. NACA Director and respiratory physician Professor Peter Wark the issue was whether people with asthma could seek an exemption from wearing a mask, due to their medical condition.
The short answer is No.
“There is no evidence that wearing a mask worsens asthma and an article published in the European Respiratory Journal states that any exemptions of respiratory patients on the compulsory use of face masks is not evidence based and may carry increased risk of personal infection from COVID-19,” Prof Wark said in a press release.
There are currently more than 2.7 million Australians living with Asthma, and 400 die each year from their condition. According to a recent report by Asthma Australia, people with asthma do not have an increased risk of acquiring COVID-19. However, the report found that if hospitalised due to COVID-19, they have a higher risk of being admitted to the ICU or receiving mechanical ventilation.
“Face masks, hand hygiene and social distancing will all help prevent the spread of infection and in fact, not wearing a mask could put adults and children with asthma at a disproportionate risk of getting the COVID-19 virus,” he added.
According to Prof Wark, some face mask could make someone with asthma and other lung diseases feel more breathless, especially when active. But, choosing a mask made of breathable material and worn properly would not lead to health problems.
“If someone does become breathless whilst wearing a face mask they will be helped by moving to an open area with good airflow if possible then briefly removing their mask until they have caught their breath. Reapplying their mask when they are able to will help their symptoms and reduce their risk of infection,” Prof Ward said.
GPs and other health practitioners are encouraged to have a talk with their patients who have asthma or other respiratory diseases, and explain that wearing a mask is a safe practice.