Coronavirus: eight myths about masks – watson

The mask requirement alone hardly causes a headache: eight point myths and facts

The mask requirement doesn’t just upset crown skeptics. However, not everything the vernacular says about it is correct. Experts clarify.

Bruno Knellwolf / CH Media

The mask requirement is now extended to all of Switzerland, which is also rejected. It is indisputable that wearing the mask is uncomfortable. Experts provide information on the dangers of masks.

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Students who have to wear a mask for eight hours complain of headaches and fatigue. Does that have to do with the mask?

“Headaches and fatigue are nonspecific symptoms,” says Martin Brutsche, chief physician at the pulmonary center at St. Gallen Cantonal Hospital. The pulmonologist considers a direct connection to mask use and breathing unlikely. However, the overall package should be kept in mind: “Wearing a mask is new to everyone and we have a hard time getting used to it.”

In addition, a social signal is sent that should not be underestimated in the sense of “Beware of danger” and “Take your distance. Then there is the negative daily information from Covid-19 that affects our social life.

Therefore, the lung specialist would prefer to see nonspecific symptoms such as headache and fatigue as a result of this general exposure. “In the medical field or in the manufacture of high-purity products, many have been working with masks for decades with no negative effects.”

Can a mask cause oxygen deprivation?

According to the pulmonologist, there is no oxygen deficiency in the lungs or in the body when wearing a mask.

Isn’t it healthy to inhale our own CO2 because of the mask?

Wearing a mask causes a slight increase in rebreathing. “In technical jargon, this is called dead space,” says Brutsche. In general, the increase is less than two percent of the breath.

According to the pulmonologist, this is easily compensated by the body in normal daily situations through moderate physical work. “The gas itself is not harmful and there is no accumulation of CO2 in the body”, explains the pulmonologist.

It is very uncomfortable when you have to run to the bus with a mask, for example. Is that dangerous?

The greater the physical work and, therefore, the respiratory effort required, the more noticeable the increase in air resistance when breathing. This can reduce performance and lead to easier fatigue.

This means that, although it is arduous, it does not have negative health effects. Endurance athletes even take advantage of this effect. With forced breathing against resistance, the respiratory muscles can be specifically trained, increasing performance in competition.

Do pimples appear under the mask?

A humid climate is created under the mask, which favors the colonization of bacteria. They penetrate the sebaceous glands and cause inflammation and pimples. Antibiotic medications and ointments help against this. But it shouldn’t go that far.

Therefore, the mask should be changed immediately if it has become wet from sweat. Because a moist mouth and nose guard is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. It is worth having several masks with you.

Can People Have Panic Attacks Due To Protective Masks?

In psychiatry, patients are known to experience panic states when they have to wear a mask. A panic attack initially depends on the perception that something is about to become dangerous. Even a perceived narrowing of the breathing space can trigger feelings of strong fear and physical reactions such as tremors and discomfort.

For these people, a protective mask is a threat and even healthy people can experience a change in perception due to breathing through the mask. This can also lead them to think that the situation is dangerous, which can trigger fears.

About 15 percent of the population has a lower threshold for an anxiety disorder. They can show symptoms of anxiety, even those who have not previously had an anxiety disorder.

Do young children and adults suffer from the hidden faces of others?

Covering your face can increase negative feelings, this has been proven by studies. In principle, this may escalate to a state of anxiety.

It was also discussed whether young children, for whom faces are an important source of information, suffer from the mask requirement. According to the researchers, this does not jeopardize their development because young children are very adaptable.

Are masks useful against the pandemic?

Masks are helpful in the fight against the pandemic, but they do not prevent it on their own. Italy was disciplined in wearing masks, but infections have risen again. Correct handling is crucial for effectiveness.

There is some consensus that masks make sense in tight spaces where distances cannot be maintained, and also that masks can reduce the severity of Covid 19 disease.