The effect of mask use on allergic rhinitis symptoms during COVID-19 pandemic

Aims: Inspiratory particle load including the allergens in the inhaled air is decreased by the use of the mask, which is one of the methods for COVID-19 protection. The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of masks used by seasonal allergic rhinitis patients with pollen allergy on the control of rhinitis symptoms. Methods: Mask usage characteristics of patients (mask type used, average number of days per week for mask usage, daily usage time),whether there was a change in the time spent outdoors during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period, and rhinitis complaints and frequency of rhinitis-related drug use before the pandemic compared to the pandemic period were investigated. Results:The frequency of nasal discharge (6.62±1.69; 6.00±1.89: p