Effect of Prolonged Use of Facemask on Ambulance Driver During Covid 19: A Questionnaires Study

Abstract

Background: The nose is a complex organ that shapes and has many roles as an integral part of the face.
The nose’s primary purpose is to humidify, warm the inspired air, and also helps to remove the destructive
particles from entering the lower respiratory tract. In general, an average adult inspires about 10,000 L of
air each day. Nasal mucosa is a highly vascular structure and has a large surface area of 150 cm square.
Physiologically, the nose has 50% resistance in the entire airway, which when affected plays a significant
role in total respiratory function. that prolonged use of facemasks induces difficulty in breathing on exertion
and excessive sweating around the mouth to the Ambulance driver which results in poorer adherence and
increased risk of susceptibility to infection
Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of prolonged usage of N95 respirators and
surgical facemasks on Ambulance driver
Material and Methods: A self constructed questionnaire containing 10 questions regarding the prolonged
use of N95 respirators and surgical mask on Ambulance driver between the age group of 35 – 50 years were
handed to them
Results: This study suggests that prolonged use of facemasks induces difficulty in breathing on exertion
and excessive sweating around the mouth to the Ambulance driver which results in poorer adherence and
increased risk of susceptibility to infection.