‘Masks lower O2 in those with cardiorespiratory diseases’

Kochi: Even as face masks remain the first-line defence against Covid-19, a new study from Kerala shows that use of surgical face masks reduced functional capacity and oxygen saturation in persons with pre-existing cardiorespiratory diseases like connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung diseases (CTD-ILD) during activity. Yet masks can’t be avoided and universal masking must be followed without exceptions, researchers added.

“People with severe respiratory problems may avoid using masks when engaged in physical exertion. But at all other times, they should be wearing masks as the presence of ILD increases risk of severe Covid disease. Continuous use of masks as well as other Covid-19 protocols is secondary to none and key to reduce risk of Covid-19 infection,” said Dr Padmanabha Shenoy, clinical immunologist and rheumatologist and co-author of “Effects of face masks on oxygen saturation and functional measures in patients with connective tissue disorder-associated interstitial lung disease” was recently published in British Medical Journal (BMJ).

For the study, patients between 18 and 75 years of age with high-resolution CT-proven CTD-ILD were included in this crossover trial. Patients requiring oxygen supplementation and with myositis or lower limb pain were excluded.

Initial oxygen saturation was recorded and a standard six minute walk test was carried out with and then without a standard three-layer surgical face mask. Adequate precautions were taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19 during the tests. It was found that the participants covered a mean of 12.9m lesser distance and had a larger drop in saturation while they were wearing masks than when not wearing masks.

Though the study doesn’t focus on the effect of wearing masks on healthy people, Dr Shenoy made it clear that healthy people may not face any problems while wearing masks and they should essentially wear it in enclosed spaces and in public areas to prevent spread of Covid infection.