Health Officials Speak Up About Asthmatic Patients and Discomfort in Wearing a Face Mask

To other people's surprise, some health advocates are now backing up citizens who are not wearing face masks. This recent clamor is recognizing the drawback for individuals who have asthma or other respiratory problems who find it hard to breathe due to the covering.

Asthma Canada President and CEO Vanessa Foran explained this in an interview. "Wearing masks means breathing hot and humid air so that it can trigger asthma symptoms," she said. "We say if they cannot wear a mask, they must ensure they're maintaining physical distancing and practicing good hand hygiene."

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She advised that those with asthma should do a 20-minute test inside their homes to gauge their comfort level. Furthermore, she added that this does not only apply to asthmatics but also to people who suffer from severe allergies.

This recommendation is also backed by Canada's National Chief Public Health Officer, who asked the public not to be too judgmental towards those who don't wear the prescribed personal protection. She made it a point that people should be sensitive to the needs of those with cognitive and intellectual disabilities.

"Don't assume that someone who isn't wearing a mask or is wearing something different doesn't have an actual reason for it," the health officer concluded.

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KidsHealth reported that children who suffer from autism when asked to wear a face-covering would result in some serious challenges. These aggravating situations are caused by how a child associates the mask with a not-so-positive experience like visiting a dentist. In the hope of a resolution, some crafty solutions were put to the table. This included having the child choose a design to make their mask.

With the summer months just around the corner, the situation could become critical for people with lung conditions. So the government is giving them a chance not to wear face coverings if they find it hard to wear one.

In the United Kingdom, people who are hindered with lung conditions are given the alternative to wear a cloth mask. This type of mask will still cover the mouth and nose but allows the wearer to breathe comfortably.

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To further promote inclusivity, there is the possibility of having to wear transparent face masks as an aid to the deaf community. The majority of them use lip-reading, which is hampered by the opaque structure of most face masks.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States have already prepared a list of considerations to be followed when classes return this fall. The list includes wearing of face masks, restricting shared school supplies, implementing a distance of at least six feet apart in the classroom, decreasing the volume of extracurricular activities, and closing of school cafeterias.