Do masks affect allergy symptoms?

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — North Carolina has some of the highest allergy rates in the U.S. But with the mask mandate in place, some sufferers might feel a difference.

Ever since Daphne moved to North Carolina, her allergies have gotten much worse, especially when spring begins.

“You can see the pollen on the cars,” said Daphne, a new Leland resident. “So it’s typically this time of year, it’s even worse.”

And though many still suffer from allergies this season, Dr. Kenneth Myers at Allergy Partners of Coastal Carolina says masks could minimize congestion, coughing, and other nose and throat symptoms.

“Allergies are things that need wind to disperse,” Myers explained. “And so what we’re allergic to is flowing in the air, so this kind of acts as a physical barrier, keeping it from getting deposited in the nose or in our lungs.”

And though her allergies usually led to severe sinus infections, this year, Daphne’s symptoms are relatively mild. According to the Virginia transplant, her consistent double masking is the only difference.

“I think it probably has,” she said. “I hadn’t really noticed anything yet until you mentioned it, but it probably has, because it hasn’t been as bad this year as maybe in the past.”

“You know, allergies rev everything up, and then it makes you more susceptible to colds and viruses,” Dr. Myers continued. “This helps decrease those, so therefore, you may have less complications from your allergies, sinuses, and that kind of stuff.”

Even before the pandemic, Myers said some of his patients wore masks while mowing their lawns or being outside. Oftentimes, it would reduce their symptoms.

Some feel the mask mandate might be a blessing in disguise for allergy sufferers.

“I do a lot of gardening,” Daphne said. “And typically, I don’t wear a mask when I’m outside gardening, but now I think it’s probably a good idea.”

If you live with severe allergies, Dr. Myers says to follow these three tips:

• Use an over-the-counter nasal spray and medicine daily.
• Shower and wash you clothes after long stints outdoors.
• See an allergist, and consider more aggressive forms of clinical treatment.