Wearing a Mask Makes Shortness of Breath? This Explanation

Another concern is related to hypercapnia, or too much carbon dioxide in the bloodstream.

This condition can cause drowsiness, headaches, and, in extreme cases, loss of consciousness. The idea here is that the mask can prevent the exhaled air from disappearing, making the wearer burn it again.

But there is no evidence to prove this. While CO2 can be inhaled, it is not in the amount that can pose a threat to healthy mask users. This amount is easily removed by a person’s respiratory system and metabolism. If the mask is used for a long time, maybe a headache can occur, but not excessive.

“There is no risk of hypercapnia in healthy adults who use face masks, including medical face masks and cloths, and N95,” said Robert Glatter, an emergency room doctor at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.

“The free carbon dioxide molecule diffuses through the mask, allowing normal gas exchange during breathing,” he explained.

There are a few exceptions.

If someone has lung problems due to illness or other respiratory problems, they should consult their doctor before using facial masks. Masks are also not recommended for anyone under 2 years.

In addition, the use of N95 masks in health care settings has been linked to hypoventilation, or a reduction in the frequency and depth of breathing.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these masks, which are intended to filter out 95 percent of the particles, provide more respiratory resistance. The CDC recommends those in the medical field take a break from wearing this mask.

But in healthy adults who wear cloth or surgical masks for a limited period, hypoxemia, hypoxia, or hypercapnia is very unlikely to occur.

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