A member asked:

My state is requiring use of face masks when in public areas such as a grocery store, but i have chronic lung disease which makes it hard to breathe when i wear a face covering. what should i do?

4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Amrita Dosanjh answered

Specializes in Pediatric Allergy and Asthma

Shortened time: It is important to avoid exposure to viral illness. Wearing a mask which fits and is breathable such as a surgical mask may be more comfortable than a cloth mask. Maintain good hand washing, social distancing. and have a yearly flu vaccination. Shorter trips to the store may be helpful. Watch for signs of the flu, fever, and shortness of breath.

Answered 6/14/2020

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

COVID 19: You can always wear a folded over silk scarf if you don't like the masks you have tried. Surgical mask can be lighter. If you have chronic lung disease it is even more important that you wear a face covering or some form of mask.

Answered 9/16/2020

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Related Questions

A member asked:

I am experiencing shortness of breath (severity: mild) (time frame: sudden) (worsened by: lying down) (unaffected by: psychological stress, exercise or physical activity) (better by: sitting upright) (unaffected by: rest), cough (worsened by: lying flat) (unaffected by: exposure to secondhand smoke, night time) (associated with: barky, hoarse, or hacking sound, whooping sound upon breathing in, phlegm or mucus) (not associated with: blood in phlegm, chronic, persistent in winter), fever (severity: mild), dizziness (worsened by: hot weather, lying flat, sitting upright) (unaffected by: changing head position, exercise, prolonged standing) (unaffected by: with fluids, rest), headache (severity: moderate) (time frame: sudden) (occurred: 1 - 3 hours) (side: front, left, right) (worsened by: sneeze or cough, being tired) (unaffected by: bending forward, changes in sleep pattern, psychological stress, exercise, being at high altitude, menstruation, skipping meals) (better by: rest) (unaffected by: stress management) (associated with: dull or aching sensation, sensation of pressure or fullness) (not associated with: occurring at the same time of day, sharp or stabbing feeling, throbbing sensation, wake you from sleep), aching muscles, generalized weakness, chills, body aches, chest congestion, difficulty breathing through nose, runny nose, sore throat, and nasal congestion. I have the following risk factor(s): living in or recent travel to high risk covid-19 region.

5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers