Hi. i am 22 years old with iron deficiency anaemia, more specifically hypochromic microcytic anaemia. as a result, i experience shortness of breath and fatigue often, since i was younger. is it safe for me to use a face mask for prolonged periods?

Yes: A face mask is suggested to decrease transmission of viral illness. It should not be contraindicated. If you experience shortness of breath, remove the mask away from other individuals. A chest radiograph, EKG 12 lead, and pulse oximetry is indicated if your shortness of breath is prolonged, worsened by exertion or associated with pain. Blood loss from the airway and GI tracts should be ruled o

Face Mask concerns: The face mask is used to protect you and others. Your diagnosis should not preclude your use of face mask. However, if you don't feel comfortable with that - most areas that have mandates allow for face masks OR Face coverings. A face covering can be a scarf or cloth. To be useful it should be at least two layers thick.

Agree with Drs F&D: If you are losing too much blood with periods, you may talk to your doctor to go on a pill that will limit your periods to once a year. For now take oral iron and multivitamins to correct anemia if it is due to iron deficiency. Have a healthy diet, exercise 30 minutes/day, drink plenty of water, have safe sex, no tobacco alcohol weed or street drugs. For nutrition: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/.

Anemia : I agree that there is no reason you should not wear a face covering when near people especially in pubic. Most likely your anemia is from low iron, (not eating foods with iron, or not absorbing iron or losing iron by blood loss -menstrual periods).. There is also the possibility you have other types of anemia or a few types of anemia at the same time Speak to your doctor about the amenia.