Filtration Face Mask 3-induced Anaphylaxis in a Healthcare Worker During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Report

This study aimed to focus on using high quality personal protective equipment (PPE). Low quality PPE usage can cause life-threatening problems for health care workers and public health. The coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic has led to a substantial increase in the usage of face mask wordwide. Fabric, surgical, N95, filtration face mask 2 (FFP2), and FFP3 masks are used to avoid the increased risk of transmission. These masks directly contact the skin; therefore, they may cause the inhalation of the filtration fibers on the mask. Thus, the materials and methods used in mask production are an important public health concern. A 37-year-old healthcare worker was admitted to the emergency department with shortness of breath and cough after wearing an FFP3 mask for an hour. The patient presented with following vital signs: Oxygen saturation (SpO2) of 89%, heart rate of 120 beats/min, blood pressure of 89/60 mmHg, and respiratory rate of 25 breaths/min. Stridor and bilateral wheezing were noted on physical examination. Considering that the patient developed an anaphylactic reaction due to the fiber material on the inner surface of the mask worn by the patient, anaphylaxis treatment was administered. Following the treatment, patient’s clinical status had improved and SpO2 reached up to 98%. The patient had a history of atopy; therefore, antihistamines were prescribed and dietary modifications were recommended. We report the first case of anaphylactic reaction in a healthcare worker, resulting from the fiber part of a face mask. When foreign body aspiration is suspected, the possibility of anaphylactic reaction to the aspirated material should also be considered. Our case emphasizes that before using face masks, the inner surface should be checked and it must be intact. Additionally, people with the history of atopy should be more careful in selecting the materials used in masks; they should carefully examine the product they bought. Being competent and careful in the controls during the production phase has a great importance in protecting the lives of healthcare workers.