Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 6, 2025
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Spurious Asthma Presentation during COVID-19
1Pediatric Pulmonology Unit, Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel.
Insights
Face masks can cause hyperventilation in children, mimicking asthma symptoms. Pediatricians should consider mask-induced anxiety and hyperventilation when evaluating respiratory complaints.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Respiratory Medicine
- Psychology
Background:
- Face masks are widely used globally to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
- Children with respiratory complaints were evaluated after ineffective asthma treatments.
- Mask use has become a common practice in daily life.
Observation:
- Three children presented with respiratory symptoms while wearing face masks.
- Initial diagnosis of asthma was made, but treatments proved ineffective.
- Detailed evaluation, including video analysis, was performed for the first patient.
Findings:
- The detailed evaluation confirmed hyperventilation as the diagnosis.
- Symptoms mimicked common respiratory disorders like asthma.
- Mask-wearing was associated with the onset of these symptoms.
Implications:
- Pediatricians must be aware of mask-induced anxiety and hyperventilation.
- Recognizing these symptoms is crucial in the current era of widespread mask use.
- This awareness can prevent misdiagnosis of respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Abstract:
The use of face masks as a means for preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 is now a common practice world-wide. Three children presented to our specialty clinic with respiratory complaints during protective face mask wearing. They were diagnosed as asthma and referred to our specialist clinic for further evaluation after asthma treatments were ineffective. Full details and a video clip demonstrating the effects of wearing the mask is presented for the first patient. The detailed evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of hyperventilation. Conclusions: In the current era of the daily use of masks, pediatricians should be aware of potential anxiety and hyperventilation while the mask is being worn, causing symptoms that mimic common respiratory disorders, such as asthma.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...