Impact of respiratory protective devices on respiration: Implications for panic vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic

Impact of respiratory protective devices on respiration: Implications for
panic vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The wearing of respiratory protective devices (RPDs) correctly and continually in situations where
people are at risk of respiratory infections is crucial for infection prevention. Certain people are poorly compliant
with RPDs due to RPD-related annoyance, including respiratory discomfort. We hypothesized that individuals
vulnerable to panic attacks are included in this group. No published studies on this topic are available. The
evidence for our hypothesis was reviewed in this study as a starting point for future research.
Methods: We selected a set of experimental studies that measured the respiratory physiological burden in RPD
wearers through objective and validated methods. We conducted a bibliographic search of publications in the
PubMed database (January 2000–May 2020) to identify representative studies that may be of interest for panic
respiratory pathophysiology.
Results: Five studies were included. Wearing RPDs exerted significant respiratory effects, including increased
breathing resistance, CO2 rebreathing due to CO2 accumulation in the RPD cavity, and decreased inhaled O2
concentration. We discussed the implications of these effects on the respiratory pathophysiology of panic.
Limitations: Most studies had a small sample size, with a preponderance of young participants. Different
methodologies were used across the studies. Furthermore, differences in physical responses between wearing
RPDs in experimental settings or daily life cannot be excluded.
Conclusions: This research supports the idea that panic-prone individuals may be at higher risk of respiratory
discomfort when wearing RPDs, thereby reducing their tolerance for these devices. Strategies to decrease discomfort
should be identified to overcome the risk of poor compliance.