J Korean Biol Nurs Sci.  2024 Aug;26(3):177-184. 10.7586/jkbns.24.021.

The effects of mask applied aromatherapy on allergic rhinitis symptoms, fatigue, and quality of life related to allergic rhinitis in the COVID-19 era: a randomized controlled trial

• Her J
• Hur MH

• KMID: 2558720
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7586/jkbns.24.021

Abstract

Purpose
Even after allergic rhinitis is diagnosed and treated, various symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose recur periodically due to various environmental factors.
Methods
This randomized controlled trial was conducted to confirm the effectiveness of mask-based aromatherapy as a method of alleviating allergic rhinitis during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The study participants were adults between the ages of 19 and 60 who were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and had a Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) of 2 or more. Participants were randomly assigned to an aromatherapy group that was provided aromatherapy essential oils and a control group that did not receive aromatherapy. Participants in the aromatherapy group were asked to drop an aromatherapy essential oil onto a disposable face mask and wear it twice a day for two weeks.
Results
The aromatherapy group experience significant alleviation of allergic rhinitis symptoms (visual analogue scale, F = 11.22, p < .001; TNSS, F = 15.82, p < .001). The aromatherapy group also showed significantly higher improvements in fatigue (F = 8.28, p < .001), allergic rhinitis-specific quality of life (F = 11.12, p < .001).
Conclusion
The oils used in this study appeared to be effective in relieving the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. In particular, the mask drop inhalation method was applied in light of mandatory mask-wearing due to the global COVID-19 pandemic during this study period. Mask drop inhalation is a method of inhaling oil close to the nose and is considered an effective method for reducing the inconvenience of applying oil.

Keyword

Rhinitis, allergic; Aromatherapy; Eucalyptus Oil; Masks; Quality of life