Husband getting chronic ear infections, HELP, please!

[happymom3030]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this forum. I have some questions if you all could offer some suggestions, I would really appreciate it. My husband was diagnosed with sleep apnea about 8 months ago. He has another ear infection since starting using the CPAP machine. I think this is his third or fourth infection. So, it's got to be related to this machine.....that's my guess anyway. Have you all ever heard of this issue? If so, do you have any helpful information regarding this problem? Maybe there is something that he can do so it doesn't happen. I just feel so bad that he's traded one problem for another.

Any information would be super appreciated.

Thanks

[ughwhatname]

I haven't gotten an infection (I've been on the machine for only two weeks), but I did notice that one ear seems "off." I wondered if it might be related.

I'm quite curious about this now myself.

[Pugsy]

He needs to be evaluated by ENT.
The airway does have a tiny connection to the inner ear via the Eustachian tubes. For most of us the most common "problem" is minor pressure changes in the ear like one gets when changing altitude in an airplane and relieved the same way.
The Eustachian tubes is also how upper respiratory symptoms (common cold) morphs into an ear infection in some people.
If it is determined that the cpap pressure is maybe pushing some bugs into the inner ear then maybe lower pressure could be used to lessen the chance. Might have to compromise a bit with cpap therapy. Maybe an AHI of 3.0 instead of 1.0 or something like that.
Still needs to be evaluated by ENT though because there might be another reason for the repeated ear infections.
CPAP therapy may or may not be a contributor...so don't risk it by not having a pro investigate it.

[chunkyfrog]

And do NOT let him presume it's due to the cpap unless a doctor agrees. (ASAP)
It's completely possible that he's had the infections all along; only now he notices.

[happymom3030]

Thanks so much for the feedback. Also, I'm not clear from texting him whether or not he is using the humidifier part of the machine. If not, could this possibly be contributing to an ear infection in your opinion?

[Pugsy]

I don't know about humidifier use or non use.
Too much or too little added moisture could possibly cause typical sinus or nasal congestion symptoms which are usually related to the nasal mucosa...very similar to allergy symptoms. If he is also having those symptoms it might make any potential ear symptoms appear to worsen.
Use of the humidifier and at what settings is highly individual...some people need more moisture and some people need less.
I don't see how using the humidifier could actually introduce germs that would possibly cause an ear infection unless the humidifier was totally nasty from not cleaning or not using distilled water. I have used cpap with humidifier (and I prefer LOTS of added moisture) and I haven't had one ear infection and really only 2 upper respiratory infections in well over 3 years now.

There are a few people who do have a problem with the Eustachian tubes and the inner ear. Read about it the other day.

http://blogs.webmd.com/all-ears/2009/07 ... n-etd.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eustachian_tube

If it is related to cpap use and maybe humidifier use...it is not a common thing. Not impossible due to the anatomy involved but not a common side effect.

[Jasmo]

I have had 4 or 5 ear aches in the past six months. Two have led to ear infections requiring antibiotics. I have not had problems until I upgraded my CPAP machine six months ago. I use a humidity setting of 1 but the fluid build up and sinus and ear congestion is becoming a real problem. Without humidity my throat is sore. I took my machine to my sleep doctor and he honestly seemed surprised at my relating the machine to my inflamed ears. I guess I will call an ENT specialist. I have used a CPAP for two years and just now realized the ear aches began with this newest Phillips respironics machine.

[Janknitz]

Sounds silly, but have him try this: put an ear plug (wax or silicone) in ONE ear only. This may relieve the pressure and backwash into the eustacion tubes.

[knightlite]

I have had ear problems for 50 years but not due to cpap . One of the exercises taught to me by the naval doctors was to hold your nose and swallow to force open your ear tubes to make them equalize . Another was to mix my own ear treatment of one third alcohol, one third vinegar and one third distilled water in the ear canal , especially before and after getting water in your ear. I had real bad vertigo one time but it slowly went away all related to the inner ear. H- peroxide does not work . Gargling with salt water and carefully using a neti pot with sea salt works for me . Make sure you boil neti pot water first to kill water bugs,amoeba etc. The salt is not friendly to bacteria.
I would guess cpap would help keep the tubes open and maybe a running infection could get in there. But the tubes have to stay open or you get ear pressure lock -hence ear pain .
I would guess you could have a serious sinus/throat infection getting to your tubes with the pressure. I would see an ent soon . Mean while clean your equipment often . I sterilize mine with one capful of bleach to a gallon of water. Use distilled water in your humidifier after you sterilize it all .tank, hoses, mask . Use the better filters on the machine besides the washable one . Some would say it is time to get a new mask and hoses after 8 months. Tests have shown you can't totally clean them up after so many months , that's why the replacement schedule allows you to get new.
If you are not using distilled water at least boil it first before using it in you humidifier= clean with vinegar to get deposits out .
My dear friend has just won the battle of getting mrsa( a form of staph ) out of her sinuses after six months so stuff does get carried away in there.
This is all opinion-- no medical advice . Everybody is fighting a battle each day of some sort.
good luck to you

[archangle]

If my homemade chin strap covers my ears, they get damp and seem to get irritated deep down inside.

CPAP can cause your ears to pop, especially when you swallow. This might help stuff go up your Eustachian tube from your nose and might lead to infections.

If you have too much trouble with this, you can use an Oracle Oral CPAP mask. If you learn to use it without the nose plugs, you will not have pressure in your nose and ears at all. I don't recommend the mask in general because it's sort of tough to get used to and dries out your throat.

[bbf]

I am new to cpap - four nights also, and on night 2 started experiencing ear pain and pressure in the sinus area. Very comparable to the feeling when flying.I am starting slow with the machine, now up to 4 hours. Since I have allergies, I take a decongestant in the evening and use a nasal spray to unblock nasal cavities, which seems to work.

Do the ear and sinus cavities eventually aclimate to the pressure? Should I see an ENT?

What about asking sleep doctor to reduce upper pressure while sinuses are acting up? By way of background, I have the Resmed Autoset, pressure range is 7-15. I initially set ramp to 30 minutes, and then lowered to 20 minutes - and ear pain started, not sure if a coincidence. I changed the ramp back to 30 minutes the next night. Less ear pain, but still feel ear pressure during day. Also have played with humidity and thermostat, and seem to do better in reducing nasal drainage above 70 deg. with humidity on auto.

Thanks!

[msla]

I am new to cpap - four nights also, and on night 2 started experiencing ear pain and pressure in the sinus area. Very comparable to the feeling when flying.I am starting slow with the machine, now up to 4 hours. Since I have allergies, I take a decongestant in the evening and use a nasal spray to unblock nasal cavities, which seems to work.

Do the ear and sinus cavities eventually aclimate to the pressure? Should I see an ENT?

What about asking sleep doctor to reduce upper pressure while sinuses are acting up? By way of background, I have the Resmed Autoset, pressure range is 7-15. I initially set ramp to 30 minutes, and then lowered to 20 minutes - and ear pain started, not sure if a coincidence. I changed the ramp back to 30 minutes the next night. Less ear pain, but still feel ear pressure during day. Also have played with humidity and thermostat, and seem to do better in reducing nasal drainage above 70 deg. with humidity on auto.

Thanks!

I too have issues with one sinus below one eye. Pressure built up and I would get a 24-36 hour headache every 7-10 days. I notice some popping of the ear drum with the CPAP at 10 cm steady, no ramp. The PCP started me on Nasonex 2x per day and nasal cavity saline rinse 2x per day. This has helped to keep the beast at bay most of the time.

Edit: FWIW - I found that putting in a foam ear plug for noise helped keep the CPAP pressure from vigorously popping the ear drum.
to OP: I agree with Pugsy, see a good ENT.

[wiseas]

I too have a new APAP and am fighting multiple ear infections, dizzyness, and hearing issues...

[Wulfman...]

I too have a new APAP and am fighting multiple ear infections, dizzyness, and hearing issues...

Go to your doctor, ENT or the emergency room! This forum is NOT a medical facility.


Den

.

[chunkyfrog]

Yes, PLEASE get thee to an MD!