Runny Nose with CPAP

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
ericlhyman
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Runny Nose with CPAP

Post by ericlhyman » Sat Mar 14, 2009 8:33 am

The Respironics instruction booklet mentions runny nose as a possible side effect of the air flow from CPAP. I had a cold for a week and I've continued to have a runny nose for 2 weeks after that, but only from one side of the nose and the discharge is clear. I have been told I have vasomotor rhinitis and a deviated septum. How can you distinguish the runny nose side effect of CPAP from a lingering cold?

Guest

Re: Runny Nose with CPAP

Post by Guest » Sat Mar 14, 2009 9:19 am

Been on cpap for years. I have a slightly runny nose all day every day ever since starting cpap. Always keep the Kleenex handy. As you said, discharge is usually clear; just annoying. A small price to pay when considering other problems.

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gasparama
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Re: Runny Nose with CPAP

Post by gasparama » Sat Mar 14, 2009 10:18 am

I am constantly plagued with sinus problems. My family physician told me just this week to buy Nasal Crom and to use it every 30 minutes until the leaky stuff begins to dry up. Then it can be used several times a day. It's really safe stuff, and has made it a little bit better for me.

snozzle
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Re: Runny Nose with CPAP

Post by snozzle » Sat Mar 14, 2009 10:45 am

I'm new here myself and haven't read all the threads...suspect it's been discussed many times but I'll throw my two cents in anyway.

When I first went on the therapy, it was a major problem for me and some days constant sneezing.

Was related to temperature and humidity in the house.

My first CPAP didn't come with a humidifier as my provider didn't provide one, and I didn't know enough to question him.

After experimenting with the BR temperature, a stand alone humidifier and adjusting for seasonal differences, I was able to find the "optimums" for that particular machine, but even then there were nights when it wasn't quite right and I suffered mightily through the night and the next day.

My new machine allows me to make adjustments with a twist of a dial even in a half sleep mode and I'm so used to judging what I "should" feel like that if I come to that uncomfortable mode I know what adjustment to make and do so without conscious effort.

Everybody is different, but for me the solution was simply the right humidifier...and it took too long to figure out.
Before: Resmed Autoset Spirit - big, noisy, no humidifier, but reasonably effective, if I ignored the nasal problems.

After: Respironics REMstar Pro M Series CPAP with A-Flex, Humidifier, and SmartCard - you'll have to pry it from my cold dead nose

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Raj
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Re: Runny Nose with CPAP

Post by Raj » Sat Mar 14, 2009 1:52 pm

I find nothing surprising in the idea that xPAP therapy will trigger histamine release. Consider all that wind blowing into the sensitive tissues of your nasal passages nightly. It could easily trigger a tiny swelling that your immune system would interpret as a foreign body needing eviction, and thus the deluge -- or your immune system could interpret the wind itself as a foreign body. And once you start sneezing, large-scale swelling inevitably sets in and the situation escalates. Even a runny nose, without a rhinovirus in sight, can be impressively self-perpetuating.

For me, the solution has proven to be twofold: I have to get my humidifier at exactly the right setting, which changes in inverse relationship to the outside humidity. And I also take a dose (10mg) of the cheapest form of loratidine (the active ingredient in Claritin) that I can find.
Resmed AutoSet S9 with H5i humidifier/Swift FX mask/ Climateline hose/ http://www.rajlessons.com/

Merbill

Re: Runny Nose with CPAP

Post by Merbill » Tue Apr 14, 2009 1:39 pm

I started using CPAP about 3 months ago. For the first 30 days I used a nasal mask but then switched to a cushion type device. My machine has humidity control which seemed to be set at 50 %. About 3 weeks ago I started having sinus drainage (left nostral primarily) and sneezing like crazy. I have never had any allergies or sinus problems before so I have narrowed my problem down to some side-effect of the CPAP machine. The CPAP has been a wonder as the results of using it have greatly improved my quality of life. I have tried anti-histamine pills and sprays with little success. Besides, I don't like the side effects of these treatments. I know other people have had this occur so I would like to hear any suggestions that anyone might have. Thanks.

Hurricane
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Re: Runny Nose with CPAP

Post by Hurricane » Tue Apr 14, 2009 2:14 pm

Never had a runny nose till starting cpap, since then it has become a bothersome side effect, even after trying all tips on humidification settings, after such long usage I have come to the conclusion, it can be helped with certain meds, but after a time of not using the meds it comes back to carrying your box of tissues. My favorite is the prescript IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE NASAL solution, spray before bed,and once in the morning, also loratadine 10 mg tablets to dry nasal wetness during the day.
This cpap treatment has a long ways to go, smart minds will find solutions and better ways to open our air passages, till then pass on all suggestions.
Ed

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JLo71

Re: Runny Nose with CPAP

Post by JLo71 » Wed Aug 20, 2014 8:55 am

I have been using the CPAP machine now for 2 weeks now and I have experienced sneezing, runny nose and nasal discomfort on and off now for the last week. I contacted my ENT and he said that it probably wasnt a side affect and that I either had a lingering cold or a common allergy. I tend to disagree. He advised that I take an over the counter allergy medicine. I did and it didnt work. He said to double the dose and see if that worked. I am looking for some relief here. Is adjusting the humidifier dial a good idea. I think I have it set to 2 right now. Any thoughts ?

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Pugsy
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Re: Runny Nose with CPAP

Post by Pugsy » Wed Aug 20, 2014 9:00 am

JLo71 wrote:I have been using the CPAP machine now for 2 weeks now and I have experienced sneezing, runny nose and nasal discomfort on and off now for the last week. I contacted my ENT and he said that it probably wasnt a side affect and that I either had a lingering cold or a common allergy. I tend to disagree. He advised that I take an over the counter allergy medicine. I did and it didnt work. He said to double the dose and see if that worked. I am looking for some relief here. Is adjusting the humidifier dial a good idea. I think I have it set to 2 right now. Any thoughts ?

For more specific ideas we would need to know what machine you are using and does it have a heated hose.

Generally nasal mucosa needs vary among individuals. Some need more humidity and some need less.
Since you are using a setting of 2 on your humidifier...that's a relatively low setting so I would suggest increasing it. If you were already using a higher setting I would suggest decreasing it.

I had the same symptoms that you are complaining about when I tried a lower setting. It was miserable and it took my nasal mucosa 3 days to get back to normal. The symptoms mimic a bad allergy attack but are related to the nasal mucosa being unhappy with the choice of humidity going to the nose.

Google "cpap rhinitis" for additional information.

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deon

Re: Runny Nose with CPAP

Post by deon » Mon Oct 24, 2016 9:28 am

I have been using a CPAP machine for more than 12 years and had several replacements and masks. I still wake up several times during the night with a burning, itchy sensation in my nostrils and have a runny nose during the day. It varies between blocked and sensitive, but as soon as the airflow improves, the running and itching is back. I sneeze all day and use cartons of tissues. I have been to the best specialists in our country and used prescribed and over the counter remedies without any acceptable success.

This past month I have been dissolving bicarbonate of soda in water, but although there was a definitive improvement, it did not solve the problem. Now I dip an ear cleaner with cotton tip in water and covered it with bicarbonate of soda. I pushed it carefully and gently into my nose as deep as possible, and was pleasantly surprised when the itching and runny nose almost immediately disappeared.

If you are also willing to become a sniffling druggy in the cause if science, please let me know what the results were.

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Julie
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Re: Runny Nose with CPAP

Post by Julie » Mon Oct 24, 2016 10:07 am

You made no mention at all about using a humidifier or whether or not you've experimented with settings, which could make all the difference to your problem. With any other info, it's hard to advise.

deon

Re: Runny Nose with CPAP

Post by deon » Tue Nov 01, 2016 2:48 am

I had it in a bad way. After 12 years you can be sure that I have tried all options and explored all venues. I made standard adjustments, changed settings on the machines by doctors and specialists, replaced humidifiers, masks and machines, sterilized equipment Nothing worked.

I am not a doctor, and cannot recommend it, but it works for me and I want to share it with the 1000's of other sufferers who complain and do recommended adjustments and spend money on medication or gadget without finding relief.

It even works for a blocked nose. During the day when I feel the itching, I immediately use a syringe with a solution of water and bicarbonate of soda.(no salt), and if anybody else want to try it or comment, I will appreciate it. And if anybody benefit from it, I will be very happy.

gopcs

Re: Runny Nose with CPAP

Post by gopcs » Mon Aug 28, 2017 9:18 am

CPAP Runny node, sneezing, watering eyes

I found a solution that works for me.

Items required: Q-tips, Aquaphor, nasal gel like Ayr

I have set my CPAP humidification to 4 (range is 0-5). At night right before going to bed, using a Q-tip, swab Aquaphor to the nasal passages as far up the nose as you feel comfortable. I place the Q-tip about 1 1/2 inches up the nose. Next morning after showering, use a Q-tip to apply nasal gel to the nasal passages. This keeps the nasal membranes from drying out and becoming irritated.

After having lots of problems with sneezing and runny nose, I finally determined that the nasal pmembranes were becoming irritated from the constant "wind" from the CPAP for 7+ hours overnight. This would be similar to working outside in the wind all day, and getting windburn on the face. I have been using the procedure mentioned above for 2 months, and have not had any sneezing or runny nose.

phuqueutoo

Re: Runny Nose with CPAP

Post by phuqueutoo » Tue Aug 29, 2017 12:58 pm

xxyzx wrote:
ericlhyman wrote:The Respironics instruction booklet mentions runny nose as a possible side effect of the air flow from CPAP. I had a cold for a week and I've continued to have a runny nose for 2 weeks after that, but only from one side of the nose and the discharge is clear. I have been told I have vasomotor rhinitis and a deviated septum. How can you distinguish the runny nose side effect of CPAP from a lingering cold?
============

if its clear it is not a cold , yellow marginal and green definitely infected
or you could run expensive lab tests to see if there is a virus

might be allergy
but vasomotor is likely too
when i bend over my nose will start running a stream of water at times stops when i stand up


the deviated septum is irrelevant for most people
and most people have some deviation

First, ignore the moronic comments from xxyzx.
Second, try adjusting the humidifier on your CPAP either up or down, until it improves. Start by going down (dryer) a notch. Something that really worked for me was a couple drops of Eucalyptus oil on cotton ball by air intake. Another help is the use of an inhaled medicine like Flonase, right before bed.