CPAP sinus, phlegm, non heated humidifier questions

REIUSA · Post by **REIUSA** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 6:26 am

Hello everyone,
I have been using a CPAP for about three years and have noticed an increase in sinus infection. I have a lot of allergies too that I recently started taking shots for. Since I went to the allergist I have started using a Netti pot and that has helped my sinuses a lot, a few weeks ago I had a lot of sinus drainage but no infection, I used the pot as soon as I noticed drainage, now I am trying to use it at least once a day. The day before yesterday I woke in the middle of the nigh choking, with a sore throat and phlegm in my lungs. Today I don't have much sinus drainage but I have green phlegm that I am coughing up and feel a little sick to my stomach. I am using a fresh foam and allergy filter at this time also.

From what you all have experienced could my problems be caused by the CPAP? And what would be causing the phlegm in my lungs like this? It always seems worse in the spring and fall too (allergies).

Another thing that may be a problem is I have only used a non-heated water reservoir so far, could a lot of my problem be because I need a heated reservoir? I have heard some people say that it will make a huge difference.

I am getting so frustrated with these sinus infections. Using a Netti pot is helping a lot but now I have green phlegm, yuk, I don't know if the lung infection is related to draining sinuses or not. I will probably go to the doc and get antibiotics if this doesn't clear up my Monday.

Claire · Post by **Claire** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 6:37 am

Have you been tested for asthma?

I was in the same boat a number of years ago, long before I went on CPAP. Lots of sinus infections and chest infections, including pneumonia. I was on antibiotics 5-6 times a year. The respirologist put me on puffers which ended 99% of the chest problems and I was on shots for my allergies for 4 years. The result is that I am just about infection-free, knock on wood.

As I learned, if you have asthma, your bronchial tubes are always inflamed and capture germs in the tissues which allows them to thrive and cause infections. Getting the inflammation down is the only way to stop this from occuring...hence, puffers. The same with sinus issues...allergies increase inflammation in the sinuses.

Hope this helps.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 6:37 am

My doctor has always said green phlegm means antibiotics. You would be better of calling the answering service and having a script called in today.

I found a passover humidifier caused me sinus and nose problems. In my case the interior of my nostrils got CHAPPED and the air blowing in began to feel like pouring salt on a raw wound!

I've found my heated humidifier often CLEARS my plugged nose and sinuses. Before I got a full face mask I had an occasion of being so plugged up I could barely breathe thru my nose. Still I donned my nasal cushion mask, turned on my CPAP w/heated humidifier and breathed as well as I could thru the mask, at first every few breaths I would have to open my mouth and gasp in some air, but w/in 10 minutes or so I was easily breathing thru my nose.

REIUSA · Post by **REIUSA** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 7:47 am

Thanks for the info. I am starting to worry about asthma, I may mention it to the doctor. The only time I get really out of breath is up stairs or when running for several minutes.

Another thing that makes me wonder is I started using a nasal pillow that blows air directly into the nostrils. I like the way it fits on my face compared to the other nose mask that touches my forehead, but could the pillow make things worse or does it not really matter?

Is the passover humidifier just a plain non-heated one? Hopefully I can get a heated humidifier next week.

Lots of Questions · Post by **Lots of Questions** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 11:01 am

I will posit the following potential explanations for your problems. Only a doctor could tell you for certain.

1. Coughing up stuff from the lungs--your nose/sinuses are draining, and stuff is getting into your lungs. This happens to me ALL the time because of my allergies. Often the only way I know my sinuses are draining is that I start coughing. What always works for me is a couple of rounds of pseudoephedrine. I take one dose a day in the mornings only for a few days. That generally whips it.

2. Sick to stomach--you are swallowing the phlegm that drains and that you cough up. Too much of it makes me sick. See if you can spit out at least the stuff you cough up. Keep a kleenex or spittoon handy at all times.

Notes on pseudoephedrine:

* Pseudoephedrine (brand name Sudafed) is kept behind the counter at the pharmacy (in the USA). You'll have to show ID, and they make take down your ID info.

* If you have high blood pressure, you may want to use pseudoephedrine with caution. I have HBP, but pseudoephedrine doesn't seem to affect my blood pressure, just my pulse rate. So I take it, but only if I really need it.

* If I use pseudoephedrine too many days in a row, I get cotton mouth. When I have a sinus infection, I generally have to lay off of pseudoephedrine a day once in a while because of that.

Read the box. If you have concerns about the box info, ask your doctor or pharmacist. My experience may be different from yours, as everyone is different. You may be able to tolerate more frequent dosing, for example, or find that it doesn't work for you at all.