CPAP and Asthma

[jimfromgeorgia]

Began using the prescribed CPAP three nights ago, and last night was a little better than the first two. I seemed to sleep a littler better, but maybe that was because I was so doggone tired from the previous two nights. Anyway, I had the thing on for 4-5 hours, but I have noticed something about my asthma.

I'm 52 and developed adult onset asthma about 20 years ago. I used an advair diskus and theophylline and it has been very well controled for especially the last 8-10 years. My symptoms are typically chest tightness, inflammation, that kind of thing. I've never really had the typical asthma symptoms you think of like shortness of breath, or not able to breathe, that kind of thing. Allergies, smoke, perfumes, etc are what does set me off when it bothers me, and my lungs feels tight, inflamed, itchy-scratchy.

Well after being on this thing the last few nights, my asthma symptoms have really flared up. That tight, itchly scratchy burning fleeing in my chest, some minor congestion too.

Any other asthma sufferers out there with similar issues or suggestions? I did up my humidity level from 4 - 6 last night and we'll see if that might help. I did mention this to my doc when i first saw him, and he did say that sometimes people with asthma have trouble with this therapy and may not be able to use it.

Thanks.

[cflame1]

What I had problems with was the CFLEX on the machine that I started with. Couldn't use it or it felt like I was hyperventilating.

[ozij]

Have you added a pollen filter to the setup?

Did you make sure to soak mask and hose for about 30-45 minutes in soapy water before first using them?

When I get a new machine, I also let it blow into the air for an hour or two, so I don't have to breathe all those "new plastic" smells.

O.

[gasp]

Began using the prescribed CPAP three nights ago, and last night was a little better than the first two. I seemed to sleep a littler better, but maybe that was because I was so doggone tired from the previous two nights. Anyway, I had the thing on for 4-5 hours, but I have noticed something about my asthma.

I'm 52 and developed adult onset asthma about 20 years ago. I used an advair diskus and theophylline and it has been very well controled for especially the last 8-10 years. My symptoms are typically chest tightness, inflammation, that kind of thing. I've never really had the typical asthma symptoms you think of like shortness of breath, or not able to breathe, that kind of thing. Allergies, smoke, perfumes, etc are what does set me off when it bothers me, and my lungs feels tight, inflamed, itchy-scratchy.

Well after being on this thing the last few nights, my asthma symptoms have really flared up. That tight, itchly scratchy burning fleeing in my chest, some minor congestion too.

Any other asthma sufferers out there with similar issues or suggestions? I did up my humidity level from 4 - 6 last night and we'll see if that might help. I did mention this to my doc when i first saw him, and he did say that sometimes people with asthma have trouble with this therapy and may not be able to use it.

Thanks.

I have asthma and have found since being on CPAP my asthma has increasingly been getting better. I think getting more sleep and breathing well is partially what has helped. I too am allergic to airborne chemicals and particulates versus a more wide array of allergens. I do not have itchy-scratchy feelings or lungs that feel tight. I just have bronchial inflammation. My asthma is so much reduced that I have not been on inhalers for months now.

I'm surprised your doctor would say that people with asthma may not be able to use this therapy. I wonder if he knows about APAP with exhalation relief. I have the Respironics M Series A-Flex machine and set the exhalation relief on it's highest setting - meaning it provides maximum exhalation relief. This opposed to to continuous air that, for the asthma sufferer, can make it hard to exhale. Perhaps this doc would like to prescribe the A-Flex for you : )

I agree you need to use filters. I use both the white fine filter and the outer grey filter. I replace the fine filter monthly and the grey filter every 3 to 6 months.

[Snoredog]

my opinion:

You want less or no humidity at all. Humid air makes it worse. You want to try and slow your breathing down to get rid of the hyperventilation. Lower pressure seems to also help.

When you get that way, take gallon ziplock bag, put it over your mouth and nose and rebreathe in it for a few minutes, if you can't stand it, stop for a few minutes and try it again. See if you don't feel better afterward. If you use a clear ziplock bag you will see all the moisture you expel naturally without any humidifier. Using a dehumidifier or air conditioner can remove some of the moisture out of the air.

[CorgiGirl]

I, too, have asthma and it has been getting steadily better during the six weeks I've used my machine. I do have the fine pollen filter and have changed it after a month.

I disagree with Snoredog about the humidification. For me, not enough humidity makes my nasal passages close up and my throat feel scratchy and raw. I think how much humidity is needed is different for everyone, so experiment to find what works best for you.

Hang in there.

[gasp]

I, too, have asthma and it has been getting steadily better during the six weeks I've used my machine. I do have the fine pollen filter and have changed it after a month.

I disagree with Snoredog about the humidification. For me, not enough humidity makes my nasal passages close up and my throat feel scratchy and raw. I think how much humidity is needed is different for everyone, so experiment to find what works best for you.

Hang in there.

On the humidity/asthma connection - for me, no humidity drys my nose even with Neti Pot use. My nose stuffs up and I can't use a nasal/nasal pillows mask at all. I have to go to a FF mask. I have to use humidity. Even excess humidity doesn't adversely affect my asthma. You may be different here. Do you breathe well in a steamy environment such as a shower, or when walking in an outdoor situation such as heavy mist?

[DreamDiver]

jimfromgeorgia,

Welcome!

Like many others, I've had the exact opposite results from you. I had adult-onset asthma, but now it's almost completely gone. Worse, I had a persistent wracking cough that rattled my whole body. All of that is gone.

ozij's suggestion about filters is important. Make sure you have the proper filter installed. Also, you may want to check where your machine is sitting. Is there a lot of dust? Wipe down the area where your machine is. If it's on old carpet on the floor, that could be part of the problem. Try raising it just a little off the floor, even on a cardboard box, if nothing else. Snoredog's suggestion about heated humidity was also helpful for me. Try turning off the heat and using the humidifier unheated. That should help reduce nasal congestion. Like Gasp and CorgiGirl, I've got to have some humidity. I just don't turn on the heat. And certainly try cflame's suggestion to change your c-flex settings.