sinus infections & CPAP

[nanato10]

I have a sinus infection - painful with lots of cheek pressure and severe headache. Do you think it would help to increase the humidity on the machine? Or should I not use the machine? I used it last night and my husband said I coughed a lot, but I didn't realize it. I have a nasal mask, activa mirage. One of my eyes has tears pouring out constantly also. This has been going on for a month and I thought I had a leak and that was causing it. Now I wonder if I had an eye infection (tear duct) that led to the sinus infection. I just know my face is killing me and I need to breathe tonight. Thanks. Linda

[ozij]

An acute sinus infection is a contrainidcation for the use of xPAP, according to the instructions manual of my machine. Talk to your doctor - or one that is knowledgeable about xPAP therapy ASAP.

O.

[MartiniLover]

I would think the first plan of attack would be to dry all that up, which after a month would mean seeing a doctor.

Luckily, I have not had any problem in over a year with my nose. I do use Flonase, and Ipratropium Br Nasal Spray a prescription spray that you use at the first sign of a runny nose. Drys you right up.

I have found that not turning on the heat on my humidifier works for me. I just use it as a passover.

Good Luck on drying up.

[snork2]

Of course "see a good ENT doctor" HAS to be my first suggestion for a sinus infection.

I was plagued by impacted sinuses and chronic sinus infections until I finally got taken care of by a good ENT. I had a miserable first year of CPAP before figuring out a pulmonary sleep doc is pretty much clueless about sinuses.

I keep infections away and keep junk cleared out now after my sinus surgery and purging by doing a warm saline rinse twice a day. Not a spritz from a cute little saline spray bottle, but a good flush out of salt in warm water, gently squirting it up my nose with a pediatric nose flushing bulb, and blowing out the stuff so infections can't get a foothold in there. It seems like when I do get colds, they pass through MUCH faster when I do this too.

I found a fairly low humidity setting with a heated hose works good for me when the sinuses are aching, even before the surgery. The warm air feels good.


snork1

[Ramona]

Definitely see a doctor and get some antibiotics. I tend to get a lot of sinus infections too and have recently discovered sinus irrigation. I can't remember ever being so clear. Get over this infection and then try it as a preventative. I irrigate twice a day and it really helps.