Caused by CPAP or something else?

[Desperate_in_DM]

Been on CPAP since August 3rd. Ever since then I've been having increasing issues with my ears. Lots of drainage, having trouble understanding people when they speak, and downright pain a few times.

I've also had more problems with headaches. Before my morning headches could be so bad that I would vomit, but they would get better after about 90 minutes. I don't vomit any longer, but the headache has been persistent for at least four days now without letting up (even with OTC meds).

My pressure was increased from 6 to 9 last Wednesday. I have had the headaches and ear problems since the start of CPAP, but it has gotten worse since the pressure change.

Are these commonsymptoms of CPAP? Will my body adjust like with the rib pain on a higher pressure? Do I needto see a doctor? Is this just coincidental and not related to CPAP?

[ozij]

I doubt any of us can give you a reliable answer about that.
An unrelenting 4 day headache would definitely send me to a doctor.

[Desperate_in_DM]

I was just wondering if anyone else has had increased headaches or earaches on CPAP.

My headache could be from stress, but the earache is the confusing part.

[davecpap]

Been on CPAP since August 3rd. Ever since then I've been having increasing issues with my ears. Lots of drainage, having trouble understanding people when they speak, and downright pain a few times.

I've also had more problems with headaches. Before my morning headches could be so bad that I would vomit, but they would get better after about 90 minutes. I don't vomit any longer, but the headache has been persistent for at least four days now without letting up (even with OTC meds).

Your symptoms remind me of this post on another board:

http://www.apneasupport.org/about6161.html

http://www.apneasupport.org/post-35507.html#35507

Maybe something is going on with your eustachian tubes, allowing CPAP air in your nasal cavity to reach your middle ear. Perhaps a visit to the ENT is in order?

[Julie]

Your symptoms are not due to cpap - you need to see a doctor, preferably a neurologist, because it sounds like you not only have had migraines but other things as well, and all we can do is take pot shot guesses, which is wasting your time if nothing else.

[Desperate_in_DM]

It could be coincidental, but I went to bed around 1AM last night (was up with a tot who didn't feel well). I woke up at 4AM with him again and forgot to put the mask back on in my half-asleep state. Woke up for the day at 9:30AM and my headache went away after an hour and I don't feel the ear pain any longer.

So either it's coincidence or the headaches and ear pain ARE being caused by the CPAP. I guess if I use the mask tonight and I have the all-day headache and ear pain tomorrow, I'll call the sleep doc and/or my GP and see what's up.

Your symptoms remind me of this post on another board:

http://www.apneasupport.org/about6161.html

http://www.apneasupport.org/post-35507.html#35507

Maybe something is going on with your eustachian tubes, allowing CPAP air in your nasal cavity to reach your middle ear. Perhaps a visit to the ENT is in order?

Thank you for the links. It doesn't sound unreasonable to think that although rare, that the CPAP could be causing the issues.

[DoriC]

I doubt any of us can give you a reliable answer about that.
An unrelenting 4 day headache would definitely send me to a doctor.

That's a lot of "could be's". I suggest a visit with either an ENT or Neurologist. Keep us updated.

[Emilia]

Dr. Park's blog today had this about ear problems and SA: http://doctorstevenpark.com/i-confess-– ... last-night

[firedog66]

I would see and ENT, and be assessed for a sinus infection. This will often cause pain when CPAP pressure is applied. I would also consider switching to a nasal mask (ResMed Micro, or Respironics Comfort gel are good). The nasal pillows interfaces tend to cause more nasal drying, which can irritate sinus tissues and trigger headaches as well.

[Cindy Lou Who]

I also had low grade pain in my ears for the first month when I started. Now if I change pressure more than 0.6 cm points the feeling of my ears needing 'popping' comes back. Years ago tried SCUBA diving for a hobby and painfully discovered I couldn't adjust my ears. After my first (and only) lesson it took three days for my ears to get back to normal pressure. Mentioned that to my Dr and he said I had had a lot a sore throats as a child and probably there was a lot of scar tissue in the Eustachian tubes.
With what you describe, a visit to an ENT would be wise.
Good Luck,
Cindy

[chunkyfrog]

My ears 'pop' a lot--they always have.
Once it was a car ride through Smiley Canyon.
Now, it's every night after hosing up.
Oh, well.

[SleepingUgly]

I had ear aches on CPAP. Be careful about taking OTC medications for headaches, as drug overuse headaches can result. In short, the ibuprofen/Tylenol that you take for the headaches could ultimately cause headaches (and of course ibuprofen can also wreak havoc on your gut if you take it too regularly).

[Goofproof]

The headache could be low O2, from mouthbreathing while sleeping, a common problem from using a nasal interface, with air escaping from your mouth. Jim