Pleural effusion- related to CPAP?

[Crazytired]

I’m a fairly new CPAP user (4 months). I have developed a small right sided pleural effusion (fluid in pleural space), and possibly small pneumonia. It is very atypical because I wasn’t sick and had no cough, cold, fevers...
It started with severe sharp pain with inspiration- like pleurisy. I underwent a big work up after the chest X-ray showed above findings. I was referred to pulmonology and had a CT to rule out pulmonary embolus (blood clot) which was negative. I’ve never before had this or any respiratory problems. I continue to have pleuritic pain with breathing 10 days later. I’m on antibiotics.
I clean my cpap as recommended but I’m suspicious that it was the culprit. After washing all the parts and pieces, could there be contaminated within the machine?. I’d appreciate any feedback.
Thank you.

[Wulfman...]

I’m a fairly new CPAP user (4 months). I have developed a small right sided pleural effusion (fluid in pleural space), and possibly small pneumonia. It is very atypical because I wasn’t sick and had no cough, cold, fevers...
It started with severe sharp pain with inspiration- like pleurisy. I underwent a big work up after the chest X-ray showed above findings. I was referred to pulmonology and had a CT to rule out pulmonary embolus (blood clot) which was negative. I’ve never before had this or any respiratory problems. I continue to have pleuritic pain with breathing 10 days later. I’m on antibiotics.
I clean my cpap as recommended but I’m suspicious that it was the culprit. After washing all the parts and pieces, could there be contaminated within the machine?. I’d appreciate any feedback.
Thank you.

No.
Not related to CPAP..........unless you're cleaning it too often.
Where do you hang your mask or hose to dry? If it's in the bathroom, that's a big No-No.
Do you use distilled water?
If you're cleaning/replacing your air intake filters in a reasonable timeframe, and using distilled water, there should be virtually no chance of "contamination". There is no chance of pathogens getting past the filter(s) and HH tank to get to you. The water vapor molecules are too small to carry them out of the HH tank.
The more you pull the equipment apart, there are more possibilities of contamination by unfiltered room air which the machine pulls through which you're breathing the rest of the day/night when you're not hooked up to the machine.
In other words, while you're using the machine, the air you're breathing is much safer and filtered than that which you breathe the rest of the day/night.

So, it ain't the CPAP! (no matter how hard you want to blame it for your conditions) Probably contracted from other places you've been.

Most of us hardly ever clean our equipment.

Couldn't find anything in the following links

https://www.emedicinehealth.com/pleural ... sion_facts

https://www.medicinenet.com/pleural_eff ... rticle.htm

https://www.healthline.com/health/pleur ... n#symptoms


Den

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[chunkyfrog]

Cpap is highly unlikely to be even a minor contributor.
Do NOT stop using your cpap, unless directed by your DOCTOR.
Ummmm, is somebody trying to sell you a SoClean?
Normal cleaning is ENOUGH.
Continue with your treatment, as ordered by your doctor.
Complain to your doctor if pain continues. (Pester if necessary)
Some infections can be stubborn, and require next level therapies.
Remember that some doctors tend to go for the easy fix before they try harder.

[kteague]

There's exceptions to every rule. Even if it's not the germs, those with certain lung diseases have to be more cautious on CPAP than others. If the lung tissue is in a weaked state, the pressure might become a problem. I'd want to make sure I'd been thoroughly evaluated to make sure something not readily apparent isn't going on. Years ago an xray showed I had pneumonia. Round of antibiotics. Repeat xray - no change. More antibiotics. Another xray. Still no change. Can't remember if it was a CT Scan or MRI but it was discovered I have interstitial lumg disease, unrelated to CPAP use. Sounds to me like it's a good time to get a thorough workup, just to be sure. btw My lung disease improved with CPAP use. Seemed to get the air deeper into my lungs. Everyone's different. It's healthy to ask the questions. Hope you figure out if there's anything you need to be doing to help yourself.

[palerider]

I’m a fairly new CPAP user (4 months). I have developed a small right sided pleural effusion (fluid in pleural space), and possibly small pneumonia. It is very atypical because I wasn’t sick and had no cough, cold, fevers...
It started with severe sharp pain with inspiration- like pleurisy. I underwent a big work up after the chest X-ray showed above findings. I was referred to pulmonology and had a CT to rule out pulmonary embolus (blood clot) which was negative. I’ve never before had this or any respiratory problems. I continue to have pleuritic pain with breathing 10 days later. I’m on antibiotics.
I clean my cpap as recommended but I’m suspicious that it was the culprit. After washing all the parts and pieces, could there be contaminated within the machine?. I’d appreciate any feedback.
Thank you.

No, there's nothing to worry about inside the machine.

[Crazytired]

Thank you all for the feedback.
Wulfman - Can you clarify how cleaning CPAP “too much” can be problematic? What qualifies as too much? The mask is the only thing I wash daily, and rinse the water chamber. I’ve heard that bathrooms can be contaminated with micro spray and e-coli when toliets are flushed with the lid up- is that the problem with hanging the hose in the shower.
Thank you.

[palerider]

Thank you all for the feedback.
Wulfman - Can you clarify how cleaning CPAP “too much” can be problematic? What qualifies as too much?

Premature wear on parts, necessitating replacement sooner than otherwise would be required.

[Wulfman...]

Thank you all for the feedback.
Wulfman - Can you clarify how cleaning CPAP “too much” can be problematic? What qualifies as too much? The mask is the only thing I wash daily, and rinse the water chamber. I’ve heard that bathrooms can be contaminated with micro spray and e-coli when toliets are flushed with the lid up- is that the problem with hanging the hose in the shower.
Thank you.

Most of us decided early on that frequent cleaning is "overkill" and wears out the equipment much faster. That's great for the DMEs as they can suck more money out of your insurance........but unnecessary in the total scheme of things.
The point is to make up your own mind.

Here's a link to previous forum discussions on "cleaning" ( compiled by "rested gal" )

viewtopic.php?p=567264#p567264


Den

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[ChicagoGranny]

The mask is the only thing I wash daily, and rinse the water chamber.

That's a good routine. What are you washing the mask with? I wash my mask only once a week in Dawn dishwashing liquid.

The hose never gets washed. It's more likely to be contaminated by washing/drying than by normal use in the CPAP circuit.

I read that the most common cause of pleural effusion is congestive heart failure followed by pneumonia and cancer. Have you ever been a smoker?

[SterlingBay]

Pleural Effusions can be symptoms of serious lung diseases so it would be good to return to your doctor for further evaluation and followup.