Sinus Infection

[Sid]

Help! This is the first time since I have been on CPAP therapy that I have had a serious sinus infection and I have been fighting it for about a week and a half. Am I causing more problems using the CPAP machine, like blowing the infection around inside this empty skull? I have never had an infection this bad, my head is stopped up and my eyes are full of infection(yes it' nasty). The doctor has me on meds and I did not think to ask him his thoughts. Any words of wisdom?

[5aces]

viewtopic/t44439/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=42 ... 93#p373293

[harry33]

type nasal and sinus irrigation into google and read up, I use a netti pot to wash out mucus, infections, etc

[Sid]

Okay, but now I'm a little scared about using the CPAP tonight...but I need it, so will it "blow" infection where it shouldn't be? I am taking antibiotics.

[Pugsy]

Okay, but now I'm a little scared about using the CPAP tonight...but I need it, so will it "blow" infection where it shouldn't be? I am taking antibiotic

In theory it might be possible, because of the intertwining of the tiny passages from the nasal cavaties, for some of the "bugs" to be introduced into the tiny tubes going to the ears. In reality, they probably have already been introduced when you blew your nose. Remember when kids with colds and upper respiratory infections would wind up with an ear infection?? This is why.

I have read that people on CPAP that have colds, etc actually do better because of the humidity eases some of the congestion. I have read that some people seem to notice a shorter time frame for feeling awful. I have read that some people just crank up the humidity and let the blow through some of the congestion. I have no proof but I suspect a forceful sneeze or blowing your nose would cause more pressure than what our machines do.

I have been fortunate. I haven't had a cold or sinus infection in a very long time but if I do get one, I won't be afraid to use my machine. I haven't seen anything that would suggest it to be harmful.

[fishhead]

i just started my CPAP journey about 5 weeks ago and after about 2 weeks developed a wicked sinus infection that lasted about 10 days. After 4 weeks on CPAP i was scheduled to see my sleep doctor as a follow-up. When i told him about the headaches and sinus infection he said that it may be from time to time that i need to "take a holiday" from the cpap machine until the sinuses clear up.

that may work for me since my AHI at the time of titration was 27, bad enough for the sleep doc to consider it 'severe', but not as bad as I know some folks have it. i may be able to skip a night or two here or there (but I won't), where-as for many others that's not an option.

i hope it clears up for you.

[fishhead]

sorry, i'm new to this whole posting thing, i should have been more clear, even with the sinus infection, i did not discontinue using my machine and eventually it cleared up after about 10 days. and even though my doc says i might be able to skip a night here or there, i probably won't.

[roster]

Which antibiotics are you taking, in what doses, and for how long?

It is nice to keep the nasal passages open when I have a cold or sinus infection and here is what I do that helps - viewtopic.php?p=160144#160144 .

I see you have been having leaks with the Hybrid mask. They will not improve on their own. Here is some action you can take - viewtopic.php?t=14422 .

I don't know how bad your sleep apnea is. Mine is a killer, so I will not skip CPAP even for one night. There is a small chance that CPAP could force bacteria into an area that it otherwise would not go. For me that is only a small risk and the certainty is that without CPAP I suffer. The antibiotics you are taking should help prevent the spread of the infection.

Good luck,

[Sid]

Taking 500 mg of cephalexin 3X a day. And I will look into the sinus rinse. Had that done years ago at a doctors office and felt great. I'll still strap on the face mask tonight because I am addicted(in a good way) to it. I need to update my data as I have switched to the Mirage Liberty mask and have had great results and minimal leaks. Thanks for the help guys.

[roster]

Taking 500 mg of cephalexin 3X a day. ......

That's a good antibiotic at a good dosage. Should knock it out in seven to ten days. Make sure it gets it completely. A rebounding sinus infection is tough.

[Pugsy]

That's a good antibiotic at a good dosage. Should knock it out in seven to ten days. Make sure it gets it completely. A rebounding sinus infection is tough.

Speaking from experience (many years ago) if you have used any sort of nasal spray during this illness, toss it in the trash. I re-infected myself 3 times in 6 months because I was too cheap to toss the prescription nasal steroid spray.
Rebounding sinus infection is indeed very tough.

[Muse-Inc]

Sid, been there too. There's a non-medical nasal spray made by XKLEAR that contains Xylitol (yes an artificial sweentener) that starves these nasal-sinus bugs; it's worked well for me to get rid of sinus infections. Had one that resisted every antibiotic we threw at it; this spray finally helped. I occasionally when my nose-sinuses are really congested use the Grossan sinus irrigator and his packages of additives, Grossan's an ENT...very nice gadget (http://www.hydromed.com I think, I am not associated with them).

Since strating CPAP 2 yrs ago, I have not had a sinus infection and can't remember the name of the spray sorry! Humidity management for your particular sinuses is critical if this is a problem area for you. I had to have lots of humidity wearing a pillow mask yet only passover wearing the Hybrid mask...go figure, betting I'll need humidity come winter.

[jnk]

sorry, i'm new to this whole posting thing, i should have been more clear, even with the sinus infection, i did not discontinue using my machine and eventually it cleared up after about 10 days. and even though my doc says i might be able to skip a night here or there, i probably won't.

I agree that the severity of the OSA and related health issues can often be determining factors a sleep doc might consider in helping a patient decide whether coming off PAP therapy a day or two might or might not be a good idea with an infection. I might call my sleep doc to ask what he or she thinks. Make the docs earn their keep.

Nice having you on board, fishhead. And nice avatar--that non-smiley-face pin looks awfully familiar.

If you don't mind the invitation, please feel free to start your own thread telling your whole story so we can welcome you properly now that your lurking-only days appear to be over. Who knows who might benefit from it!

When you're ready, that is. No pressure.

jeff

[spacetoast]

Sid, I'm not sure you have to really worry about "blowing" infection anywhere with a cpap machine. Especially since you are using the hybrid mask.

I know that with the mask off and the machine on, it seems like's blowing a gale force wind, but with the mask on, the wind basically stops except at the venting ports of your mask and any leaks you may have. If you have just a nasal mask or pillows and open your mouth, you will get airflow through your sinuses and out your mouth, though. But I still doubt it's blowing anything anywhere.

I'm having sinus issues myself with it being the worst part of the year for allergies for me. I'm hoping to get a full-faced mask soon.