Aerophagia (swallowing Air), Nasal Drip and Sore Throat

[bamelin]

Starting around age 24 (12 years ago) I would get excruciating stomach pains. Going to doctors they couldn't find anything wrong with me ... I was diagnosed with Irritable bowel syndrome after they found ulcers. All they really said was that I needed to lose weight (I am 200 pounds, 5'7, ideal weight is 140 - 150). The doctor did say I might be swallowing air. I remember getting an ultrasound done and they couldn't see parts of the results due to all the air in my stomach.

About a year ago I started jerking awake choking in my sleep and nasal drip got really bad. I am certain the nasal drip was caused by smoking (I have since quit). My doctor suggested a sleep study and found I had moderate sleep apnea resulting in me getting a CPAP machine (Res Med elite).

Since starting to use the machine mid November I've gained 15 pounds (vacation to Jamaica probaly helped with that). At first the machine was a huge relief, and I am waking up well rested for the first time in years. More recently however, I am noticing that I am getting super bloated, and in the morning I have horrible flatulence. It's mortifying. I feel queasy taking transit to the office, and my throat is super sore (on the side where I suspect I've been swallowing air). I also find sometimes I've taken off the mask in the middle of the night in my sleep usually about 2 hours into therapy.

I'm not sure what to do. Last night was brutal I could literally feel the air gushing into my stomach. I'm using a nasal pillow right now pressure set to 10. Thinking about maybe setting up an appointment with the sleep clinic doctor ...

After doing a bunch of research I understand that aerophagia is common under CPAP therapy ... however I'm wondering if I might have a problem with the flap (e lower esophageal spincter (LES)) in the throat that directs air down the lungs and food down the stomach. I'm not really sure what to do or if this is treatable =(

[penuel]

As you say, ingesting air goes with CPAPing. It takes time to get used to it and now after 3 years it does not bother me anymore. I took Pepto Bismol to deal with it (the PB colors to stool black). I started with S9 Elite but after a couple of month I changed to S9 Autoset and I use it in APAP mode (Auto CPAP). This change and also changing from a full face mask to my present one helped achieve a perfect treatment. Not every one can use APAP. It's contraindicated for those suffering from Central Sleep Apnea Syndrome, COPD, and a few more medical conditions.

It's possible that your Irritable Bowel Syndrome is sensitive to the CPAP functioning. I would consult with a Gastro Doc.

[bamelin]

Thanks, I appreciate your comments. Defintely going to check with my doctor ... not sure though should I check with the sleep clinic doctor, my GP or my Gastro specialist??

[penuel]

Check this thread on GERD:

viewtopic/t94691/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=94 ... 69#p874969

I usually see my Gerontologist MD for problems with my gastro tract. I been doing Upper Endoscopy routinely.
See the results of my first Endoscopy, which should convince you that if you do it then your problem could be resolved:

My "medications" before 1999:




My 1999 Endoscopy results:



After this Endoscopy I was prescribed only Prilosec, once daily.

[bamelin]

Hmm Interesting.

I've had IBS for years now... I suspect the sleep apnea has been brought on by a weakening of my lower esophageal sphincter. I didn't know the terms for it but I've known for awhile it's something in my throat causing the problems. I smoked for years I guess maybe that could cause this weakening?

I wonder if the Sleep Apnea has been brought on by my IBS ....

[SleepyToo2]

Bamelin, the LES is the lower esophageal sphincter, and is normally located at the bottom of the esophagus rather than in your throat. I think you might mean the upper sphincter (UES)?

The cause of your apnea is more likely to be anatomical rather than IBS. However, inflammation is associated with both conditions, so it is understandable for people to make that connection. The sad reality is that fixing one is unlikely to "cure" the other. You will need to treat both conditions.

[Jeannh]

The cause of your apnea is more likely to be anatomical

What could be anatomical causes other than aging tissue? Since I've been exploring OSA no one, not the GP, the sleep doc, the sleep tech, or the RT has ever even looked in my mouth or throat.

[SleepyToo2]

Aging tissue is certainly part of it. However, I have always been told that I have a small mouth - dentally speaking! I had teeth pulled as a teenager, supposedly to fix that. It didn't, of course, and may have in fact made things worse. A small neck may be another sign, and being obese is associated with an increased risk of sleep apnea. OTOH, I used to snore when I was underweight, when I am overweight, and when I do manage to get down to my normal weight. Weight control is tough at this time of year!"