Laryngitis, chronic sore throat and sinus problems

[madameruby]

Hi all,

I started using my cpap machine with a humidifier and a nasal pillow system mask about a year ago. Since then I have gotten better sleep, but have had several other problems develop, I am afraid as a direct result of using the cpap machine.

It started right away. I began using the cpap, and within a few days started this absolutely annoying constant sneezing. I was cleaning my mask, and changing the water daily, I was sure it would pass and since I was sleeping better decided to stick it out. It continued off and on like that all summer long...like having really, really miserable allergies for a a week, then it would go away. It was sneezing (constantly) and very congested nasal passages, with constant runny nose. Fall came and it was all clear going for a bit. When winter came so did my absolute misery. Starting in December I developed a cold that just held on forever. When I developed Laryngitis, and I mean I could not talk at ALL I finally went to my PCP. He said I had a viral infection. He gave me a combination of steroids in a shot, followed up by a 5 day pack of prednisone. It helped slightly, but my voice never fully recovered and I had to go back right after Christmas because I lost my voice completely again. I went for the next 2-3 months with only minor runny nose and sneezing. Now again, after a viral infection, basically what was just a bad cold has turned into a very, very sore ulcerated throat for a solid week now. I can not eat, I can not drink, or even swallow without pain. Went back to my PCP, and again he gave me a steroid shot to help get me over the hump of this stuff, but this time it doesn't seem to be helping.

I started researching what in the world could be making me so ill all the time, because up until now I have never, ever been so sick all the time, and I fauld a lot of folks who seem to have similar issues because of using the cpap. Iim surprised my PCP didn't mention the direct relationship between me getting sick all the time since using the cpap, maybe he thinks because my apnea is so severe getting these pesky viral infections is a small price to pay for not dying in my sleep. My pressure setting is at 16, and really could/should be at 18, but my ears couldn't tolerate the pressure that high and ached everyday, so he lowered it to 16 which seemed to help.

Has anyone else overcome the same issues as I am dealing with now. Any advice would be appreciated. I have tried turning the humidifier up and down, different masks, some things seem to start to work awhile, then I get sick again. Just looking for people who may have some insight. Thanks!

[Julie]

Hi, it would really be helpful if you would fill in your Profile on your member page, so each time someone reads your posts we'd know the complete name of your machine and mask, which then would allow us to try and help you. My immediate reaction was to ask if you have tried turning down (or even off) the humidifier, as it can lead to congestion and possibly some of the problems you've had. It's there as a 'comfort' thing, but is not therapy in itself and some of us don't use it at all. You could have other reasons, of course, for your symptoms, but that's one place to start looking. Also, are you using the 'fine' filter as well as the standard one (this applies at least to one type of machine, though I don't know about others)?

I also wonder about your pressure setting - seems rather high, but again, not knowing more it's hard to comment. Did you start off at that setting?

[BlackSpinner]

You really need to see an ENT and maybe a sleep specialist /pulmonologist and an allergist. Your run of the mill PCP doesn't really have the training to handle what you are experiencing.

You also need a fully data capable machine to check your AHI and leaks. Most of us have had the opposite effect - with less allergies and breathing issues since starting cpap.

[madameruby]

Thanks Julie and BlackSpinner for your replies. I was really thinking about calling my PCP back today and telling him it's not getting any better yet and ask what he thinks I should do. I really love my PCP, first doctor in years that listens, and I always get to see him, not his PA, or fill in for the day, so he knows my medical history. I'm guessing he will probably want me to go to the ENT, I think he's tried all the things he can think of. The steroid shot really helped the last time, but this time did like absolutely nothing.


Julie, I have a Respironics REMstar Plus M Series machine, and a Resprionics M series Humidifier. I use the ResMed Swift LT now but started off with the ResMed Mirage swift II SLM, which I should have stayed with because I really liked it. Next time it's time to get a new mask, I'm going back to that one for sure!

[Julie]

But what about your humidifier?

[madameruby]

Julie, the Humidifier is the Respironics M series humidifier, and I usually have it on 3. I did have it on 1 or 2 when I started, but noticed I didn't sneeze as much when I turned it up to 3.

[Julie]

Well, but considering all the (worse) symptoms you now have, wouldn't it be worth a few days of it on a lower setting to see if things clear up a bit (and maybe the sneezing will be better as you've had some time to adapt, crummy as it's been).

[gasparama]

The issue of sinus problems comes up quite frequently. There are some who claim that CPAP made theirs worse. And I'm one of those people. For me, turning down the humidifier to passover mode helped a lot. A lot of us use a nightly nasal rinse. At this point, I'm down to just using a saline spray. One thing you can do is ask your doctor for a prescription for nasal spray. Those are usually a spray steroid and for just about everyone, quite safe. Keep us informed on your progress.

[brazospearl]

So sorry to hear you're having these problems. Viruses can drag on for astoundingly long periods, and there's nothing that speeds up recovery. Yes, there are some antivirals that can help with flu-like symptoms, but they only work on a few viruses and must be taken within about a day of your first symptoms. So, we're left with trying to be as comfortable as possible and waiting the durn thing out. There has been a virus infecting people at my school (faculty and students) with laryngitis and sniffles. Some have had ear infections develop because of the virus, others have had pneumonia. Some have recovered in about 5 days, others have been sick for more than 6 weeks. Once you get a virus your immunity is compromised and you're more like to get the next one you're exposed to. Also,there have been record-setting pollen counts all over the world this spring, which has caused problems for those of us with allergies and many people who have never had them before. So it might just be a hideous coincidence that these problems started with your CPAP therapy. I agree with those who say you might need to see a specialist, just to be sure there's not something fixable behind your symptoms, but if it's viral all you can do is hang on. I think CPAP therapy probably saved my life when I had this virus that's been in my school. I don't think I'd have been able to breathe at all at night if I hadn't had my machine. Good luck, and keep us posted!