Allergies and cough affecting cpap

[Catatrina]

I have been struggling with chronic cough and now I am told allergies could be affecting cpap as well; I saw pulm doc about cough and he decided to lower pressure because higher pressure was making cough worse to the point it was hard to use; helped briefly now i am down to 9.0 pressure; then i went to ENT doc who told me i have a reactive airway and also lots of mucous draining back of throat; so i started some nasal irrigation per her suggestion; she also told me to try some benadryl at night; recommended Mucinex but that just made me cough more; I find when i am outdoors especially when high humidity i feel worse; and indoors can be bad to if there is lots of dust around [my mom's old farm house when visiting actually find my apnea increases when exposed to all those allergens]; my primary doc has put me on Ventolin inhaler because i have quite a bit of chest tightness and some wheezing at noc; i have been using OTC homeopathic cough syrup Chestal Honey which actually does help with the cough at night; my apnea events have been higher since all this cough and allergy exposure; and it actually seems like the cpap is making coughing worse like its irritating the back of my throat; i even stopped using humidity 1 month ago; I am still hanging in there but its pretty tough especially when you don't get a good night sleep it affects you the next day big time. I also have been using FF mask mostly. Any suggestions would be helpful

[cflame1]

what my last sleep doc told me (he's a pulmy)... was to take my inhaler before I go to bed if I'm coughing that much.

Normally I don't have those problems... but when I do, it helps.

[BlackSpinner]

i even stopped using humidity 1 month ago;

Why? Usually the humidity will help. Dried out air passages get more inflamed and more easily irritated. It is different from outdoor humidity in that the cpap dries you out plus it is warm and clean. Out door humid can be a real bitch because it holds pollution and allergens. I have a hard time breathing when the weather is humid but without the humidifier on my cpap I am in pain.

Have you tried raising the head of your bed? Sometimes acid reflux shows only as a cough and creates lots of mucus.

I assume you have changed the filters regularly?

was to take my inhaler before I go to bed if I'm coughing that much.

Yes an RT I saw for my sleep tests said the same - use the inhaler BEFORE the problem occurs.

[Catatrina]

I tried to use the humidifier but i coughed more so that is why I stopped; I also do change the filters frequently; and Yes my head is elevated by 3 pillows plus wedge; for awhile I was sleeping in living room on lazyboy chair but I like my bed better; thanks for the suggestions, I will try and use inhaler before I go to bed; and regarding reflux I am taking Nexium in evening per my ENT suggestion; still have my cough; maybe I will re-try humidty at 1 for setting

Catatrina

[BlackSpinner]

Sorry that I suggested what is already in the works.
I know how frustrating chronic conditions are. Often it feels like trying to keep a dozen balls on a table that keeps tilting.

[imsleepynomore]

Suggestion dust cover on mattress to elimate dust mites do you have a pet sleeping in your room a no no per my allergist also a dust cover on your pillows, I find my asthma will act up if I go 1 day over 1 week to launder my bedding. All these things might be considered as I gather you are changing filters and cleaning equipment . Distilled water? and passover humidy.I'm grasping at straws to seek an answer I'm feeling for you hope you get help soon

[fiberfan]

When I start coughing or the mucus in my broncial tubes is thick enouh to make breathing harder, I take the herb mullein. it both thins the mucus and isn't loaded with sugar.

[TalonNYC]

Mucinex is not a cough suppressant, it's designed to thin the mucus in your respiratory tract, so that you can eliminate it more easily. The upshot of this is that your cough becomes productive, and you start getting the phlegm out more easily. Taking it during the day (on Dr's orders) is a good thing, but at night it won't help quiet the cough at all. I *can* make the cough appear worse, as suddenly you're hacking up mucus, but it is actually a good thing in the long run.

[Catatrina]

I appreciate everyone's feedback; last night my apnea [AHI} was15.0; NRI =3.5 total time on machine was 8.4 hrs; so today I was able to get touch with my pulm doc; he is going to review all data I have; and corroborate primary care doc and ENT specialist as well; so all are on the same page with me; pulm doc want me to start tonoc using Advair inhaler they told me this is really helpful when you have a reactive airway to molds, humidity, perfumes, etc.. I did use the humidity at 1 last noc and I believe it was helpful I was not as dried out; still with head of bed up high; I am not sleeping as much on my side which I am sure that might be a big reason for elevated AHI [because a month ago my norm for AHI was about 4-5] but when I get coughing I stay more upright;I am glad that we all can help each other; your support, empathy and encouragement keeps me truckin! Actually coming this Sept 2011 I will be celebrating three years since I began CPAP RX 9/08,i think that's my excess apnea slowing me down a bit; believe me I wouldn't keep at this if I didn't know you can feel pretty darn good and are adding years to your life. I also had cardiac ablation done last year for a-fib which by the way can be a part of sleep apnea in some folks. So despite everything that has been going on [with allergies and reactive airway disease] I am grateful to be alive

Catatrina