need to vent

[minniesc]

I have been using CPAP since last May. Once I got the mask straightened out, I have had great luck. Unfortunately I caught a nasty virus at the end of September, have struggled with a cough and my asthma through October and November, including large doses of steroids and meds. Three weeks ago my pulminologist told me to take a break from the CPAP until my lungs were healed. Within a week my cough was almost gone. This past week I began using my CPAP again (I missed my sleep!), only to have the cough come back after three nights of use! I am tired, cranky, and don't understand this at all! Has anyone else had issues with asthma and CPAP? I have tried increasing/decreasing humidity, temp., etc. Changed hoses, masks, and filter. Sleeping without is not going well, but the cough is worse! I will be contacting my dr. again Monday, but right now feel sorry for myself and am tired.

[Janknitz]

CPAP is a great comfort to me when I have asthmatic bronchitis. It's the only time I get relief from coughing. I do crank up the humidity and it really helps.

Everyone is different, I guess.

[minniesc]

I don't cough when I have it on, as a matter of fact I sleep great! The problem is during the day. I can't stop coughing and wheezing.

[ThirdOutOfFive]

I'm sorry to hear that you are having so much trouble. I wish I had an answer for you. . .
Do keep in touch with your doctor. Keep trying to find a way to work it out.
I have numerous health problems that are un-curable. Sometimes I have to take life one day at a time. Sometimes one hour at a time. So, I do know what you are going through -- seems like there is nothing you can do. It feels so unfair -- heck, it is unfair. The only thing you can do at times like this is to hang in there.
Feel free to vent again. I really do believe that venting is helpful in and of itself.
Good luck. Please let us know how you are doing.
Barb

[n0hardmask]

I don't cough when I have it on, as a matter of fact I sleep great! The problem is during the day. I can't stop coughing and wheezing.

Hi, Minnie
Also having asthma and a deviated septum, I too have had problems lately, but blame allergies for the majority of my issues. Everybody seems to be more affected the past couple years than in the past. I find CPAP breathing comforting, possibly because of the filtering as well as the pressure that opens up my airway. I have my spare CPAP at the office and mask up as needed.
You didn’t say if this is a dry cough or if you’re producing phlegm. If so, try some Gauaifenesin (generic for Mucinex) I use this every day to help loosen and reduce the airway mucus from thickening and choaking me.

I see you’re a teacher, and infer from your username that you live in SC. I’d guess the east coast has been terrible for allergies. One of my tools for the control of allergies is an electronic multitechnology air cleaner at home. The one I use is the Newton 9000.. it uses electrostatic, HEPA, Ozone and more to scrub the air.
Don’t know if any of my rambling may offer you any ideas; in any case, I echo Barb’s wish that you get to feeling better and feel free to post again, if only to vent. earl

[Guest]

Clean, clean, clean. Clean your mask, hose, humidifier tank. Replace the filter(s).

[Mary Z]

Hope you are feeling better, at least not so frustrated. Let us know what the doc says and how you're doing after the weekend.

[Janknitz]

I don't cough when I have it on, as a matter of fact I sleep great! The problem is during the day. I can't stop coughing and wheezing.

Your asthma is not under good control (and if you haven't been diagnosed with asthma, you should talk to your doctor about whether you have it). If your regular doctor is a GP or family physician, it's time to ask for a referral to a pulmonologist or asthma clinic. You need to work on your medication regimen to get things under control.

My HMO is a pain in the pattootie sometimes, but they have a good asthma program. I worked with my regular PCP, a pulmonologist and a respiratory therapist to get my asthma under control. We worked on identifying my triggers, on medications I could both tolerate and that reduced the inflammation and relaxed the bronchial spasm, a maintenance program, and an asthma action plan to keep things under control when the triggers (including upper respiratory infection) are impossible to avoid.

You may need to try some inhaled or systemic steroids to get things back in control, and then a regular regimen of meds and reducing triggers.

What is certain is that your symptoms are NOT being caused by the CPAP, and all the cleaning in the world won't help.

[minniesc]

Hi everyone,
Thanks for the support. I realize my asthma isn't under control; I see a pulminologist and am on various meds. for it. I take symbicort twice daily, and am using a nebulizer for treatments with duo neb every six hours. I am also on allergy meds, singulair, nasonex, and up until last week, was on prednisone for over 7 weeks. My dr. is trying everything, including changing my meds. Up until last January I got allergy shots once a week, unfortunately I kept reacting to the shots and having asthma attacks, so it was a not a good situation. My cough runs dry to thick, depending on the time of day. I have found my work is very dry, so brough a humidifier in to help with that issue. I am feeling tired at work lately, so will again try my machine within the next few days. I miss it! It's funny, but even when I have been off for a while, I have no trouble strapping on and wearing it for 7 plus hours a night.
I do keep it all clean, and replaced everything when going back on it last time. (I am lucky, my insurance is good.)
I actually live in Central New York, the SC is just my initials. Interestingly, my husband went for a sleep study last night, and they did discuss with him what his next visit will be like, so I am assuming he has apnea, although they said to him they could not tell until the dr. saw him.
Thanks again, was certainly feeling cranky!