Gas and intestinal issues

OutaSync,

I remember your posts from my own battles with aerophagia when I was a newbie. (And SleepingUgly's posts as well) And like you, the standard stuff didn't seem to work.

What I can't remember is this: Are you using a CPAP, an APAP, or a BiPAP/VPAP? In other words, did they try the "lets see if switching you to a more expensive machine" trick? And that failed too? Because it was the switch to BiPAP (and time) that finally worked for me, but it didn't do SleepingUgly much good as I recall.

Robysue

robysue wrote:
What I can't remember is this: Are you using a CPAP, an APAP, or a BiPAP/VPAP?

About 3 years ago last month she was switched to the BiPap ASV machine due to centrals if I remember right.
She has her machine information in the bottom of her signature line...kind hard to see.

OutaSync wrote:A chinstrap did not help. And it doesn't have anything to due with "swallowing" air. The air is blown down the throat, no swallowing needed.

Hi,

Yes, a chinstrap isn't going to help air ingestion. It isn't coming in from the mouth. Rather, it is due to geometry of the shape where your airway and esophagus meet at the back of your mouth. If your geometry is just right, the air coming in can go down the esophagus just as easily as the windpipe. Sometimes changing masks can effect this. I noticed it more with a nasal mask then a full face since I breathe with my mouth when using a full face. The air flowed just a little differently. In my case, weight changes triggered it, and later cured it. Lower pressure can also help (so long as your treatment still works). Finally, I suspect that head/neck position can make a difference given that I would get it really bad some nights, and not at all on other nights.

-john-

I have had a bi-pap machine since July. I believe settings are 21/17. I get bloating and gas from swallowing air, Usually it may wake me up at around 4:00 a/m. When I arise at about 7, I will be expelling air frequently for about 10 minutes before most of it appears to be all out. Some air is belched, but more of it passes out the other end. I also have acid reflux (ERD) which seems to have nearly gone all away thanks to the bi-pap machine.

Which intimates that the esophogeal flap may be invoved in the air swallowing.

I also have had diverticulitis bouts about 3 times. Their is a genetic disposition coupled with a diet that lacks enough fibre, however I have had 2 of the 3 bouts in the last 5 months that I have been on the machine. The machine may be an additional risk factor in getting it, or prolonging it. But for sure the air swallowing exacerbates the symptoms as passing the gas can have a painful cramping effect.

Indirectly, the air swallowing may also create an imbalance between aerobic and anaerobic bacteria which is bad in an of itself and can further diverticulitis and other gastro intestinal distress. I am drinking kefir daily to correct this as well as upping my fibre intake I am also going to see about adjusting the settings lower. I explained this to my doctorwho said that she only has 1 patient that has complained. Apparently from this board it is a much more widespread problem.