The rate of pneumonia among people with sleep apnea was 9. Also, please note, you cannot use your CPAP as a respirator. Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be disabling or deadly. It occurs when bacteria or a virus gets into your lungs, and your body is unable to fight off the infection. This results in swelling and fluid accumulation in the lungs that can make it difficult or impossible for you to breathe.
Sleep apnea increases your risk of infection because it makes it more likely that you will suck fluid from your throat into your lungs when struggling to breathe. The frequent sleep interruptions also impair your immune system. Air pollution and toxins from various workplaces like fumes, paint, exhaust, and allergens contribute to and cause the illness, as well.
And smoke from fires and exposure to chemicals can create this condition, from which there is no cure. However, the symptoms can be reduced and managed. Kellar and Dr.
Gundavaram will test your mucus and see if your infection is bacterial. They may also need to do an X-ray or CT scan to eliminate pneumonia, and a pulmonary test will help us determine the overall strength of your lungs. This can include:. However, your doctor may wish to add oxygen to your CPAP therapy to ensure you are getting the right amount of oxygen in your blood.
Although there are therapies, such as CPAP machines and oxygen, that can assist with chronic bronchitis, there is no cure. However, those with acute bronchitis can find relief with antibiotics and other treatments that remove the infection.
In both instances, it is a good idea to avoid any medications that contain cough suppressants. This is because it is important to cough up the excess mucus being produced by the irritated bronchial tubes. Depending on your budget there is a wide range of Oxygen Concentraors available from Vitality Medical. Their range covers all budgets and situations. They also have a Price Match Guarantee policy. This coupled with great customer support makes them a safe purchase.
An over-the-counter saline spray is inexpensive and effective. It can be used as often as you need it and will moisten the lining of the nose. It may also be helpful to rinse the nasal sinuses during a cold with a neti pot. Afrin oxymetazoline spray may provide relief, but it should not be used too frequently for too long a period due to the risk of rebound congestion.
Consider the use of medications that target cold and flu symptoms. In particular, antihistamines like Benadryl diphenhydramine may provide relief and improve sleep.
In addition, Mucinex guaifenesin may thin the mucus and help to clear it out. If the problem is due to a cough, cough suppressants like cough syrup or throat lozenges may be an effective adjunct treatment. It is recommended that the CPAP's humidifier be used, especially when a cold or nasal congestion is present.
This reduces irritation and inflammation along the airway. Research suggests that a heated humidifier also reduces the risk and duration of infections. To minimize the risk of condensation and bacterial colonization in CPAP tubing, use heated tubing. In some cases, it is simply impossible to use a nasal mask due to a cold or nasal congestion.
This may be more likely if you have a deviated nasal septum blocking one side of your nose. In such cases, consider the use of a full-face mask.
A full-face mask allows breathing to occur via either the nose or mouth. In some cases, the full-face mask can be used temporarily. As nasal breathing improves, it is possible to switch back to a nasal or nasal pillow mask. In order to improve breathing during sleep, consider sleeping on your side or stomach. It may also be helpful to raise your head at night. This can be accomplished with the use of a sleeping wedge pillow or by stacking several pillows up.
Raising your head may also provide relief even without the continued use of CPAP. When the nose is more obstructed, additional CPAP pressure may be required. This airflow may open things up. Consider reaching out to your physician to have the pressure adjusted, if needed. Auto-CPAP therapy, in which a range of pressures can be delivered, may also be a helpful option. Unfortunately, CPAP devices are typically only replaced every five years by insurance, so you may have to wait to get one.
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