Chronic Sinusitis & OSA

[C-PAP]

Age 57, fit, active, BMI 24.

Tiredness for 20–30 years when I think about it.

Persistent cough (20-30 years when I think about it)

Cough investigated 10 years ago with PFTs etc. CT sinuses showed chronic R ethmoid sinusitis. ENT suggested treatment measures, endoscopic surgery was discussed but not recommended (this is in Canada).

Tiredness and cough got worse before X-mas and new ENT Dr. ordered home sleep test. Result 12 AHI, mostly when supine. CPAP started. Great! finally an explanation for my chronic fatigue and a chance of energy. I was right on board.

Many many trips to the CPAP place later, multiple different masks and adjustments, the tiredness and cough just got worse and worse. I started being only able to work in the mornings.

Saw a sleep specialist who ordered an overnight polysomnography. The waiting list in NS Canada is 1 year, but if you pay privately it is 2 months. Not done yet.

Modafinil tried for the extreme fatigue. Apparently I’m a non-responder. I took it for a week and went up to 400mg daily, I was yawning away.

Waited for an MRI for 7 months (non-urgent condition) ordered by the ENT Dr. done within the past few weeks. The MRI again shows R ethmoid sinusitis.

Today I saw the ENT guy again and learnt that chronic sinusitis can cause extreme debilitating fatigue, it’s difficult to treat (I’ve had previous multiple failures of medical treatment) and surgical treatment is unlikely to help either. Apparently the chronic sinusitis is causing secondary sleep problems and the fatigue, which is why the CPAP isn’t working, even though I am averaging around 1 AHI now on the CPAP.

Does this make sense? I did some googling also and it seems like it might be what’s going on.

Any helpful comments, suggestions, links to helpful resources?

Thanks, and sleep well

[AshSF]

Have you looked into Nasal Rinses (also called Jal Neti in yoga). Once I dialed down the proper technique, It has helped me a lot in reducing nasal stuffiness and curing any seasonal sinus or allergy issues.

[C-PAP]

Have you looked into Nasal Rinses (also called Jal Neti in yoga). Once I dialed down the proper technique, It has helped me a lot in reducing nasal stuffiness and curing any seasonal sinus or allergy issues.

Yes, I've been doing that again over the past couple of weeks and plan to stick with it this time. I think it might be one of the more helpful things. I didn't know the term Jal Neti, and searching that has given me some leads. Thanks.

[trish6hundred]

Hi C-PAP,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Hopefully, you can find something to help your sinus problems. Much success to you with your CPAP therapy and hang in there for more responses to your post.

[C-PAP]

Hi C-PAP,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Hopefully, you can find something to help your sinus problems. Much success to you with your CPAP therapy and hang in there for more responses to your post.

Thank you for your hospitality!