Cough related to CPAP use?

[thewentz]

I've been using a cpap for about six years now. It took a lot to adjust to using it. I still no not like it but according to the software data and my doctor, I should be the sleep apnea poster child because my sleep apnea has completely disappeared using the cpap. (Makes me wonder if I overhead it in the first place.) But around the time I began using it I developed an annoying cough that has never gone away. It diminishes from time to time but is always there and can be very violent at times.

My doctor always assumes it is related to allergies and has prescribed one or another nasal sprays that do not seem to make a difference.

I was watching a show about health issues related to room humidifiers and not cleaning them correctly. It made me start to wonder if my cough could be caused by using the cpap. My cleaning habits with the cpap are not consistent. Most days I will remove the water chamber and open it to air but I do not remove the water. I use it up until I need to refill the chamber. I hang the hose and nasal pillow near a heater vent to dry. But there are days that I leave everything intact and then use it again the next night. I rarely clean the chamber with a mild bleach solution as suggested.

Has anyone else out there developed a nasty cough upon using a cpap?

Thanks!

[richb]

I've been using a cpap for about six years now. It took a lot to adjust to using it. I still no not like it but according to the software data and my doctor, I should be the sleep apnea poster child because my sleep apnea has completely disappeared using the cpap. (Makes me wonder if I overhead it in the first place.) But around the time I began using it I developed an annoying cough that has never gone away. It diminishes from time to time but is always there and can be very violent at times.

My doctor always assumes it is related to allergies and has prescribed one or another nasal sprays that do not seem to make a difference.

I was watching a show about health issues related to room humidifiers and not cleaning them correctly. It made me start to wonder if my cough could be caused by using the cpap. My cleaning habits with the cpap are not consistent. Most days I will remove the water chamber and open it to air but I do not remove the water. I use it up until I need to refill the chamber. I hang the hose and nasal pillow near a heater vent to dry. But there are days that I leave everything intact and then use it again the next night. I rarely clean the chamber with a mild bleach solution as suggested.

Has anyone else out there developed a nasty cough upon using a cpap?

Thanks!

There has been a recent post on the Apnea Board with a similar question - that time related to Legionaries Disease. The upshot of the discussion is that warm water can be an ideal medium for some types of bacteria. I suggest you thoroughly clan your CPAP equipment with bleach and then change the water every night. You might want to get a gallon of distilled water to try for a while. Also wipe out your mask with a disinfectant wipe between more thorough cleanings. Be sure to rinse out the hose with bleach solution as well. Make sure that there is no bleach solution left anywhere when you use the machine. You should also see a Doctor regarding your cough. You could have a chronic infection or something else that is medically important. A persistent cough is not normal.

Rich

[nadprok]

I've been using a cpap for about six years now. It took a lot to adjust to using it. I still no not like it but according to the software data and my doctor, I should be the sleep apnea poster child because my sleep apnea has completely disappeared using the cpap. (Makes me wonder if I overhead it in the first place.) But around the time I began using it I developed an annoying cough that has never gone away. It diminishes from time to time but is always there and can be very violent at times.

My doctor always assumes it is related to allergies and has prescribed one or another nasal sprays that do not seem to make a difference.

I was watching a show about health issues related to room humidifiers and not cleaning them correctly. It made me start to wonder if my cough could be caused by using the cpap. My cleaning habits with the cpap are not consistent. Most days I will remove the water chamber and open it to air but I do not remove the water. I use it up until I need to refill the chamber. I hang the hose and nasal pillow near a heater vent to dry. But there are days that I leave everything intact and then use it again the next night. I rarely clean the chamber with a mild bleach solution as suggested.

Has anyone else out there developed a nasty cough upon using a cpap?

Thanks!

I have been on Bi-Pap for 11 months now. I do not have a cough but from the very first day I started on Bi-Pap I have had a problem with continuously bringing up phlegm and constantly clearing my throat. I have been to a specialist and he cannot find anything wrong. I have always had allergies and take a nasal spray but it is rather odd that my problem started the same day I started on Bi-Pap. I use distilled water in my humidifier and change it daily. I clean my mask daily and hang my hose over a door every day. I disinfect my tubing, mask, etc. with a vinegar and water mixture as advised by my therapist.
So since I have had chest x-rays and been to a specialist and had the camera up my nose and throat with no problem found I can only assume that BiPap is causing it. And adjusting the humidiyy level makes no difference.

[OpalRose]

It's not worth taking shortcuts when it comes to cleaning your equipment. Be consistent and you shouldn't have problems.

Now if you have a persistent cough that does not go away, you will want to see your doctor and get checked out. Don't automatically blame Cpap use, it could be something else.

[Mosquitobait]

There are several possibilities with chronic cough. One of the most common, once allergies have been address, is post nasal drip. In recent years, doctors have found that acid reflux is the most common cause of post nasal drip. Taking 40 mg of generic prilosec will eliminate that.

Have you had an x-ray for your chronic cough? Unfortunately, chronic cough is also related to several serious illnesses that affect the lungs including cancer and fibrosis of the lung, but without any xray, these can't be eliminated.

[trish6hundred]

Hi thewentz,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Hang in there for more answers to your questions and much success to you as you continue your CPAP therapy.