CPAP and bronchitis question

[Lupanyael]

I'm relatively new to using a CPAP, less than 3 months. I have just begun to develop bronchitis (not yet formally diagnosed, but I get it at least twice a year, so I'm reasonably certain) and am noticing a problem. While simple cold symptoms are clearly improved by the CPAP, it seems trying to use it with bronchitis is making my nighttime coughing exponentially worse. I had the CPAP on for 45 minutes and was coughing uncontrollably for at least 30 minutes of that time. Prior to turning it on and since having turned it off the coughing has been at a relatively calm rate and severity. Is this a common experience?

[Okie bipap]

I don't know how common it is, but when I have bronchitis I end up sleeping in my recliner for a few nights until I get my coughing under control. I don't use my machine when I sleep in my recliner. Normally, I don't sleep much the first few nights because of a reaction to the steroids they put me on. They make me hyper, and I do not sleep much at all for three or four nights.

[Lupanyael]

Unfortunately my symptoms started to really be clear Friday night, and at the start of a holiday weekend no less so a trip to the doctor will be postponed untill Tuesday. But last night I spent remainder of the night inclined on the couch to keep from waking my wife anymore. I tried. Sleeping inclined on the bed from the start, but the coughing was still to bad and soooo much worse with the CPAP on.

[Pugsy]

Do you happen to also take some sort of blood pressure medication? If so what is the name?
Also, what humidity setting are you using on your humidifier?

[Lupanyael]

No, I don't take any kind of blood pressure medication, haven't needed it. Humidifier setting is a 3 I believe, pressure setting is 11.

[Pugsy]

Are you using the heated hose?

Have you tried increasing or decreasing the humidity setting to see if that helps or hurts the cough situation?

I asked about BP meds because some BP meds cause coughing.

[avi123]

Can you sleep on the recliner or in other places without using the CPAP until the Bronchitis ends? The most common cause of acute bronchitis is a viral or bacterial infection The CPAP's air movement just makes it worse. I myself use my chinstrap only in such situation and take some sleep medication.

Check this:

http://www.sleep-apnea-guide.com/vaso-m ... -cpap.html

[BlackSpinner]

I get it some times and I found that cranking up the humidity and heat and putting some tiger balm at the intake helps a lot. Remember the old time treatment is a steam humidifier close to the bed with Vicks in the little cup.

[chunkyfrog]

Unless you have already seen a doctor about the bronchitis, please do so--ASAP.
Too often, that is how pneumonia gets started; especially when you wait too long.

[Lupanyael]

Believe me, I know. I first got pneumonia 8 years ago and have had issues with bronchitis ever since. But the doctors always say it's hard to be definitive in the first 3 days, so likely they would take no action even if it was during normal business hours.
I do have the heated hose, I can try changing up the heat and humidity settings, see if that helps. Otherwise it's the couch for me until I get some antibiotics.

[chunkyfrog]

If you have trouble breathing, GET TO THE ER.
(Just covering my cute green butt)

[Lupanyael]

Not at that point yet. But I work in a medical career field, so I understand cya, lol. Should it rapidly progress I will do so, but will avoid if possible as the ER here has an extensive history of grade A FUBAR treatment of anything that comes through their doors. But I understand emergency procedures and will ashere as appropriate. I'm just hoping to get through the next few nightd with more than an hour of sleep like I got last night. Especially since my insurance won't pay for the machine if less than 70% compliance, and I'm borderline now because I had issues with the mask falling off at night due to tossing and turning in my sleep.

[avi123]

Lupanyael, are you a Yael?
At medaberet ivrit?

[Lupanyael]

No I'm not, just a long time screen name

[herefishy]

Take some Mucinex - that will bring up the bad stuff. The only pneumonia I got, I coughed just little shallow coughs, rather than the deep, from the toes kind.