COPD complication and cough?

[okieman]

Happy with CPAP once I found the right nasal pillow. But there's a recent complication. I've been diagnosed with borderline COPD (inherited AAT protein deficiency not smoking), and am waiting to see a doctor about that. Recently I had a sore throat that is mostly healed though leaving the nose/throat kind of sensitive. Last night was typical of what is happening. The minute I put the nasal pillow on, I start having a very persistent hacking cough. Apparently small amounts of mucus are forming in my lungs and causing a "tickle" cough that attempts to expel the material. I tried cutting the amount of humidity in half, since the ambient room air is only at about 40 percent humidity and no problems with that. No luck. I tried propping myself up so I'm not flat and get only mild relief. At 3 a.m. I take the nasal pillow off and go to sit in the living room, where the coughing immediately stops. Not really a solution. Comments?

[justMongo]

First thought; and I am basing this on what happened to a friend about 15 months ago, get a cardio workup to rule out congestive heart failure.

[PaytonA]

You might also want to try raising the humidity instead of reducing it. Sometimes these things are caused by the mucous being to thick and not moving like it normally does. Just a thought that might be worth a try.

Best Regards,

PaytonA

[okieman]

After some tinkering, tried it with no humidity, and all coughing stopped. My throat was a bit dry on waking, so next test is to raise humidity slowly.

Interesting from comments on this board is that more or less moisture seems to depend on the individual.

I regard this as solved, at least for me. Good luck to all you other COPD / CPAP people out there!

[surferdude2]

It sounds like a positional issue. Have you tried sleeping on your side?

Dude

[okieman]

Neither being on my side or at an angle really helped. Good idea tho.