RE: CPAP with a cold
I have completed 5 days of extra puffers, prednisone and antibiotics, so I have been wondering why I am not feeling better yet. I am wondering if this is turning into pneumonia. I saw the Dr yesterday and called back today.
Interestingly my AHI has been down to 0.3 a couple of times since I have been on the prednisone. Not sure if there's a connection there. It is usually 2.9 to 3.8 so I am doing OK overnight but breathless on exertion during the day.
I really want to feel better for the holidays next week!
RE: CPAP with a cold
It does sound like your oxygen levels are low while awake. Not uncommon with any lung/airway issue.
Does your doc check your blood O2 when you visit?
PaulaO
Take a deep breath and count to zen.
RE: CPAP with a cold
Hi Paula,
My family doctor doesn't. The respirologist does, but I don't usually get to see him when I am sick.
Is it possible to have low apnea numbers at the same time as low oxygen levels?
Suzanne
RE: CPAP with a cold
If you have a chronic lung condition, sometimes you will need supplemental oxygen at night. Even though you're having few events, the O2 is low to being with so even the smallest event will cause a much bigger drop. But that would stop as soon as you woke up because then the events would stop.
If you are going to the GP for your next visit, ask if they have an oximeter. It would be beneficial to see what your O2 is during the day.
PaulaO
Take a deep breath and count to zen.
12-21-2012, 01:22 AM
(This post was last modified: 12-21-2012, 11:07 AM by Sleepster.)
RE: CPAP with a cold
I agree that the humidifier in the CPAP machine works wonders for upper respiratory infections. Whenever I have congestion I crank mine up to the highest setting.
Another thing that is often mentioned, but all too often ignored, is the NeilMed sinus rinse kit. Before this little wonder came out doctors instructed us to use a bulb syringe to irrigate our sinuses. If squirting water into your nose is absolutely out of the question, consider the neti pot.
I just got back from a late night run to the drug store to buy a new humidifier for the bedroom. My wife has a really bad cold, we just hit a spell of unusually dry air, and the old one we had finally bit the dust. I paid $35 for this little beauty. It's compact and quiet. You can see the stream of vapor shooting out. I suspect my CPAP humidifier tank will stay full tonight.
Sleepster
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