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+--- Thread: Could humidifier cause a cough? (/Thread-Could-humidifier-cause-a-cough)
Could humidifier cause a cough? - StevesSp - 07-04-2021
I have, off and on, had an annoying cough due to a tickly throat. This has been happening for a couple of years and no cause has been found. It seems to be due to excessive mucous production. It has been particularly bad in recent months and I am, once again, trying to get a diagnosis.
One of my theories is that my APAP humidifier could be the cause. I am rarely able to breathe through my nose and so use a FF mask.
I have my humidity quite high to counter dry mouth and constantly battle against rainout, including water in my mask. Mostly, I manage to keep it under control, but it shows just how much humidity is present.
And so I wonder what, if any, effect this high humidity has when it enters my lungs? Does water build up and would this irritate the lungs and cause excess mucous production? I have heard of people who survive almost drowning, and who have inhaled water, suffering similar issues for some time after the incident.
Does anybody else in here suffer a minor but chronic cough without sickness?
RE: Could humidifier cause a cough? - Big Guy - 07-04-2021
If you're not properly placing your machine at a level lower than the top mattress on your bed, or if you're not using a hose hanger / holder, you should try one or the other.
I use a hose hanger. That is the best single thing I've done so far in regards to improving my CPAP experience. I use a humidifier all the time, and I have never experienced rain-out of any kind.
I have a heated hose as well, but I never need to turn it on. It came with my machine.
RE: Could humidifier cause a cough? - StevesSp - 07-04-2021
Machine is below bed height and I think I have the hose under control. If I get any rainout, it ends to be in the joint with the machine or in the mask. I recently applied more insulation around the hose where it goes into the machine and that seems to have worked.
But, as I said at the beginning, I do usually have the humidity set high.
RE: Could humidifier cause a cough? - Big Guy - 07-04-2021
I also use a hose cover, but I'm not sure that helps in rain-out issues any. It does make the hose much quieter if it should rub against or along something.
My hose hanger is attached to the top of our bed's headboard. The hose runs up to it at about a 75 degree angle or so.
RE: Could humidifier cause a cough? - factor - 07-06-2021
Are you on any high blood pressure medication?