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affects of fluid in eustation tubes and ears affecting AHI - silversnore - 03-19-2021
I have been using cpap for several years. My therapy worked well and results averaged about 0.25 AHI for a very long period. I had covid in February and my therapy results changed. My AHI climbed to about 0.80 which is still very good. My question, before and after covid, my eustation tubes and ears have been full of fluid and have been for about three months (did have a sinus infection, but antibiotics cleared the infection).
I have not been worried about the climb in AHI, but wondering about how my eustation tubes and fluid in my ears effect breathing and AHI. I have had sinus problems before, however not since starting cpap. In fact I thought the positive pressure of the machine helped keep everything clear.
Just wondering if there could be a relationship of increased AHI due to sinus conditions?
RE: affects of fluid in eustation tubes and ears affecting AHI - Sleeprider - 03-19-2021
It's possible that if you have inflammation in the ears it could extend to the throat or affect your breathing. If you have a persistent feeling of fluid in your ears, your doctor may be able to prescribe some relief or rule out a low-level infection.
RE: affects of fluid in eustation tubes and ears affecting AHI - silversnore - 03-19-2021
Hi Sleeprider,
Forgot to mention that I have had chronic sinus problems and had corrective surgery when young. When young and as an adult had pressure tubes in my eardrums. I am thinking that I may have to get them again; as it is not fun to have your head clogged up. Just wondering about the mechanics of the ears could affect AHI. If when my ears clear up and if my AHI goes down, I will have an answer
RE: affects of fluid in eustation tubes and ears affecting AHI - Sleeprider - 03-19-2021
I also had tympanostomy tubes as a child due to chronic ear infections. The problem went away after tonsillectomy. I really can't answer your questions, but do discuss your CPAP therapy before getting tubes again, and the pressure equalization may be an issue. This might be a good read:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/lary.26752
https://www.enttoday.org/article/middle-ear-pressure-affected-continuous-positive-airway-pressure-use/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28498266/
RE: affects of fluid in eustation tubes and ears affecting AHI - hegel - 03-19-2021
I have eustachian tube dysfunction, and have all my life. Fluid build up behind the ear drum due to blocked eustachian tube can take a long time to clear. Months, possibly. However, the upside is that this isn't a dangerous condition, although it's terribly annoying (I'm a musician.) Taking sudafed or chlortrimoton (sp) is a good bet--but if you have heart arrhythmia, this is not something you can do. The drugs mentioned can help to open eustachian tubes.
and then: Fluticasone, a nasal spray steroid, can help. For allergies. using a neti pot can help. However, I haven't found that helps with closed up eustachian tubes.
With allergy season upon us, you might want to take more steps to address this. But it sounds as if this is a new, one off condition? I hope so.
I can't see how this condition would affect your sleep therapy. do you notice that your ears pop and your hearing improves when you put on your mask? that's the eusatachian tubes opening. BUT: when mine are really blocked, this doesn't happen.