Colds

[terrymatth]

Hi

I am a relatively new CPAP user and have been a Resmed S8 with humidifier since last December. I am coping and sleeping reasonably well in using the machine but I am constantly catching colds. I have had 5 since December - Has anyone else experienced this ??

Thanks

[anneliz]

Hi Terry

I have got a snorter right now and yes since starting with CPAP last october I seem to have had a permanent sniffle. I have tried all sorts with the humidifier, like warm water, cold water, not using the humidifier at all and nothing seems to make a difference, a while ago someone suggested a couple of drops of olbas oil in the humidifier water, that does make you breathe easier through the night but doesn't stop the day time sniffles. Any advice very welcome
Anne

[James @ Intus]

Hi Terry,

Many sleep apnoea patients are what they fancily call 'immuno-deprived' meaning they have a less capable immune system because the disorder has weakened them, because they also have inactive thyroids or other related issues slowing down their defense systems. So they tend to get colds more easily and lasting longer.

What you're basically looking to do is boost your immune system and put up defenses. Ideas to consider include:

- Anti-inflammatory diet (rich in antioxidants and vitamin C)
- Immune boosting whey protein supplements
- Excersice
- Air filters/cleaners/sterilizers in your bedroom to reduce allergens/pathogens/viri
- Sinus irrigation (search this forum) such as jala neti, sinupulse etc. which help avoid the common cold too and keep the airways open
- New bedding - dust mite etc. in your pillow can cause allergic reactions

It's all interrelated and there's no one magical cure. You need to take a wholistic approach on this.

[Tigers Fan]

How about .....?

Hi Terry

Do you suppose a flu jab might help?

Free from the NHS if you are over 60 or 65 (can't remember), diabetic or have one of several other conditions that are considered to make you vulnerable to flu.

Point being, I haven't had a cold or flu since I began annual flu jabs several years ago.

Fingers crossed

Tigers Fan

[bethtara]

Are you absolutely sure it's a cold each time? Do you feel unwell as well as blocked up? I find it hard to believe that anyone gets colds that frequently. I suggest that maybe you're suffering from nasal inflammation caused by CPAP - the sheer amount of air going through the nasal passages with CPAP commonly causes hayfever/cold-like symptoms. Normally a humidifier would solve this problem. Obviously, it's not working in youir case. You could ask your GP for a steroidal nasal spray such as Nasonex. You will have to use it for at least 5-6 weeks to get a full response, and it needs to be taken consistently, every day even if your nose is clear, as it's got a cumulative effect.

[James @ Intus]

Or rather than jabs/steroids, let nature take care of it, along with some help. On Friday we launched this about sinus & nasal care and those who have jumped on it are reporting good results already, within days.