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What Causes Repeated Lung Infection?

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Posted on Thu, 24 Jul 2014
Question: Hi, I have used a cpap machine for five years. I buy new parts often to keep as clean as I can. Last year I had a PE, then Pleurisy, then phenumonia back in Sept 2013, in May went to hospital and diagnosed with viral Pleurisy, no energy, chest pain. Could my Cpap machine be the reason why I kept getting sick? I am so tired of chest pain and feeling unwell, yesterday went to GP and we are trying arcoxia 90 to reduce inflammation. I have CF and usually manage okay, but now it's all encompassing, any help or direction would be helpful. I am 52, female, thanks, XXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
CPAP can be responsible to some extent.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXX,

There can be many causes for repeated lung infection.

Your cystic fibrosis by itself can be responsible for repeated infections.

You said, you are on prednisolone which also suppresses innate immunity and makes one prone for infections.

Continuous use of CPAP machine is also responsible for recurrent lung infection.

I`m sure that since you have had the disease for so long, you are taking all measures to control your symptoms.

I can only suggest that you have to adhere to your treatment, take mucus thinning agents, regular bronchodilators and get regular chest physiotherapy done to take out secretions.

Observe utmost personal hygiene.

Nutritrious diet and some form of regular exercise will help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shashi Dangwal (12 minutes later)
Thank you, sorry, CF to me is chronic fatigue syndrome. Should I get whole cpap machine (very expensive) or just try sleeping without for awhile? Any medicine you know to take away pain and inflammation I have not already tried? I stopped prednisone on XXXXXXX 3. Thank you again.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
What are the indications for CPAP?

Detailed Answer:
I do not understand why you are on CPAP. Do you have COPD or any other chronic lung condition.

You coud`nt be on CPAP just for chronic fatigue.

Pain killers for long duration are not advisable unless there is a specific indication.

Consult your PCP for a complete look at you and proper guidance.






Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shashi Dangwal (29 minutes later)
I was diagnosed with sleep apnea five years ago.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (18 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You may try to wean yourself off the machine

Detailed Answer:

Hell oXXXXXX,

Using CPAP for sleep apnoea makes sense.

Are you totally dependent on CPAP for your sleep.

You may try to wean yourself off the machine by gradually increasing the without machine sleep periods.

You should avoid prednisolone as it suppresses your immunity and makes you prone to infections. ??Use of arcoxia regularly also needs to be discussed.

I do hope you manage your weight well.

Beside this, as I mentioned earlier, you must indulge in some form of exercise which will improve your stamina and help control the weight and do some deep breathing exercises.

Nebulization and Chest physiotherapy will help to remove secretions from the chest which may bring down the infections.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shashi Dangwal

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :1979

Answered : 1157 Questions

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What Causes Repeated Lung Infection?

Brief Answer: CPAP can be responsible to some extent. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXX, There can be many causes for repeated lung infection. Your cystic fibrosis by itself can be responsible for repeated infections. You said, you are on prednisolone which also suppresses innate immunity and makes one prone for infections. Continuous use of CPAP machine is also responsible for recurrent lung infection. I`m sure that since you have had the disease for so long, you are taking all measures to control your symptoms. I can only suggest that you have to adhere to your treatment, take mucus thinning agents, regular bronchodilators and get regular chest physiotherapy done to take out secretions. Observe utmost personal hygiene. Nutritrious diet and some form of regular exercise will help.