pulmonary fibrosis

[how647]

Has long term use of a cpap ever been related to the deveopment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Well, sneezing and watery eyes can be due to a reaction to CPAP machine. This machine dries up the eyes and nasal passages which causes irritation, burning and sneezing. However pulmonary fibrosis cannot be due to CPAP use. Alternatively uses of CPAP mask in pulmonary fibrosis can cause claustrophobia like symptoms.
Lung scarring occurs due to pathological deposition of fibrous tissue. This is a progressive disease usually and hence needs frequent periodic monitoring. Long term exposure to pollutants like silica, asbestos, animal droppings, dust, pollens etc can cause this. Other reasons are GERD, certain medications like cancer medicines, some heart medicines or some antibiotics and certain diseases like Sjogren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, pneumonia, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and sarcoidosis. It is important to identify the cause for this. At times despite all tests no cause is found.
CPAP machines do cause gas in stomach. This can aggravate an existing reflux. In your case this should be thought of as the cause of fibrosis and all treatment to suppress the reflux should be tried. Hope this helps. Take care!

[caregiver222]

Fibrosis develops because of a reaction to particulate matter within the lungs. Smoke, dust, Stone particles, etc.

The cpap apparatus does not introduce such material into the lung.