Perpetual Preparedness: Head Cold

“Envy is as persistent as memory, as intractable as a head cold.”-Harry Stein

I’ve had a CPAP machine for sleep apnea for two weeks now and am experiencing my first head cold with the machine. The congestion quickly went into my ear canals and I’m hoping it won’t develop into a full scale sinus infection.

Opinion on the internet is mixed regarding CPAP and head colds. The American Sleep Apnea Association says CPAP should be discontinued during a sinus infection. But how does one know when the line is crossed from normal congestion to sinus infection? Some apnea patients stop using the machine during colds but admit that their sleep suffers and lack of sleep weakens the body that needs to heal. Others switch to a full face mask just for colds and crank up the humidifier on the machine to loosen up the mucus. For some this works miracles.

I slept without the machine last night - my wife noticed the snoring had returned. I think I’ll try the full mask tonight if my ears feel less blocked by then.

Bottom Line

The National Institutes of Health, and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has a list to help distinguish a common cold, from the flu and from a sinus infection…

Cold Symptoms
Slow onset.
No prostration.
Fever Headache is rare.
Runny nose, Sneezing.
Mild Fatigue.
Cough, chest discomfort.
Sore Throat.

Flu Symptoms
Swift, severe onset.
Prominent Prostration.
Flushed, hot moist skin.
102-104 degree temp.
Chills, body aches.
Extreme fatigue,
can last 2-3 weeks.
Cough, sore throat.

Sinus Infection Symptoms
Facial pains.
Tenderness of the sinus areas.
Headaches.
Nasal drainage that is thick and colored.
Cough (may be itchy).
Postnasal drip.
Bad breath.
Upper jaw pain.
Sore throat.
Eyes are sensitive to light.
General fatigue.
Eye lids swell.