COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
Since being diagnosed with severe COPD and Emphy almost 5 yrs ago I have struggled with reactions to different chemicals and odors.
Most recently I've noticed the "allergic" reaction type is that my tonsils feel inflamed and my bronchiles will close. I also immediately get a sinus headache that can linger. I have started to wear charcoal lined masks that can help.... I have tried to be proactive.
Anyway.. as many of you know our cannulas emit an odor from the plastic when they are opened....I usually open one a few days before I use it..... I only use oxygen at night or when I nap.
Didn't do this 4 days ago as I knew I needed a new one. My cannula smelled but since it hangs I hang it on a hook during the day the smell usually dissipates..this time it hasn't and I woke up 2 hours ago with my tonsils hurting (my ears also sometime get plugged) and I am fit to be tied.
1. I need to deal with the cannula issue. Maybe it's a bad batch of cannulas?
2. I have addressed the throat issue/tonsil problem with both my pulmy and pcp and they suggest I take an allergy pill ormy pulmy says maybe Singalar?
I don't know--I think it's some kind of multiple chemical reaction.
Anyone have any experience or suggestions regarding the cannulas?
Thanks!
Moe
Most recently I've noticed the "allergic" reaction type is that my tonsils feel inflamed and my bronchiles will close. I also immediately get a sinus headache that can linger. I have started to wear charcoal lined masks that can help.... I have tried to be proactive.
Anyway.. as many of you know our cannulas emit an odor from the plastic when they are opened....I usually open one a few days before I use it..... I only use oxygen at night or when I nap.
Didn't do this 4 days ago as I knew I needed a new one. My cannula smelled but since it hangs I hang it on a hook during the day the smell usually dissipates..this time it hasn't and I woke up 2 hours ago with my tonsils hurting (my ears also sometime get plugged) and I am fit to be tied.
1. I need to deal with the cannula issue. Maybe it's a bad batch of cannulas?
2. I have addressed the throat issue/tonsil problem with both my pulmy and pcp and they suggest I take an allergy pill ormy pulmy says maybe Singalar?
I don't know--I think it's some kind of multiple chemical reaction.
Anyone have any experience or suggestions regarding the cannulas?
Thanks!
Moe
You could try taking an OTC allergy pill and see if it helps, however actually they are more expensive and a script one.
A lot of the medical tubing, etc is made with PVC and it requires using DEHP to give it flexibility and strength. There are non-DEHP products such as the link listed below. Europe has banned the use of DEHP in its products.
I am looking at an unopened Medline Soft-touch that states that it contains DEHP. I love the comfort of the cannula but there is definitely a burning sensation when using a new one.
DEHP is used in more than medical products so I suppose it is not on the radar of the appropriate regulatory agency yet.
http://www.amazon.com/Medline-Super-Touch-Nasal-Cannulas/dp/B0099T1S2W
There are other companies that make the ones as described in the Amazon ad. Just google the information and at least a couple should come up.
I am just not that sure that our doctors are totally invested in the products they instruct us to use.
Wish you better results,
Anna