bpap machine for emphysema?

Question

My mother in law has ALS and is now going to sleep using a bpap machine to help her breathe better.
My father has E., do you think I should suggest to his Dr that maybe he could benefit from one of these as well?

Answer 1

YES, you should suggest this to his doctor. Only he/she can determine if the bilevel positive airway pressure ventilation (BPAP) machine or mask is right for him.

Although, Emphysema patients can be helped to feel conciderable relief and lungs can be made more efficient, The use of brochodialator aerosols (atomizers) are very effective. If your father will benefit from the BPAP machine, his doctor will -first- have to determine the cause for his sleeping disorder.

This could be, for example, a result of his treatment. Two of the most prescribed drugs are: Potassium iodide solution or ammonium chloride.

Side effects of these drugs, commonly employed to loosen the phlegm, may interfere with sleeping by their severe side effects.
Severe Side effects of these medicines can be: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat or palpitations. Ammonium chloride's, severe reactions include rapid, irregular, or shallow breathing and slow heartbeat; all of, which can make sleeping difficult.

This is why that it is so importnant to report this issue with his doctor or healthcare professional. That would be the ideal time to make your suggestion.

Hope this answers your question!

Answer 2

My brother is on one of those bpap machines for his sleeping disorder, and my parents, before they passed on, used a larger oxygen machine for their emphysema.
As far as I know, the bpap machine merely forces air down the persons passageways, without increasing the oxygen content appreciably. On the other hand, the larger oxygen machined that my parents used for their empyseme DID increase the oxygen content of the air provided.....

Hope that helps !

Answer 3

aks dr. if you think it is right. the bipap is commonly used for respiratory assist. it is usually used for people who have sleep apnea,(stop breathing for longer than should when sleeping) when the o2 saturation when sleeping drops. emphysema has it's own set of problems, with the co2. dr. or his nurse could probably give you the answer for you.