Resolved question:
I was diagnosticated with sleep apnea and the doctor prescribed for me a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine (through my nose). After four days I noticed that the pressured air pass to my mouth through the little hole that communicate my nose and my mouth. I got a molar extraction on February, and during the extraction one root was broken. It was difficult to extract that root; then, I got a dry socket, which was very painful. I never receive a treatment to close the communication between the mouth and the sinus, because the doctor said the hole was small and it will be closed alone. Then I got an infection that was treated with antibiotics several times until the Otorhinolaringoly (ENT) cleaned the sinus in a surgery.
Then Doctor changes the mask for a bigger one that covers the mouth, but I do not feel comfortable with this mask and I am concern about the hole. Then the Doctor told me that I have to use another mouth device which, initially the Doctor does not recommended it to me because it is prescribed for mild and moderated sleep apnea. Then he told me that I have to return the machine. I would like to continue trying with the big mask and I would like to know your opinion. Is there any risk if I continue with the CPAP machine?
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
ENT Specialist
Hello.
Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com.
Summarising your history, you are suffering from sleep apnea and using CPAP. CPAP is the treatment of choice for sleep apnea, and it can be used safely for a long term (many years). At the same time you should try to reduce weight if you are obese.
You should contact with the company/doctor who has supplied machine to you. They can give you option of different mask and you can select according to convenience.
Machine pressure titration is required according to severity of your sleep apnea based on your sleep study report.
Abnormal communication between sinus and oral cavity is known as oroantral fistula.
It is safe to use CPAP with oroantral fistula as CPAP will not increase any infection nor will it worsen it.
Definitive treatment for oroantral fistula is surgical closure, so you can plan for it. Till that you can use CPAP safely.
Hope this was helpful. Feel free to ask further queries.
Best regards,
Dr. Sunil Jalan, MBBS, DLO, MS (ENT), DNB (ENT).
ENT Specialist.