CPAP device for sleep apnea may also alleviate chronic cough and heartburn.

CPAP device for sleep apnea may also alleviate chronic cough and heartburn.

CPAP Machine: A Solution to Sleep Apnea, Heartburn, and Chronic Cough

We all know how important a good night’s sleep is for our well-being. It rejuvenates our body and mind, allowing us to tackle the challenges of the day with energy and focus. However, for those suffering from sleep apnea, a good night’s sleep is often elusive. Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, resulting in various symptoms such as snoring, daytime sleepiness, and respiratory issues.

But here’s some good news: a recent study has found that a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine not only helps alleviate sleep apnea but also provides relief from heartburn and chronic cough, two common symptoms associated with the condition.

The study, conducted by Dr. Thorarinn Gislason from the Department of Sleep at Landspitali–National University Hospital of Iceland, revealed that people with sleep apnea are three times more likely to develop acid reflux than those without the condition. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort.

Gislason suggests that acid reflux testing should be considered for individuals with sleep apnea if they also experience symptoms such as daytime sleepiness, respiratory issues like coughing or wheezing, or other related complications. Identifying and treating sleep apnea can help improve not only the quality of sleep but also alleviate acid reflux symptoms.

So, how does sleep apnea contribute to acid reflux? Dr. David Hill, an assistant clinical professor of medicine at Yale University School of Medicine, explains that during episodes of airflow obstruction in sleep apnea, individuals tend to breathe harder to compensate for the lack of air. This increased breathing effort can exacerbate acid reflux, as the forceful breathing causes acid to rise from the stomach into the esophagus and potentially even into the lungs. Therefore, relieving sleep apnea can make breathing easier and alleviate acid reflux symptoms.

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The most effective treatment for sleep apnea is the use of a CPAP machine. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure, and it works by keeping the upper airway open during sleep. By doing so, it allows for uninterrupted airflow, preventing the relaxation of throat muscles that leads to sleep apnea episodes. Gislason emphasizes that CPAP treatment is highly effective and can provide individuals with sleep apnea a similar experience to those without the condition if used consistently every night.

To understand the impact of CPAP treatment on acid reflux symptoms, Gislason and his colleagues conducted a study involving 822 patients in Iceland diagnosed with moderate to severe sleep apnea. The patients underwent an overnight sleep study and completed questionnaires regarding heartburn and belching at night before starting CPAP treatment. After two years, the researchers evaluated the patients again and analyzed the data collected by their CPAP machines.

The findings were promising. The study showed that regular CPAP machine usage reduced the occurrence of nighttime heartburn by approximately 42% compared to those who used CPAP sporadically or not at all. Moreover, the decrease in acid reflux led to a fourfold reduction in morning cough with mucus and a nearly fourfold decrease in the risk of chronic bronchitis. Regular CPAP users were also less likely to experience wheezing.

Why does CPAP have such a positive effect on acid reflux symptoms? The authors of the study suggest that keeping the upper airway open during sleep helps maintain the closure of the valve between the stomach and the food pipe. This prevents acid from leaking out of the stomach and causing reflux.

Dr. Joseph Krainin, a sleep physician and medical review expert at SleepApnea.org, supports the findings of the study based on his clinical experience. He notes that CPAP treatment can significantly improve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), both during the night and throughout the day.

Dr. Hill adds that CPAP’s ability to alleviate acid reflux symptoms is another reason why sleep apnea therapy should not be overlooked. If you’re experiencing symptoms of reflux, heartburn, or persistent cough, CPAP treatment may help manage these symptoms, along with addressing other sleep apnea-related problems.

Dr. Luis Quintero, a pulmonary, critical care, and sleep physician at Northwell Health, advises patients to take their symptoms seriously. If you’re experiencing acid reflux symptoms that don’t improve or if you have wheezing at night or a persistent cough in the morning, it’s crucial to consult your doctor. They can evaluate whether a sleep study is necessary to assess the presence of sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can significantly impact your quality of life and overall health. The findings of this study highlight the importance of early detection and treatment for sleep apnea, not only to improve sleep but also to alleviate associated symptoms like heartburn and chronic cough. By using a CPAP machine consistently, individuals with sleep apnea can experience relief from these distressing symptoms and regain control over their health and well-being.

For more information on sleep apnea, please visit the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Sources: – Thorarinn Gislason, MD, Department of Sleep, Landspitali–National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavík – Joseph Krainin, MD, sleep physician, medical review expert, SleepApnea.org – David Hill, MD, assistant clinical professor, medicine Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn., and volunteer medical spokesperson, American Lung Association – Luis Quintero, DO, pulmonary, critical care and sleep physician, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, N.Y. – ERJ Open Research, Aug. 31, 2023, online