CPAP-Related Lung Conditions That Could Lead to Lung Cancer

 Posted on September 14, 2022 in Uncategorized

Properly-functioning lungs are a crucial component of people's overall health. Everyone needs to be able to breathe properly and absorb oxygen into their bloodstream. Any health conditions that affect lung functions can be incredibly harmful, and they may not only impact a person's overall health, but they may put the person at risk of losing their life. To make matters even worse, a person who experiences serious lung illnesses or injuries may also be at a higher risk of contracting lung cancer in the future.

Lung conditions have become a significant concern for many people who have used CPAP machines and similar devices to treat sleep apnea. In 2021, millions of these devices were recalled by the medical device manufacturing company Philips Respironics. The recalled CPAP and BiPAP machines contained a synthetic foam used to dampen the sound of the motors used to force air into users' airways. This foam, which was composed of potentially toxic substances, could break down over months or years of daily use. The inhalation of small particles of foam and other chemicals released due to the breakdown of foam may have led to multiple types of serious lung conditions, and some of these could potentially lead to lung cancer.

Lung Illnesses and Injuries That May Increase Lung Cancer Risks

Lung conditions associated with use of the recalled CPAPs that could result in lung cancer include:

• Respiratory disorders - These are conditions that make it difficult to breathe, and they may include bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). All of these disorders can make it hard to get enough oxygen into the bloodstream and can lead to inflammation and scarring of the lung tissues. This inflammation may affect the rate of cell division in the areas of the lungs that are affected, and it may also cause damage to the DNA of lung cells. This can lead to the formation of malignant tumors.

• Interstitial lung disease - This is a general term used to describe illnesses that cause scarring in the tissues between the air sacs of the lungs. This scarring can make it difficult for oxygen to reach the bloodstream, and it can lead to shortness of breath, coughing, and other symptoms. Lung tissue that develops scarring and becomes inflamed is more likely to form cancerous growths and tumors.

• Pneumoconiosis - This is a type of lung disease that is caused by exposure to harmful airborne particles, such as the particles released when CPAP foam breaks down. Pneumoconiosis can cause scarring and inflammation in the lungs, and in especially serious cases, it is known as progressive massive fibrosis, or PMF. Due to the inflammation and scarring caused by pneumoconiosis and PMF, those who experience these conditions are at a higher risk of lung cancer.

Contact Our CPAP Lung Cancer Lawyers

If you or a member of your family have been diagnosed with lung cancer or any other serious illnesses or health issues after using a CPAP machine that has been recalled, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. It is likely that the manufacturer of these devices knew about the dangers posed by the use of their products but failed to warn consumers. Our CPAP lung injury attorneys can help you hold them accountable. Contact us today at 888-826-8682 to set up a free consultation and learn about your legal options for pursuing compensation.

Sources:

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.688625/full

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/evaluation-and-management-of-lung-cancer-in-patients-with-interstitial-lung-disease

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/pneumoconiosis