How Can Lung Inflammation and COPD Affect Users of Recalled CPAPs?

 Posted on November 09, 2021 in Health Conditions

Continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, devices are used to treat sleep apnea. By forcing air into the lungs, these machines ensure that a person will continue to breathe normally while they are sleeping. Effective treatment of sleep apnea has many benefits. However, the use of defective CPAP devices may increase the chances that a person will experience serious health conditions. One manufacturer, Philips Respironics, has recalled millions of CPAP machines because they contained a type of foam that could break down and release dangerous particles and chemicals. Users of the recalled devices may face the risk of multiple types of injuries and serious health conditions, including lung inflammation.

Symptoms and Effects of Lung Inflammation

Inflammation of the lungs involves irritation and swelling of the tissues in and around the body’s airways. When these tissues become inflamed, they can restrict airflow and make it more difficult for the body to absorb oxygen into the bloodstream. Some symptoms of lung inflammation include:

• Coughing and wheezing

• Fatigue, especially after physical activity

• Discomfort or tightness in the chest

• Pain when breathing

• Gasping for air or other breathing difficulties

• Fever

• Weight loss

• High blood pressure

Severe lung inflammation can result in a lack of oxygen, which may lead to dizziness or loss of consciousness. An ongoing lung inflammation may result in a thickening of lung tissue, leading to more restricted airflow. The lungs may also produce more mucus, leading to congestion and increasing the chances of infections.

Chronic lung inflammations that affect a person over a significant period of time may result in ongoing lung conditions that can have a negative effect on their overall health. These conditions may include multiple types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as:

• Chronic bronchitis - Inflammation of the bronchial tubes that transport air in and out of the lungs can lead to ongoing symptoms such as persistent fatigue, pain and tightness in the chest, and swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet.

• Asthma - Constriction of airways throughout the lungs will obstruct airflow, making it more difficult for a person to breathe. This can lead to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

• Emphysema - Damage to the air sacs in the lungs will affect the lungs’ ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. This can lead to shortness of breath, coughing, increased amounts of phlegm, respiratory infections, and cyanosis due to low amounts of oxygen in the blood.

Contact Our CPAP Lung Injury Attorneys

If you have used a CPAP machine that has been recalled, and you suffer from COPD or other health issues that affect your lungs, our attorneys can help you determine your legal options. We will work with you to gather evidence showing that your health conditions were caused by a dangerous device, and we will advise you on how you can hold the manufacturer responsible for the harm you have suffered. To schedule a free consultation, contact our CPAP lung injury lawyers today.

Sources:

https://www.philips.com/c-dam/b2bhc/master/landing-pages/src/update/documents/en_US/philips-global-supplemental-clinical-information-document.pdf

https://www.verywellhealth.com/chest-pain-common-potential-causes-1745274