[Guest]

i have been diagnosed mild case of obstructive sleep apnea.recent chestbxray indicates possible mild to mod.copd.also pulmonary function test indicates same.[mild hyper inflation of lung fields?] question is : can copd be afactor in my sleep apnea or cause of apnea? if copd is present,would nasal c-pap do any good as treatment? thanks.

[Guest]

The COPD is not a factor per se in causing the obstructive sleep apnea. However, the combination can cause worse desaturations, lower oxygen at night, and potentially more sleep disruption. CPAP is still very effective. Occasionally a person may need bilevel positive airway pressure titration when the COPD is significant.