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:
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Coughing and wheezing
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