A common side effect of CPAP is which of the following?

A common side effect of CPAP is which of the following?

• A. Aerophagia
• B. Intentional leak
• C. Hyperventilation
• D. CO2 retention

Answer: (A)

Aerophagia is a common side effect of CPAP because the continuous positive pressure can push air into the swallowing tract and stomach. Some of this air gets swallowed and ends up in the gastrointestinal tract, causing bloating, abdominal discomfort, belching, or flatulence. It’s more likely when starting therapy or using higher pressures, and can often be reduced with a proper mask fit, gradual pressure titration, and humidification. An intentional leak is built into CPAP systems to vent exhaled air and prevent CO2 buildup, so it’s a normal part of how the device functions rather than a side effect. Hyperventilation and CO2 retention are not typical side effects of CPAP. CPAP usually helps normalize breathing during sleep and does not commonly cause increased breathing rate or CO2 buildup unless there are other underlying issues.

Aerophagia is a common side effect of CPAP because the continuous positive pressure can push air into the swallowing tract and stomach. Some of this air gets swallowed and ends up in the gastrointestinal tract, causing bloating, abdominal discomfort, belching, or flatulence. It’s more likely when starting therapy or using higher pressures, and can often be reduced with a proper mask fit, gradual pressure titration, and humidification.

An intentional leak is built into CPAP systems to vent exhaled air and prevent CO2 buildup, so it’s a normal part of how the device functions rather than a side effect.

Hyperventilation and CO2 retention are not typical side effects of CPAP. CPAP usually helps normalize breathing during sleep and does not commonly cause increased breathing rate or CO2 buildup unless there are other underlying issues.