How SMA Affects Breathing in Patients
SMA weakens the muscles used for movement and it can also weaken the muscles involved in breathing, coughing, and clearing the airway. Respiratory complications are common in SMA and can significantly affect health, safety, and quality of life, especially when breathing muscles and bulbar muscles become weak. Breathing challenges in Spinal Muscular Atrophy may include a weak cough, difficulty clearing mucus, shallow breathing, sleep-related breathing problems, fatigue, and increased risk during colds or respiratory infections.
For many people with SMA, a simple illness can become more serious because weak respiratory muscles may make it harder to cough forcefully and remove secretions from the lungs. Coughing and airway clearance are important for removing secretions and that helping someone with SMA cough more forcefully can help protect lung health. This is why respiratory care, cough assistance, oxygen monitoring, noninvasive ventilation, and support from knowledgeable medical teams can become an important part of daily life for some individuals with SMA.
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