Complications Linked To Muscular Dystrophy

Breathing Difficulties

Breathing difficulties are common in individuals with muscular dystrophy, though the level of involvement varies from case to case. Problems with breathing typically occur because there's a progressive weakening of the respiratory muscles. The diaphragm is an important muscle for respiration. It is located just underneath the lungs and assists in inhaling. When the diaphragm weakens in patients with muscular dystrophy, they aren't able to inhale as deeply, which leads to a reduction in oxygen and a decrease in lung function. There are other muscles in the abdomen that help with exhaling. Abdominal weakness can make it difficult to exhale fully, which means the lungs aren't cleared of carbon dioxide. Another issue is weakening of the muscles that make up the upper respiratory tract. The muscles in the throat and nose are necessary for air intake. They can collapse when sleeping, which makes muscular dystrophy patients more likely to have breathing issues while they sleep. These patients might be more hurt by illnesses like pneumonia because the weakened respiratory muscles make it difficult to cough up phlegm. If an individual with muscular dystrophy has scoliosis, it can affect how the chest wall is structured and lead to breathing issues.

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