Key Signs Of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Weakened Respiratory Muscles

Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients may have weakened respiratory muscles. Usually, these symptoms become noticeable around the time the patient is ten years old. The lungs are operated by multiple muscles including the diaphragm. These muscles, along with the diaphragm, become weaker as the disease progresses, making the lungs ineffective at moving the air. Some children might complain their breathing is impaired. However, children may not notice shortness of breath since the lungs themselves aren't affected. Children with weakened respiratory muscles may also have nightmares, difficulty focusing, trouble staying awake, mental dullness, and headaches. Weakened muscles also make coughing difficult, which makes the risk of respiratory infection higher. Common colds can quickly turn into pneumonia.