Does SMA affect breathing?
Category:
Specialized Equipment
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) can affect breathing, and respiratory care is essential for children with the disease. In children with SMA types 0, 1, and 2, breathing problems can be especially severe. Lung underdevelopment, reduced lung function, and difficulties in coughing and clearing lung secretions increase the risk of hypoventilation (or shallow breathing) and infection. However, most people with the milder forms of SMA — types 3 and 4 — may never experience breathing problems.
About the Author
