Respiratory effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: problems and solutions.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Most patients die from respiratory complications. Fortunately, there are a growing number of treatment options that can improve both survival and quality of life for patients with ALS. This review discusses the respiratory evaluation and treatment of patients with ALS, about which a great deal is known. It also includes material on related problems, such as speech and swallowing difficulties and end-of-life care.
Lechtzin
Noah
N
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD 21205, USA. nlechtz1@jhmi.edu
D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D017051:Hospice Care; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration / Q000379:methods* / Q000401:mortality; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*