Breathing Issues

Breathing Issues

Respiratory problems are, unarguably, the most serious of medical complications in ALS. Breathing difficulties occur from the gradual deterioration of breathing muscles, i.e. the diaphragm and the intercostals. The course is as shown below.

Signs of Respiratory Insufficiency

Signs of Respiratory Insufficiency:

Monitoring for respiratory problems:

Monitoring for respiratory problems:

Managing Breathing Problems

Breathing Exercises:

Breathing Exercises:

Medications:

Medications:

Chest physiotherapy:

Chest physiotherapy:

Cough Assist Device:

Cough Assist Device:

Noninvasive Breathing Support:

A BiPAP Machine:

This is often prescribed in ALS.

C Pap Machine

Pressure-cycled vent machines

C Pap Machine

Pressure-cycled vent machines

Noninvasive Breathing Support:

A BiPAP Machine:
This is often prescribed in ALS.

Advanced respiratory care in ALS:

Advanced respiratory care in ALS:

Caring for the Tracheostomy

Caring for the Tracheostomy:

LTV® 1150 ventilator:

LTV® 1150 ventilator:

Advantages of invasive ventilation:

Advantages of invasive ventilation:

Decision making regarding invasive care:

So, in making the decision, one should consider his family support, level of independence and financial resources.

Decision making regarding invasive care: