Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by the formation of scar tissue along the nerve fibers of the central nervous system.
The formation of this scar tissue can interfere with the transmission of signals between nerve cells. As a result, many body functions are impaired.
Respiratory dysfunction often occurs, especially in the advanced stages of MS, and because the disease can cause focal lesions anywhere in the central nervous system, the type and amount of impairment varies.
The three most common respiratory manifestations of MS are respiratory muscle weakness, bulbar dysfunction, and abnormalities in respiratory control.
Because swallowing is often impaired, people with multiple sclerosis are susceptible to aspiration and consequent pulmonary infection.
The respiratory muscle weakness associated with MS can interfere with the ability to generate an effective cough and can thereby interfere with the ability to clear pulmonary secretions.
Advanced MS is frequently complicated by inadequate mucus clearance and associated mucus plugging resulting in atelectasis and recurrent pneumonia.
As a result, people with multiple sclerosis often require frequent Airway Clearance Therapy.
Sources
Criner GJ, Kelson SG. Effects of Neuromuscular Disease on Ventilation. In: Fishman AP, Elias JA, Fishman JA, Grippi MA, Kaiser LR, Senior RM, eds. Fishman’s Pulmonary Diseases and Disorders. 3rd ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Companies, Inc. 1998: 1573–1574.
500182 AB 8/98