Neuromuscular Lung Disease Treatment Offered in Baltimore
At The Lung Center at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, a team of talented pulmonologists provide treatment for a broad spectrum of lung disorders, including neuromuscular disease. The Lung Center at Mercy offers patients comprehensive care in a supportive and comfortable environment.
Neuromuscular disease is a rare acquired or genetic disease that can include many conditions that damage the nerves and muscles. It can cause paralysis, spasticity or spasms, weakness and movement problems. Neuromuscular disease can impact the lungs and lead to respiratory failure, as well as other lung disorders such as pneumonia. Neuromuscular disease can affect the lungs, limiting the ability to inflate and breathe optimally.
Who is at risk for Neuromuscular Disease?
Neuromuscular disorders can affect people who have the following conditions:
- Diaphragm paralysis
- Post-polio syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Polymyositis
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Cerebral palsy
- Inflammatory myopathies
To diagnose neuromuscular disease, a pulmonologist will take your medical history, conduct a physical exam and discuss your symptoms. Included in the medical history, the lung doctor will discuss the types of symptoms. Some neuromuscular disease symptoms that can occur:
- Restricted breathing
- Fatigue
- Immobility
- Spasticity or spasms
- Muscle pain
- Weakened cough
- Sleep disorder
- Difficulty swallowing
An assessment of pulmonary function is important in diagnosing neuromuscular disease. Several ways to diagnose neuromuscular disease include:
- Pulmonary function test
- Sleep disorders study
- Arterial blood gas screening
Treatment for neuromuscular disease focuses on managing symptoms, relieving pain and improving quality of life.