What body systems are affected by muscular dystrophy?

Muscular Dystrophy Affects Multiple Body Systems:

Muscular dystrophy primarily affects the musculoskeletal system, involving the voluntary muscles that control movement. It leads to progressive muscle weakness, degeneration, and loss of muscle mass, impairing mobility and physical function.

Other body systems commonly affected by muscular dystrophy include:

- Respiratory System: Respiratory muscle weakness can lead to reduced lung capacity, chronic cough, shortness of breath, and the eventual need for respiratory support.

- Cardiovascular System: Cardiac muscles may be affected, leading to heart problems like cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Monitoring heart health is crucial.

- Gastrointestinal System: Swallowing difficulties, gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), constipation, and malnutrition can occur due to weakened muscles involved in eating and digestion.

- Endocrine System: Certain types of muscular dystrophy can affect hormone production, particularly the Duchenne type, which can lead to an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) and delayed puberty.

- Skeletal System: Bone deformities, such as scoliosis (curvature of the spine) or kyphosis (rounding of the upper back), can occur as weakened muscles are unable to properly support the skeletal structure.

- Cognitive Function: Muscular dystrophies, such as myotonic muscular dystrophy (DM1) and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), may also impact cognitive abilities and executive function.

It's important for individuals with muscular dystrophy to receive comprehensive care involving multiple specialties to address the various aspects affected by the condition and ensure overall well-being.