MS & Breathing Difficulties

Breathing is controlled by the central nervous system, or CNS. More specifically, it is regulated by the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions such as breathing, heartbeat and digestion. Multiple Sclerosis causes swelling that interferes with the signals being transmitted between nerves. MS typically does not damage the autonomic nervous system; breathing difficulties are rarely a direct symptom of the disease, but a symptom of secondary issues related to the disease process.

Aspiration Pneumonia

• Aspiration pneumonia occurs in MS patients when they are unable to clear the mucus or saliva from the nose and throat, or when food or water is inhaled due to swallowing difficulties associated with MS. These irritants damage the lungs and cause breathing problems that can be dangerous.

Muscle Weakness

• While MS does not typically affect breathing directly, the muscles involved in breathing--the diaphragm and rib muscles--are weakened over time due to the degenerative nature of the disease. While this alone may cause trouble breathing, muscle weakness and inactivity can lead to pneumonia and other respiratory problems, as well.

Medication

• Tranquilizers, muscle relaxants and opioid analgesics are used to treat the symptoms of MS. These can depress breathing function, causing difficulties. Rarely, certain drugs used in the treatment of MS can cause severe allergic reactions, causing breathing problems that may be life threatening.