How to Deal With ALS Breathing Problems

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurological disease. The cause is not known, and there is currently no cure. The nerve cells become damaged in people with ALS. According to the National Institute of health, the neurons gradually die and don't send signals to the muscles to move. Muscles become weak, and eventually the muscles involved in breathing, which are the diaphragm and chest wall, are affected. There are various ways to deal with breathing problems associated with ALS.

Instructions

• 1

  See a lung specialist. A pulmonologist will identify specific concerns with breathing and determine appropriate therapies. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral. Therapy will be adjusted according to the individual patient's response and needs.

• 2

  Do breathing treatments with medications such as acetylcysteine. This medication thins the mucus so that the patient can cough it up or suction it out. Place the medication as prescribed into the nebulizer cup. Attach the tubing to an air compressor or an oxygen tank and turn it on. Place the mouth piece in your mouth and inhale slowly through your mouth. The liquid turns into an aerosol. When the aerosol stops coming out, the treatment is done.

• 3

  Try chest percussion. This is usually done by a respiratory therapist, but it can be taught to caregivers at home. Percussion involves loosening the mucus and getting it out of the lungs. Percussion is done differently, using a hand, a mechanical percussion device or a special vest worn to shake the chest.

• 4

  Remove mucus with a portable suction machine. As the muscles become weaker, it may become difficult to cough up lung mucus and oral secretion. A suction machine will assist with removing secretions which may block the airway. Attach the suction device or catheter to the tubing. Turn the machine on. Place the suction catheter in the patient's mouth for up to ten seconds.

• 5

  Wear an oxygen mask or a nasal cannula. As ALS progresses and breathing is impaired, oxygen levels in the blood can decrease. Oxygen therapy may help. Place a nasal cannula in the nose or a mask over the nose and mouth. Attach the tubing to an oxygen source and turn it to the prescribed liter flow.

• 6

  Use an assisted breathing device. Non-invasive ventilation devices, such as BiPAP, can be used at home. It helps a patient breathe by forcing pressure into the lungs through a mask. Settings will be determined by a pulmonary doctor. Machines vary in how they are set up. Initial settings and instructions on use are very individualized and need to be shown to a patient by a doctor or respiratory therapist.