In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, progressive muscle involvement extends to the muscles that control breathing. As these respiratory muscles weaken, the ability to maintain adequate ventilation is compromised, leading to hypoventilation. Adequate respiratory support becomes a critical priority in management at this stage.
As the muscles that assist in breathing get weaker, the respiratory system must be adequately supported. Hypoventilation — insufficient breathing to meet the body's needs — signals a significant escalation in respiratory burden and drives the need for targeted ventilatory intervention.
As the muscles that assist in breathing get weaker, the respiratory system must be adequately supported.
If round-the-clock ventilatory support becomes necessary, it is possible to use noninvasive ventilation full time, under the care of a doctor knowledgeable in this practice.