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Patients with neuromuscular diseases and associated breathing disorders can remain autonomous in their homes by using invasive and non-invasive (non-surgical) respiratory aids to facilitate breathing and coughing.
UT Southwestern Medical Center’s specialists assess patients’ physiologic parameters of breathing and offer patients training and education in cough-assist devices, breathing techniques, invasive and non-invasive ventilation, and chest wall mobility and hyperinflation. To reduce or eliminate respiratory complications of neuromuscular weakness, our program may also include monitoring of oxygen and respiratory muscle function, non-invasive ventilation by nose or mouth, and assisted coughing as required.
A variety of devices and aids are available and their use is tailored to an individualized treatment plan. Spirometers and oximeters are used to painlessly measure oxygen and respiration levels. If levels are low, certain muscle aids can be used to enhance breathing. For example, air can be administered by a ventilator using a procedure called intermittent positive pressure breathing, or IPPB, where patients receive air under pressure when they inhale. The air is transported through nose or mouth pieces or masks attached to the ventilator. While some patients require supplemental air continuously, others use it intermittently, such as when they have a cold or other respiratory infection. Other muscle assist devices involve the use of manually and mechanically aided coughing to expel airway secretions.
UT Southwestern’s home ventilation service seeks to minimize hospitalizations for breathing difficulties through the use of non-invasive techniques and proper patient training. Our breathing disorders and home ventilation specialists carefully evaluate the patient’s medical history and current condition to offer the patient the most appropriate and effective therapies available.
Please visit the Health Library to learn more about home ventilation for breathing disorders due to neuromuscular diseases.
