What Is Lou Gehrig's Disease?
6. Breathing Problems
We also need muscles to help us breathe. As the muscles in the chest contract and relax, so they cause the lungs to expand and retract, and this causes air to be forced in and out of the lungs. If the necessary muscles were not functioning properly then we would no longer be able to draw fresh air in, and then expel the spent air.
As the condition gets worse, the patient is increasingly likely to need help from mechanical apparatus. This might mean a continuous positive airway pressure device, which is designed to help the patient sleep at night. At some point, the patient will also likely need to be put on a ventilator to help ensure their bodies get sufficient oxygen.
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