What Is Post Polio Syndrome?
7. Chronic Respiratory Failure
In order to breathe, our chest muscles have to be working hard to enable our lungs to inhale and exhale. Post polio syndrome can affect this ability, and this can make it harder for us to breathe. Weak chest muscles also mean it is harder for us to cough, which also means that fluid can accumulate in the lungs.
With fluid in the lungs, the lungs cannot absorb as much oxygen as they would usually be able to, and this further makes breathing difficult. Low oxygen levels in the blood can be dangerous for the patient, and they will likely need an oxygen mask to help them breathe.
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