Below are must-know information about spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
Spinal muscular atrophy, also known as SMA, is a genetic disorder that weakens nerves and muscles over time. It can be passed down from generation to generation.
The number of Americans affected by this particular condition ranges from 10,000 to 25,000. It is a rare condition that affects one child out of 10,000.
There are various types of spinal muscular atrophy each of which, if left untreated, can be fatal.
People with SMA have a hard time moving their heads. It is also difficult for them to walk and stand up. In severe cases, the patient can experience difficulty in breathing and swallowing.
Immediate reliefs and treatments are available for patients with SMA.
Here are the various SMA treatments and reliefs that you should know about.
16. Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a natural treatment for SMA. It involves manipulating and massaging the muscles, joints, and bones to relax tight muscles and improve circulation. It also increases the mobility of joints and relieves muscle tension. This particular type of treatment can also help reduce pain.
Osteopathy can help the patient function independently or with minimal supervision. This particular treatment is supported by regular exercise and good nutrition.
15. Evrysdi (Risdiplam)
Evrysdi, also known as risdiplam, is a prescription medicine. It is also an SMN-enhancing that targets the SMN2 gene to produce and maintain more of the missing protein.
This is an oral drug that is taken once a day, after a meal. It should be taken at the same time every day. This is a more affordable and convenient treatment as compared to Zolgensma.
14. Cough-Assisting Machine
A cough assisting machine plays an important role in the respiratory care of patients with SMA.it helps expel mucus, creating a stronger cough. A good example of this particular type of machine is an insufflator-exsufflator machine.
This is a non-invasive machine and it treats the condition by simulating a strong cough to expel mucus.
13. Manual Cough Assistance
Cough can also be assisted manually to mobilize mucus and loosen up phlegm. This is a hands-on approach that requires the patient to gently apply pressure on the diaphragm and abdomen while coughing.
The diaphragm is stimulated to move upward, creating more forceful coughing and exhalation. This particular type of treatment helps to release mucus.
12. Chest Physiotherapy
Chest Physiotherapy involves a particular type of technique to expel mucus. It requires the patient to gently clap on the chest wall or use a vibrating machine to mobilize mucus. This particular treatment eliminates secretion and makes breathing a lot easier for the patient. It helps expands the lungs, preventing them from collapsing.
In some cases, patients might need to do this particular type of technique every day. Other patients may only need it when they are sick.
11. Nutrition
People living with SMA might have a hard time swallowing. This is a condition known as dysphagia. It is brought about by the neuromuscular dysfunction that is weakening the muscles. It not only affects swallowing but chewing and breathing as well.
Given this condition, people with SMA may end up malnourished. Since they cannot chew food, they can miss out on proper nutrition. Getting proper nutrition through soft low-fat foods can help them stay healthy.
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