6. Respiratory Challenges: Breathing Against Tay-Sachs
The respiratory system isn’t spared by Tay-Sachs. As muscles weaken, the simple act of breathing becomes laborious. There’s a vulnerability to respiratory infections, which can be particularly severe in children with Tay-Sachs.
Interventions like respiratory therapy, frequent medical check-ups, and at times, mechanical assistance for breathing, might be necessary. The aim is always to ensure the child can breathe with as much ease as possible, minimizing distress.
The weakening of the muscles also affects the child’s ability to swallow. This not only impacts nutrition but poses a risk of aspiration — where food or liquid enters the lungs. Careful feeding techniques, modified diets, and, in advanced cases, feeding tubes become the new norm.
The objective is dual-fold: ensuring nutritional needs are met and preventing complications like aspiration pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. (6)
