14. Respiratory Difficulties: The Strained Breaths of FRDA
People with Friedreich’s Ataxia often face respiratory difficulties, which become more pronounced with disease progression. This can range from shortness of breath during physical activity to severe breathing problems that may require assisted ventilation.
The act of breathing is a complex process that requires the coordination of several muscles. In individuals with FRDA, the disease’s progressive nature can lead to weakness in the chest wall muscles that support breathing. This can lead to difficulty in taking deep breaths and can reduce overall lung capacity.
Moreover, the impaired coordination and strength of the swallowing muscles (as discussed earlier) could lead to aspiration, where food or saliva enters the lungs, increasing the risk of pneumonia. As the disease progresses, these respiratory issues can worsen, requiring comprehensive management and care. (14)
