Sucking problems can induce sialorrhea, or excessive salivation and drooling. It may take many medications and ALS treatment to find one that works without adverse effects. With age comes difficulty swallowing and chewing food. Inability to chew properly may cause digestive issues. Weight reduction should be constantly monitored to avoid excess. Oral motor skills decline, increasing the risk of choking. In the latter stages of the illness, feeding through an abdominal wall tube may be required.
Effects of Communication
The inability to communicate is neither life-threatening nor severe, but it is very annoying. Assistive technology can help. Touch, eye movement, or even brain waves operate most of today's electronics. Individuals may use homemade text and graphic message boards, as well as complex but basic mechanical devices. Buying a communication device before you need it allows you to record your own voice for the machine. It's nicer to sound like oneself than a machine. On the market, several communication devices may be acquired through home health dealers or internet merchants. The ALS Association endorses several products and services. Any body part with even a little function can connect to a device.
Effects on the Respiratory System
Many people with ALS struggle to cough hard enough to clear even little amounts of mucus. It is advised to drink enough water to keep secretions thin. Some use an over-the-counter expectorant and mucus thinner with guaifenesin. Using an Ambu-bag to assist cough or a "cofflator" or "in-exsufflator" can all help improve a weak coughed. Night oxygenation levels may decline due to slow metabolism, lay down and weak muscles. If you have a pulse oximetry clip on your finger, you'll know. You can use a nasal pressure device to keep your body's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels balanced. When the breathing muscles weaken, ventilatory support can aid with breathing during sleeping. A full-time use of these devices may be necessary when muscles can no longer regulate oxygen and CO2. Mechanical ventilation is used when breathing is unsuccessful.
Effects on Muscle and Tone (Spasticity)
Tone (spasticity) is a symptom of ALS in some persons. It produces muscle tightness and stiffness throughout the body, including the arms, legs, back, abdomen, and neck. The interior of the body can be affected by tone, which can be seen in bowel and bladder function. A simple touch might produce the tone (spasms), which can be unpleasant, especially if it causes muscular cramps, which are prevalent in ALS patients due to muscle exhaustion. Due to weakening, cramps become less intense with time. Neuropathic pain (nerve pain) can occur in various circumstances. Fasciculation (muscle twitching) is frequent; however, it is more irritating than painful.
Mental Consequences
Although the majority of people with ALS are unaffected in their thinking, those who have severe physical problems may acquire depression. When you are unable to communicate, you may have fewer alternatives and choices. There is some evidence that dementia might develop as a result of limitations in one's skills.
Fatigue
Fatigue can be so debilitating that it interferes with every activity. Because movement is difficult, additional effort is required. Even eating and swallowing might cause tiredness as the illness develops. Increases in tone might cause the body to become tired. Depression is also a source of exhaustion. Learning energy saving strategies at a young age can be beneficial.
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