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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Breathing Difficulty While Having Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?

I m a caregiver for an ALS patient. She was diagnosed approx. 2 yrs ago. I have cared for her for a yr. It is becoming difficult for her to breath, and the hospice nurse said to give her the morphine oral to help in an emergency if it becomes difficult for her to breath. Her husband and I are hesitant to admin this drug for that reason.
Thu, 7 Feb 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Breathing difficulties in patient who has ALS is quite serious and may be the end of the times. Because this means that the nerves that help in breathing are also getting paralysed and hece she being unable to breath. With more severity she wouldn't be able to survive with it.

This is a difficult situation for both the doctor and care giver. Morphine may only releive the sensation of breathing difficulty and should be given with great care. This may be given if the she is at the end of her life, and decision of DNR has already been made. Otherwise it may worse the condition. But nothing can help her unfortunately, except ventilation which is mostly not recommended in such patients.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Mahboob Ur Rahman, General & Family Physician
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What Causes Breathing Difficulty While Having Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?

Hi, Breathing difficulties in patient who has ALS is quite serious and may be the end of the times. Because this means that the nerves that help in breathing are also getting paralysed and hece she being unable to breath. With more severity she wouldn t be able to survive with it. This is a difficult situation for both the doctor and care giver. Morphine may only releive the sensation of breathing difficulty and should be given with great care. This may be given if the she is at the end of her life, and decision of DNR has already been made. Otherwise it may worse the condition. But nothing can help her unfortunately, except ventilation which is mostly not recommended in such patients. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Mahboob Ur Rahman, General & Family Physician