Essay On Muscular Dystrophy
Definition
• Muscular Dystrophy is a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness & a loss of muscle mass • In MD, abnormal genes (mutations) interfere with the production of proteins needed to form healthy muscle
• There are many different kinds of Muscular
Dystrophy
• Symptoms of the most common variety begin in childhood, primarily in boys
• Other types don’t surface until adulthood
Definition Cont…
• Some people who have MD will eventually lose the ability to walk
• Some may have trouble breathing or swallowing
• There is no cure for Muscular Dystrophy but medications & therapy can help manage symptoms & slow the course of the disease
Symptoms
• The main sign of Muscular Dystrophy is progressive muscle weakness
• Specific signs …show more content…
But prolonged use of these types of drugs can cause weight gain and weaken bones, increasing fracture risk.
• Heart medications are prescribed if Muscular
Dystrophy damages the heart.
Therapy
Several types of therapy and assistive devices can improve quality and sometimes length of life in people who have Muscular Dystrophy.
• Range-of-motion and stretching exercises. Muscular Dystrophy can restrict the flexibility and mobility of joints.. Range-of-motion exercises can help to keep joints as flexible as possible.
• Exercise. Low-impact aerobic exercise, such as walking and swimming, can help maintain strength, mobility and general health. Some types of strengthening exercises also might be helpful.
• Braces. Braces can help keep muscles and tendons stretched and flexible, slowing the progression of contractures. Braces can also aid mobility by providing support for weakened muscles.
• Mobility aids. Canes, walkers and wheelchairs can help maintain mobility and independence.
• Breathing assistance. As respiratory muscles weaken, a sleep apnea device may help improve oxygen delivery during the night. Some people
• Muscular Dystrophy is a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness & a loss of muscle mass • In MD, abnormal genes (mutations) interfere with the production of proteins needed to form healthy muscle
• There are many different kinds of Muscular
Dystrophy
• Symptoms of the most common variety begin in childhood, primarily in boys
• Other types don’t surface until adulthood
Definition Cont…
• Some people who have MD will eventually lose the ability to walk
• Some may have trouble breathing or swallowing
• There is no cure for Muscular Dystrophy but medications & therapy can help manage symptoms & slow the course of the disease
Symptoms
• The main sign of Muscular Dystrophy is progressive muscle weakness
• Specific signs …show more content…
But prolonged use of these types of drugs can cause weight gain and weaken bones, increasing fracture risk.
• Heart medications are prescribed if Muscular
Dystrophy damages the heart.
Therapy
Several types of therapy and assistive devices can improve quality and sometimes length of life in people who have Muscular Dystrophy.
• Range-of-motion and stretching exercises. Muscular Dystrophy can restrict the flexibility and mobility of joints.. Range-of-motion exercises can help to keep joints as flexible as possible.
• Exercise. Low-impact aerobic exercise, such as walking and swimming, can help maintain strength, mobility and general health. Some types of strengthening exercises also might be helpful.
• Braces. Braces can help keep muscles and tendons stretched and flexible, slowing the progression of contractures. Braces can also aid mobility by providing support for weakened muscles.
• Mobility aids. Canes, walkers and wheelchairs can help maintain mobility and independence.
• Breathing assistance. As respiratory muscles weaken, a sleep apnea device may help improve oxygen delivery during the night. Some people