Patterns:

• Significant breathing problems that can result from muscle weakness of the diaphragm, abdominal and intercostal muscles and myotonia of these muscles.

• Poor ventilatory force, low blood oxygen and elevated blood carbon dioxide levels.

Symptoms:

• Fatigue, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and respiratory failure.

• Insufficient air flow during sleep may contribute to disrupted sleep.

• Weakness of the swallowing and breathing muscles.

• Aspiration of food and drink, saliva, nasal secretions and stomach fluids.

• General anesthesia and intravenous pain medications, especially opiates, can cause respiratory failure.

• Ineffective cough.

• Recurrent pulmonary infections.

• Frequent chest infections.

• Morning headaches, apnea, fatigue and snoring.

Diagnosis:

• Discuss the following tests with your doctor:

  • Sleep study

  • Respiratory tests

  • Clearance capacity

Treatment:

• Careful perioperative management.

• Vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia if no contraindications.

• Respiratory cough assistance and mechanical ventilation (as needed).

• Consultations from respiratory therapy and pulmonary medicine groups as needed.

• Airway clearance and lung volume recruitment techniques (e.g., breath stacking, abdominal thrust, the vest).

• Nighttime ventilatory support and full-time ventilation.

• Supplemental oxygen.

• Emergency medical alert devices.