ALS or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a disease that effects those neurons in the nervous system of a humans which most commonly control and regulate the voluntary muscle movements of the body. ALS is more likely to affect day to day activities like walking, talking, drinking, chewing etc. However, this disease is rarely observed in human beings and men seem to be more victim of this disease as compared to women.
Most Common Cause of Death in ALS
The ALS disease may affect the quality of life but still it is not life threatening until it attacks the respiratory system of the patient. This is basically a muscle related disease which lowers the normal functioning of the muscles causing many other health problems. The patient not only starts losing his memory but also finds it difficult to remember or learn new things, concentrate and make everyday life decisions. However, in most common cases, it attacks the respiratory tract and lungs of the patient which makes it difficult for the patient to breath normally on its own. It’s not wrong to say that ALS becomes deadly only in case of failure of the respiratory system and lungs.
Ventilator Care For ALS Patients
ALS is more likely to affect the respiratory tract of the patients; the pulmonologists and neurologists work together in close collaboration to treat and help the patient to breath normally. In case any ALS patient starts to develop respiratory impairment the doctors offer them a home ventilator with a mask most commonly called a non-invasive ventilator. The home ventilator or non-invasive ventilator sometimes causes nausea, tiredness, headaches in the patient and in some cases, it becomes difficult for the patient to continue this treatment because of these health issues.
Tracheostomy For ALS Patients On Ventilator
Sometimes, when a non invasive ventilator fails to meet the needs of the patient; doctors and experienced consultants decide to use the method of tracheostomy ventilation. Tracheostomy is a method in which a tube is inserted in the neck of the person via a hole through neck so the patient can breathe easily.
In case of ALS, tracheostomy ventilation can help to prolong the life of the patient. However, tracheostomy is not commonly preferred in most of the countries. Tracheostomy though is expected to prolong life span of ALS patients from 2.5 to 4 years. But it is interesting to know that doctors opt this option only at the final stage of the disease. Only 10 percent of all ALS patients get a chance to prolong their lives through tracheostomy.
Conclusion: Life Expectancy Of ALS Patient On Ventilator
Ventilators can be proved to be the best measure to improve the quality of the life of the ALS patient. But the final decision to use these ventilators should be made by the consultant and not the patient or their family. These ventilators not only improve the quality of life but can also win 2 to 4 more years for the ALS patient. Ventilation is a good alternative for the patient of ALS instead of death.
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