Tests to evaluate breathing — known as pulmonary function tests — are generally noninvasive; that is, they require no needles or penetration of the body. In these kinds of tests, you breathe into a computerized machine through a mouthpiece while a clip blocks your nose.

The tests can be performed on adults or on children who are mature enough to follow instructions and cooperate with the respiratory therapist.

A standard breathing test measures forced vital capacity, which is how much air can be expelled after a deep breath.

Many doctors recommend getting breathing tests as close to the initial diagnosis of a neuromuscular disease as possible. These tests will provide baseline measures, which can then be used to document changes and the rate of change.

Your MDA clinic doctor (usually a neurologist) can recommend a pulmonologist (lung specialist) or respiratory therapist (a technician who performs breathing tests and treatments) who works with people who have neuromuscular diseases. They’ll perform the tests you’ll need to monitor your respiratory health.


Based on the results of these tests over time, your pulmonologist can plot the function of your respiratory system. When the numbers and physical exam show a decline, it may be time to initiate some form of ventilatory assistance to move more air into and out of the lungs.Click here for Respiratory Treatments.

Oximetry painlessly measures how much oxygen is in the blood through a sensor on the finger.

By understanding the rate of decline in your breathing muscle function, with the help of your health care team, you can carefully consider decisions about the best form of assistance before a breathing crisis develops.

Periodic evaluations of respiratory status can assist the neurologist and pulmonary doctor in determining when to begin a particular treatment. Following a careful review of the physical examination and pulmonary function tests, an individual respiratory care plan can be put together for you.

Some newer oximeters are very small.

In 2004, the American Thoracic Society, in consultation with experts in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, many of whom are associated with MDA clinics, released specific guidelines for respiratory care in this severe, childhood-onset muscular dystrophy.

Guidelines for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a paralyzing disease that destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and usually begins in late middle age, were developed by the American Academy of Neurology in 1999. They’re undergoing revision as knowledge is gained.



These general guidelines can serve as a starting point for doctors caring for children or adults with other neuromuscular diseases.