Breathing (Respiratory and Pulmonary Care)

The muscle weakness caused by SMA can affect the muscles for breathing (respiratory muscles). Breathing problems can be common for non-sitters and sitters but they are rare for walkers. However, it is recommended that everyone with SMA has both the annual influenza (flu) vaccination and the pneumococcal vaccine. All other routine vaccinations should be given as for standard healthcare recommendations unless the healthcare team advises otherwise.

There are different ways of helping to manage breathing problems. These vary depending on the impact of the SMA.