The Cryptid Sloth
Where CMT and Life Meet
The Cryptid Sloth
Where CMT and Life Meet
The Cryptid Sloth
Where CMT and Life Meet
CMT4Me Podcast: CMT Raw and Unfiltered
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CMT4Me Podcast: CMT Raw and Unfiltered
Listen Here
CMT
&
BREATHING
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, or CMT for short, is a group of inherited peripheral neuropathies with many causes and many different presentations. CMT is rare, affecting approximately only 3 million people worldwide, but it’s the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathy. Although CMT symptoms can be treated and well-managed, the disease itself has no known effective treatment or cure—there are no disease modifying therapies.
CMT gets its name from the three doctors who first described it in 1886: Jean-Martin Charcot (1825-1893), Pierre Marie (1853-1940), both from France, and Howard Henry Tooth (1856-1925) from England. Today, CMT as a disease name has evolved into an umbrella term that refers to many different sensory and/or motor neuropathies, axonopathies, myelinopathies, and neuronopathies. In its infancy, however, CMT described a disease that causes only lower leg muscle weakness and atrophy, or what is aptly called, “peroneal muscle atrophy.” Over time, however, CMT has revealed itself to be profoundly more diverse with reaches far beyond the lower legs.
CMT can cause breathing problems, and when it does, it causes a very specific kind of respiratory impairment called, “Neuromuscular-Induced Respiratory Muscle Weakness.” In CMT, this is referred to as CMT-induced neuromuscular respiratory muscle weakness, which can be shortened to “CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness.” Rather than affecting lung and airway tissues, this type of respiratory impairment is caused by a weakening of the muscles used for breathing. In CMT, the breathing muscles can become weakened as a consequence of the effects of the disease on the nerves that control these muscles. Just as the muscles of the lower legs, feet, and hands can become weakened in CMT, so to can the muscles used for breathing.
For reasons not well understood, not every CMTer will develop CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness. True to CMT, those who do develop this respiratory impairment can experience varying degrees of severity and progression over time. CMT does not preclude anybody from developing every other condition the general public can have. Just because a CMTer has symptoms of respiratory impairment does not necessarily mean the muscles used for breathing are becoming weakened. There could be other causes for the respiratory impairment. Properly diagnosing the underlying cause is essential for achieving desired treatment outcomes as the various types of respiratory impairment are treated differently from one another.
This page provides a general overview of CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness and compares it to other types of respiratory impairment. The information presented is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a diagnostic tool and nor is the presented information intended to replace the advice of a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek and follow the advice of your healthcare provider.
What is Respiratory Impairment?
Respiratory impairment is a very broad term used to describe any level of a reduction in the ability to adequately oxygenate the body and/or to adequately remove carbon dioxide from the body. Anything that causes respiratory impairment is considered respiratory disease. Respiratory disease can be acute—short-term, or chronic—long-term/lifelong. All respiratory disease, whether acute or chronic, causes shortness-of-breath (SoB). Respiratory viruses and respiratory bacterial infections, such as the flu (influenza virus) and bacterial pneumonia (pneumococcus bacteria), are examples of acute respiratory disease. Emphysema and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are examples of chronic respiratory disease.
Respiratory disease is grouped into two basic categories: diseases of lung/airway tissue, and thoracic cavity respiratory disease. Diseases of lung/airway tissue are diseases that affect the tissues of the lungs and airways, and these are divided into two subgroups: obstructive lung disease and restrictive lung disease. Combined, these represent the three basic classifications of respiratory impairment/disease: obstructive lung disease, restrictive lung disease, and respiratory disease of the thoracic cavity (chest cavity).
Respiratory impairment is a very broad term used to describe any level of a reduction in the ability to adequately oxygenate the body and/or to adequately remove carbon dioxide from the body. Anything that causes respiratory impairment is considered respiratory disease. Respiratory disease can be acute—short-term, or chronic—long-term/lifelong. All respiratory disease...
What is Obstructive Lung Disease?
Obstructive lung disease is a group of lung and airway tissue diseases that impair breathing by obstructing airflow out of the lungs and airways when breathing out. People who have an obstructive lung disease cannot fully empty the lungs when breathing out, which is sometimes referred to as “air trapping.” This causes a condition known as hyperinflation. Hyperinflation is a condition in which the lungs don’t fully empty when breathing out, remaining somewhat inflated when the next breath begins. Examples of obstructive lung disease include Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, and Bronchiectasis.
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What is Restrictive Lung Disease?
Restrictive lung disease is a group of lung and airway tissue diseases that impair breathing by restricting airflow into the lungs when breathing in. People who have a restrictive lung disease cannot fully fill the lungs with each breath. This causes a condition known as hypoinflation. Hypoinflation occurs when the lungs can’t fully inflate with each breath. Restrictive lung disease often results in a reduction of lung distensibility, or what is a reduction in the ability of lung tissue to expand—a loss of lung elasticity. As a consequence, total overall lung capacity can become reduced. Examples of restrictive lung disease include Sarcoidosis, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, and Pleurisy.
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What is Thoracic Cavity Respiratory Disease?
Thoracic cavity respiratory disease is any respiratory disease/impairment that reduces the ability to fully expand the chest cavity with each breath while sparing lung and airway tissue. A distinction between this kind of respiratory impairment and the others is that lung and airway tissues remain healthy. Airflow into the lungs is not restricted and airflow out of the lungs is not obstructed. In respiratory diseases of the thoracic cavity, the limitations to the chest cavity expanding fully with each breath cause a reduction in how much the lungs can inflate with each breath, and this leads to hypoinflation—the lungs under-inflate. Neuromuscular-induced respiratory muscle weakness is an example of thoracic cavity respiratory disease.
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What is Neuromuscular-Induced Respiratory Muscle Weakness?
Neuromuscular-induced respiratory muscle weakness is a type of respiratory impairment caused by the muscles used for breathing becoming weakened as a result of the related neuromuscular disease. In neuromuscular diseases that can affect breathing, the breathing muscles become weakened by the disease and the result is a reduction in the ability to fully expand the chest cavity with each breath. In turn, as a consequence, there’s a reduction in the ability to fully inflate the lungs with each breath, which is the definition of hypoinflation. However, lung and airway tissues are left unharmed. Examples of diseases that can cause neuromuscular-induced respiratory muscle weakness include Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Myasthenia Gravis (MG), and CMT.
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How Does CMT Cause Breathing Problems?
CMT can cause breathing problems by affecting the nerves that control the muscles used for breathing. Just as CMT can cause the muscles of the lower legs, feet, and hands to become weakened, for example, so to can CMT cause the muscles used for breathing to become weakened. When these muscles become weakened, they become weakened as a consequence of the effects of CMT exerted on the nerves that control these muscles, just as is the case when the hands become weakened in CMT. The result is a reduction in the ability to fully expand the chest cavity with each breath, and this leads to a reduction in the ability to fully inflate the lungs with each breath—a condition called hypoinflation.
When talking about CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness, we frequently talk about the diaphragm and what’s called the phrenic (freh-nick or free-nick) nerve. The phrenic nerve is the nerve that controls diaphragm movement. When this nerve is affected by CMT, the diaphragm can become weakened. The result is CMT-related respiratory impairment. The diaphragm and its nerve are not the only muscle (and nerve) used for breathing, and therefore, the diaphragm is not the only breathing muscle that can become weakened in CMT.
CMT can cause breathing problems by affecting the nerves that control the muscles used for breathing. Just as CMT can cause the muscles of the lower legs, feet, and hands to become weakened, for example, so to can CMT cause the muscles used for breathing to become weakened. When these muscles become weakened, they become weakened as a...
Which Muscles are Used for Breathing?
The respiratory cycle—one breath in and one breath out, is facilitated by the muscles used for breathing. The diaphragm is arguably the most important breathing muscle and starts each part of the respiratory cycle. The first part of the respiratory cycle, breathing in, starts with the diaphragm moving downward towards the abdomen. This action creates space within the chest cavity for the lungs to expand downward as they inflate with air. While this a very important muscle movement for breathing, it’s not the only
one.
The respiratory cycle—one breath in and one breath out, is facilitated by the muscles used for breathing. The diaphragm is arguably the most important breathing muscle and starts each part of the respiratory cycle. The first part of the respiratory cycle, breathing in, starts with the diaphragm moving downward towards the abdomen. This action...
As the diaphragm moves downward into the abdomen, the external intercostal muscles of the rib cage expand the chest cavity outward. The chest cavity must expand outward if the lungs are to fully inflate with each breath. The diaphragm moving downward towards the abdomen, on its own, does not create enough space within the chest cavity for the lungs to fully inflate with each breath. The chest expanding outward is therefore a critical part of breathing. Helping the diaphragm and the external intercostal muscles are several muscles that are together collectively referred to as the respiratory accessory muscles.
What are the Respiratory Accessory Muscles?
Respiratory accessory muscles are any muscle that helps the diaphragm and the external intercostal muscles to expand the chest cavity or to make the chest cavity smaller with each respiratory cycle. This group of muscles consists of the pectoralis major muscles of the chest (the pecs), sternocleidomastoid muscles of the neck, the scalene muscles of the neck, the trapezius muscle between the shoulder blades, the internal intercostal muscles of the rib cage, the innermost intercostal muscles of the rib cage, the subcostal
Respiratory accessory muscles are any muscle that helps the diaphragm and the external intercostal muscles to expand the chest cavity or to make the chest cavity smaller with each respiratory cycle. This group of muscles consists of the pectoralis major muscles of the chest (the pecs), sternocleidomastoid muscles of the neck, the scalene...
muscles of the rib cage, the transversus thoracis muscles of the rib cage, and the abdominal muscles. Some respiratory accessory muscles are used for expanding the chest cavity outwards when breathing in, some are used for making the chest cavity smaller when breathing out, and some are used for both.
The diaphragm is used for breathing in, is used for breathing out, and is arguably the most important breathing muscle. The external intercostal muscles, however, are equally as important. The external intercostal muscles are equally as important as the diaphragm because these are the primary muscles used for expanding the rib cage with each breath. These muscles don’t work alone though. They have help.
Which Muscles are Used for Breathing In?
Aiding the external intercostal muscles with expanding the chest cavity with each breath are the sternocleidomastoid muscles of the neck, the scalene muscles of the neck, the trapezius muscle between the shoulder blades, and the pectoralis major muscles of the chest (the pecs). Collectively, these muscles are the inspiratory accessory muscles (inspiratory = breathing in).
The pectoralis major muscles help with expanding the chest cavity outwards. The sternocleidomastoid muscles of the neck, the scalene muscles of the neck, and the trapezius muscle between the shoulder blades each help to expand the chest cavity by lifting the top of the rib cage to expand the chest cavity upwards. Without these muscles performing their critical inspiratory role in breathing, there wouldn’t be enough room in the chest cavity for the lungs to adequately inflate with each breath.
Aiding the external intercostal muscles with expanding the chest cavity with each breath are the sternocleidomastoid muscles of the neck, the scalene muscles of the neck, the trapezius muscle between the shoulder blades, and the pectoralis major muscles of the chest (the pecs). Collectively, these muscles are the inspiratory accessory...
Which Muscles are Used for Breathing Out?
Breathing out means reducing the size of the chest cavity. To accomplish this, the diaphragm moves upwards from the abdominal cavity towards the chest cavity. At the same time the diaphragm is moving upwards, the rib cage is contracting inward, and the top of the rib cage is moving downward. The muscles performing this task are the innermost intercostal muscles, the subcostal muscles, and the transversus thoracis muscles. Together with the abdominal muscles which assist the diaphragm, these are the expiratory accessory muscles (expiratory = breathing out).
The innermost intercostal muscles, the subcostal muscles, and the transversus thoracis muscles reduce the size of the chest cavity by pulling the rib cage inward and the top of the rib cage downward, returning the chest cavity to its normal size and the rib cage to its normal position. Combined with the diaphragm moving upward (assisted by the abdominal muscles), air leaves the lungs as we breath out.
Breathing in is an active process: muscles actively moving are required for breathing in. Breathing out is a passive process: muscles are not required to actively move for breathing out. However, muscle movement is needed to return the chest cavity back to its normal size and position.
Breathing out means reducing the size of the chest cavity. To accomplish this, the diaphragm moves upwards from the abdominal cavity towards the chest cavity. At the same time the diaphragm is moving upwards, the rib cage is contracting inward, and the top of the rib cage is moving downward. The muscles performing this task are the...
What are the Intercostal Muscles?
The external intercostal muscles, the internal intercostal muscles, the innermost intercostal muscles, and the subcostal muscles are often simply referred to as “the intercostals.” The intercostals together with the transversus thoracis muscles are collectively the muscles of the thoracic cage. The thoracic cage is the structure (ribs, intercostals, etc.) that envelops the thoracic cavity, or what is the chest cavity, or, simply, what is the rib cage.
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Is Breathing Voluntary or Involuntary?
All of the muscles used for breathing, whether the diaphragm, the external intercostal muscles, or the respiratory accessory muscles, are skeletal muscles, and each are controlled by nerves of the peripheral nervous system. Skeletal muscle movement, whether it’s a leg muscle or the diaphragm, is controlled (innervated) by a motor nerve. Motor nerves control motor function. Motor function is voluntary movement of a muscle, such as moving muscles to walk, to talk, to swing an arm, and to breathe. Breathing is voluntary, but breathing is also involuntary.
We can voluntarily control our breathing muscles. We can hold our breath by simply stopping our breathing. We can voluntarily breathe faster or slower, and we can voluntarily breathe shallow or deeply. Breathing is also an autonomic action (automatic and involuntary) in which the brain can take control of how fast and how deeply we breathe. Whether voluntary or involuntary, each nerve that controls the muscles used for breathing are motor nerves that are part of the peripheral nervous system. Each of these nerves can be affected by CMT, and therefore, as a consequence, the muscles controlled by these nerves—the muscles used for breathing, can become weakened in CMT.
All of the muscles used for breathing, whether the diaphragm, the external intercostal muscles, or the respiratory accessory muscles, are skeletal muscles, and each are controlled by nerves of the peripheral nervous system. Skeletal muscle movement, whether it’s a leg muscle or the diaphragm, is controlled (innervated) by...
Which Nerves Control the Muscles Used for Breathing?
There are many different nerves that control the muscles used for breathing, and each nerve is quite complex. The phrenic nerve gets the most attention because it controls the diaphragm, and the diaphragm is arguably the most important muscle used for breathing. However, each of the muscles used for breathing are controlled by other various nerves.
The sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles are controlled by the accessory nerve, or what is cranial nerve XI (cranial nerve 11, or what is CN-XI). Although “cranial nerve” might imply brain and central nervous system, the cranial nerves are a group of twelve pairs of peripheral nerves that connect the muscles and organs of the head and torso directly to the brain rather than through the spinal cord like the other peripheral nerves.
A group of nerves, called the intercostal nerves (IC), control external intercostal muscle movement, internal intercostal muscle movement, transversus thoracis muscle movement, and abdominal muscle movement. Each of the intercostal muscle groups are controlled by intercostal nerves 3-6 (IC3-IC6). The transversus thoracis muscle is controlled by nerves IC2-IC5. The abdominal muscles are controlled by nerves IC7-IC11.
The scalene muscles are controlled by cervical spinal nerves 3-8 (C3-C8). Despite their name, these are peripheral nerves as they connect the spinal cord to something outside of the spinal cord and brain. The lateral pectoral nerve controls the pectoralis major muscles (the pecs).
CMT can affect each of these many complex nerves. The question then focuses on the extent to which the muscles these nerves control become affected, and this can vary from not at all to significantly affected. When these muscles do become affected, they become weakened, just as the muscles of the feet or hands can. Not every CMTer will experience breathing muscles becoming weakened. For those who do, the breathing muscle weakness is not contained to only the diaphragm.
There are many different nerves that control the muscles used for breathing, and each nerve is quite complex. The phrenic nerve gets the most attention because it controls the diaphragm, and the diaphragm is arguably the most important muscle used for breathing. However, each of the muscles used for breathing are controlled by other...
What are the Symptoms of CMT-Related Respiratory Muscle Weakness?
The symptoms of CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness are not unique to CMT. CMT is a neuromuscular disease that can cause respiratory muscle weakness for some. As a neuromuscular disease that can weaken the muscles used for breathing, the symptoms associated with CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness are the same as they are for neuromuscular-induced respiratory muscle weakness in general.
Symptoms include but are not limited to:
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Shortness-of-Breath (SoB) (Dyspnea)
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Shallow Breathing
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Increased SoB when Lying Flat (Orthopnea)
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Increased SoB with Physical Exertion
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Weak Cough
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea
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Central Sleep Apnea
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Nocturnal Hypopnea
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Elevated Carbon Dioxide Levels
Often, the first signs of neuromuscular-induced respiratory muscle weakness is a gradual increase in difficulty getting a full breath which leads to SoB (dyspnea [disp-nee-uh]), breathing which becomes shallow, a feeling of suffocation when lying flat on your back (orthopnea [or-thop-nee-uh]), quickly becoming out of breath with any level of physical exertion, and a weak cough leading to a reduction in the ability to clear normal secretions since the muscles used for breathing are also used for coughing. Sleep disordered breathing can often develop. Sleep disordered breathing is a disruption in normal breathing when sleeping. Examples of sleep disordered breathing are Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Central Sleep Apnea, and Nocturnal Hypopnea.
The symptoms of CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness are not unique to CMT. CMT is a neuromuscular disease that can cause respiratory muscle weakness for some. As a neuromuscular disease that can weaken the muscles used for breathing, the symptoms associated with CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness are the same as they are for...
What is Orthopnea?
Orthopnea is a condition in which breathing becomes difficult when lying flat, or what is called supine (soo-pine). Orthopnea is common in CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness and is often an early sign that respiratory muscle weakness is developing. In CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness, there is a reduction in the ability to fully expand the chest cavity with each breath. This becomes worsened when lying flat not only because the muscles that expand the chest cavity have to work against gravity and against the weight of the organs, but the diaphragm has to also work against the weight of the abdominal organs and lying flat removes the advantage of gravity helping to pull the diaphragm downward towards the abdominal cavity. The task of breathing can be difficult for the weakened muscles, and the result is an increase in SoB.
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What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Research suggests that CMT likely predisposes to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a condition in which the muscles of the throat (the upper airway) become weakened and collapse when sleeping. This causes the airway to become obstructed and results in breathing momentarily stopping (apnea—app-nee-uh). The muscles of the throat (the upper airway) can become weakened as a consequence of CMT, with or without respiratory muscle weakness. Hence, a likely predisposition to OSA. OSA can also be an early sign of respiratory muscle weakness in CMT. However, a CMTer can have OSA without developing CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness.
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What is Central Sleep Apnea?
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) is a condition in which there’s a brief interruption in the signals from the brain to breathe. This results in breathing momentarily stopping. The difference between OSA and CSA is that CSA is not caused by an airway obstruction that causes a pause in breathing. Instead, CSA is a pause in breathing caused by a momentary interruption in the nerve signal that controls the muscles used for breathing. A CMTer can have both OSA and CSA. If the apnea events are frequent enough and/or last long enough, whether from OSA or CSA, or from both, a reduction in the body’s oxygen level can occur.
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What is Nocturnal Hypopnea?
Nocturnal Hypopnea is a condition in which there is a period of shallow breathing lasting at least ten seconds or longer when sleeping. Hypopnea causes hypoinflation leading to a reduction in the level of oxygen in the body and an elevation in carbon dioxide levels. Hypopnea can become especially troublesome during REM sleep for somebody who has CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness. During REM sleep, the only active muscles used for breathing are the diaphragm and the parasternal intercostal muscle (located in the upper chest external intercostal muscle group). When these muscles are weakened and not receiving any assistance from any other breathing muscle, they can’t facilitate breathing as efficiently. The resulting shallow breathing (hypopnea) during REM sleep is the result of these weakened muscles not having the needed strength to handle respiratory demand on their own.
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What is Dyspnea on Exertion?
Dyspnea on exertion describes SoB that occurs or worsens with physical activity/exertion and is often described as feeling “air starved.” CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness can cause a reduction in the ability to increase Tidal Volume during periods of increased respiratory demands such as when vigorously exercising. Tidal Volume is the amount of air (volume) needed to properly oxygenate the body with each respiratory cycle (one breath in, one breath out).
Increasing Tidal Volume requires an increase in overall chest cavity expansion so that the lungs can become more fully inflated with each breath. CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness causes a reduction in the ability to fully expand the chest cavity with each breath. Therefore, as a consequence, there can be a reduction in the ability to increase Tidal Volume during periods of increased respiratory demand due to the weakened muscles. The result is an increase in shortness-of-breath, or what is dyspnea on exertion.
Dyspnea on exertion describes SoB that occurs or worsens with physical activity/exertion and is often described as feeling “air starved.” CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness can cause a reduction in the ability to increase Tidal Volume during periods of increased respiratory demands such as when vigorously exercising. Tidal Volume is the...
Does CMT-Related Respiratory Muscle Weakness Cause Elevated Carbon Dioxide Levels?
The most important concern with CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness is the potential for carbon dioxide levels to rise to unhealthy levels. In order to blow out adequate amounts of carbon dioxide from the lungs, the lungs have to first fill with enough air. CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness causes a reduction in the ability to fully inflate the lungs with each breath resulting in hypoinflation—the lungs don’t inflate enough. This can lead to a reduction in the ability to blow out enough carbon dioxide to maintain healthy levels in the body.
In order to blow out enough carbon dioxide, the lungs have to inflate with an amount of air that is sufficient for blowing out enough carbon dioxide. The lungs can only blow out an amount of air equal to the amount of air that is inhaled. If the lungs are not able to inflate with the amount of air needed to then blow out enough carbon dioxide, the result can be elevated carbon dioxide levels leading to hypercapnia (high-per-cap-nee-uh). Hypercapnia is the term used to describe too much carbon dioxide in the body. Symptoms of hypercapnia include but are not limited to headaches, confusion, an inability to stay awake, and a worsening of respiratory symptoms. Ensuring carbon dioxide is maintained at a safe level is paramount in CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness.
The most important concern with CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness is the potential for carbon dioxide levels to rise to unhealthy levels. In order to blow out adequate amounts of carbon dioxide from the lungs, the lungs have to first fill with enough air. CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness causes a reduction in the ability to...
Does CMT-Related Respiratory Muscle Weakness Affect Oxygen Levels?
Oxygen levels in CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness typically remain normal. Lung tissue is left unharmed in this type of respiratory impairment. Lung tissue retains the ability to adequately pull oxygen into the body. An exception would be a reduction in oxygen levels as a consequence of sleep disordered breathing (OSA, CSA, Nocturnal Hypopnea) that can lead to a reduction in the level of oxygen in the body. Oxygen levels, however, will typically return to normal after waking and becoming upright because the lung tissue is able to pull adequate amounts of oxygen into the body once sleep disordered breathing has resolved.
This is a brief and general overview of the symptoms associated with CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness. A CMTer who has CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness, whether diagnosed or otherwise, might have all the discussed symptoms, might have additional symptoms, or might have only a couple of the discussed symptoms. The degree of severity of each symptom as well as the overall severity of the associated respiratory impairment can be quite variable from CMTer to CMTer. For reasons not well understood, not every CMTer will develop respiratory muscle weakness. If experiencing any of the discussed symptoms, or any additional respiratory symptoms, consult your healthcare provider and follow their guidance.
Oxygen levels in CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness typically remain normal. Lung tissue is left unharmed in this type of respiratory impairment. Lung tissue retains the ability to adequately pull oxygen into the body. An exception would be a reduction in oxygen levels as a consequence of sleep disordered breathing (OSA, CSA, Nocturnal Hypopnea)...
How is CMT-Related Respiratory Muscle Weakness Treated?
Although there isn’t yet an available treatment for CMT, the many symptoms and presentations of the disease are quite treatable and manageable. This is especially true for CMT-related respiratory impairment. CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness often first reveals itself as obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is quite common in the general public and is fairly common in CMT. The go-to treatment for OSA is CPAP.
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What is CPAP?
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. CPAP is a small tabletop device that sends pressurized air through a hose that connects to a mask worn by the person. The pressure, which is less than 0.5psi if the machine settings are maxed out, remains constant and keeps the airway open so the person can breathe well while sleeping (the pressure settings are usually in cmH2O (centimeters of water), and max setting is 25cmH2O which is equal to 0.355psi). The pressure the machine sends
to the mask is determined during a sleep study. The general public tends to tolerate CPAP therapy quite well. Some, however, can have difficulty with exhaling against the constant pressure of air CPAP sends to the mask, even though the pressure is quite low. When this happens, an option called BiPap is often the next step.
What is BiPap?
BiPap stands for Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure. BiPap, just like CPAP, is a small tabletop device that sends pressurized air through a hose to a mask worn by the person. Where BiPap differs from CPAP is that BiPap sends pressurized air to the mask for keeping the airway open when breathing in, but then automatically reduces the amount of pressure for breathing out—BiPap provides a higher pressure for breathing in and a lower pressure for breathing out. Although the maximum pressure BiPap can send to the mask is still less than 0.5psi, the pressure can be uncomfortable for some to breathe out against (max, like CPAP, is 25cmH2O). For this reason, BiPap can automatically reduce the pressure for breathing out (for example, down to 5cmH2O for breathing out), and this can lead to a greater ease of use for the person. Sometimes, however, BiPap isn’t successful. When this happens, another therapy option called VPAP is often the next viable step.
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What is VPAP?
VPAP is the acronym for Variable Positive Airway Pressure. VPAP, too, is a small tabletop device just like CPAP and BiPap, and it also sends pressurized air through a hose that connects to a mask worn by the person. As the name suggests, VPAP can provide a variable pressure, and does so throughout the use cycle, automatically adjusting the pressure up or down as needed based on any OSA the machine detects. While BiPap provides a variable pressure with one pressure setting for breathing in and a lower pressure for breathing out, these pressures are set and don’t vary. VPAP, however, takes it a step farther by having the capability to automatically adjust the pressure up or down as needed throughout the use cycle. Hence, variable.
CPAP, BiPap, and VPAP have been in use for many years, and they generally treat conditions such as OSA with relative ease. CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness provides treatment challenges the general public doesn’t typically have. Successful treatment with any of these three options rests on the person having normal respiratory muscle strength—no weakened respiratory muscles as a consequence of a neuromuscular disease.
When the muscles used for breathing become weakened, the lungs’ ability to inflate with an amount of air equal to Tidal Volume especially when asleep becomes reduced. Ensuring proper Tidal Volume is essential for maintaining adequate oxygen levels in the body and adequate carbon dioxide levels (see Dyspnea on Exertion). To treat this, doctors have used BiPap or VPAP and increase the difference between the high pressure setting for breathing in and the low pressure setting for breathing out. Often called a pressure break differential, the greater the difference between high and low pressure provides a theoretical higher Tidal Volume for the user. Managing Tidal Volume helps to manage oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Using pressure support to provide volume support is a difficult challenge for doctors though. There’s newer technology that greatly reduces these challenges.
With the technologies and treatment options that are available today, CMT specialists do not recommend these pressure-only therapies for their CMT-related respiratory impairment patients. Instead, a type of treatment called, “volume support,” is the go-to therapy.
VPAP is the acronym for Variable Positive Airway Pressure. VPAP, too, is a small tabletop device just like CPAP and BiPap, and it also sends pressurized air through a hose that connects to a mask worn by the person. As the name suggests, VPAP can provide a variable pressure, and does so throughout the use cycle, automatically adjusting...