Muscular diseases typically impair the body's ability to move properly. Diseases under the muscular dystrophy umbrella attack the body's metabolism and directly lead to faulty muscle energy levels and energy production. Other diseases, such as myasthenia gravis, attack the muscles themselves. The end result of muscular diseases is exercise intolerance, lack of energy, a decrease in strength and limited range of motion.
Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy is not a single disease but a group of disorders affecting the muscles. The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), most commonly known as "Jerry's Kids," includes 10 muscular diseases in their program. Each form is characterized by an insufficient supply of various substances required in the muscles. For instance, individuals suffering from acid maltase deficiency (Pompe's Disease) lack a sufficient amount of acid maltase.
Nine out of the 10 diseases are caused by improper digestion of food. Human energy comes from the breakdown of carbohydrates and fats. Proteins can be used for fuel but rarely are. Carbohydrates and fats enter the muscle cells to produce energy. Enzymes break down the nutrients like an assembly line. However, when one suffers from muscular dystrophy, one of the enzymes fails to work properly. When this occurs, the muscles cannot properly produce energy.
Muscular dystrophies lead to weakened movements caused by muscle degeneration. Common symptoms include muscle wasting and loss of movement. Due to the rarity and complexity of these disorders, sufferers may want to carry a treatment protocol with them, or wear a Medic-Alert bracelet.
Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the facial muscles. Myasthenia gravis is characterized by harmful antibodies that attack and tear down muscle fiber receptors. This disease causes chronic muscle weakness in the face, throat and eyes. According to the Human Body Book, early symptoms of myasthenia gravis include drooping eyelids. As the muscles weaken, chewing and swallowing can become difficult. If left untreated, the disease can lead to issues with speech and vision. Possible treatments are medication and the removal of the thymus gland.
Exercise Intolerance
Individuals with muscular diseases develop exercise intolerance. The level of handicap it creates varies depending on the severity of disease. Some may get tired from the simplest of movements, like drying dishes. Others may be able to jog before exercise intolerance becomes a factor.
While there are no current cures for these diseases, stretching and surgery benefit sufferers by improving range of motion.
References
- MDA: Facts About Metabolic Diseases of Muscle
- "The Human Body Book"; Parker, Steve; 2007
