Lou Gehrig's disease, medically known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, refers to a severe and potentially life-threatening neurological disorder associated with such symptoms as trouble swallowing, slurring of the speech, weakness of the feet or ankles and muscle cramping of the shoulders, arms or tongue. Some effects of Lou Gehrig's disease can be treated.
Respiratory Acidosis
Lou Gehrig's disease eventually paralyzes the respiratory muscles needed to breathe. Respiratory acidosis occurs when this happens. MedlinePlus says that respiratory acidosis refers to a medical problem in which the body cannot expel any carbon dioxide.
Symptoms of respiratory acidosis include fatigue, shortness of breath, confusion, sleepiness and drowsiness.
Treating this medical condition involves taking bronchodilator medications to open up the airways and receiving oxygen therapy. Other treatment options for respiratory acidosis involve a mechanical ventilator or noninvasive-positive pressure ventilation (a type of device that helps with breathing).
Malnutrition
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can also lead to malnutrition because the disease affects the muscles involved with swallowing. Malnutrition occurs when individuals cannot consume enough calories to maintain their weight. The Mayo Clinic says that malnutrition can lead to such complications as depression, fatigue, a weakened immune system, muscle weakness, and digestive, heart or lung problems.
Treating malnutrition involves getting a feeding tube placed in order to help provide adequate nutrients.
Dehydration
Lou Gehrig's disease can also lead to dehydration, a condition in which the body doesn't have adequate amounts of fluids. Specific dehydration symptoms include a dry mouth, sunken eyes, a lack of tears, decreased urine output and fatigue.
Treating dehydration involves receiving fluids orally (by mouth) or intravenously (through the vein).
Frontotemporal Dementia
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can also lead to frontotemporal dementia, a disease that affects the part of the brain associated with language, behavior and personality.
Specific symptoms of frontotemporal dementia include changes in behavior such as apathy, repetitive compulsive behavior and poor personal hygiene. This type of dementia can also lead to language and speech problems, poor coordination, trouble swallowing, tremors, rigidity and muscle weakness.
Frontotemporal dementia can be treated with antidepressant medications, such as trazodone, and antipsychotic medications. Also, speech therapy can help improving communication.
