Respiratory Health
Some people who have had polio may experience breathing issues later in life. These can range from mild shortness of breath to serious breathing difficulties.
The problems often happen because of muscle weakness, changes in the spine, and/or other long-term effects of polio.
- Weak breathing muscles: Polio can weaken muscles e.g. diaphragm and chest muscles, making it hard to take deep breaths or cough properly.
- Scoliosis (curved spine): A curved spine can put pressure on the lungs and make breathing more difficult.
- Bulbar polio: If polio affected the nerves that control swallowing and breathing, it can lead to choking, aspiration, and even pneumonia.
- Post-Polio Syndrome: PPS can bring new or worse muscle weakness and breathing issues.
- Obesity (extra weight): Many polio survivors struggle with weight, which can put more pressure on the lungs and make it harder to breathe.
- Sleep breathing problems: Polio survivors are more likely to have sleep apnoea or other sleep-related breathing issues.
- Too little breathing (hypoventilation): Weak breathing can lead to a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood, which is dangerous and can lead to respiratory failure.
- Sudden breathing failure: Infections or stress on the body can suddenly make breathing worse in people with already weak lungs.
If you’re experiencing breathing difficulties or other respiratory issues related to the effects of polio