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Pneumonia

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Multiple Sclerosis
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Posted 8/28/2015 7:58 PM (GMT -5)
Hello. I'm a 38 year-old male with SPMS and I'd like to ask a question. As it is, I'm wheelchair bound, at 7.0 EDSS, and since I am too far into progression for a stem-cell transplant I've been on chemo (mitoxantrone) for just under a year. But none of that is really relevant to my question:

I know that most people with MS die from pneumonia. But how does one get pneumonia with MS? What I mean is, I've gone my whole life without getting pneumonia, it's not a very common thing, is it? At my fast rate of decline I'm probably going to want to die anyway, I already do, but I don't want to die by pneumonia. I hear it's a horrible death. So what is it about MS that makes one more susceptible? I guess that's my question. Also, is a cold or flu dangerous for me? Should I worry if I get a cold?

-Christian.
Posted 8/29/2015 7:58 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Christian,

I'm sorry you are having to consider such things. I am not a doctor but this is what I have heard; MS weakens muscles by damaging the central nervous system that operates those muscles. So the muscles that operate lungs and respiration become weak.

This makes it harder to clear out normal bodily fluid and secretions in the throat and upper respiratory system. This can allow pathogens to settle into the lungs.

You should probably see a pulmonologist and discuss your concerns. There may be therapy you can have that may prevent or delay such issues.
Posted 8/31/2015 8:13 AM (GMT -5)
Thank you for your answer. I'll ask my doctor about a pulmonologist. Thanks again.

-Christian.
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