In neuromuscular respiratory failure caused by a progressive, irreversible disorder a decision should be made about how appropriate respiratory support is, preferably prior to the crisis.
Unlike respiratory failure due to lung problems the patient cannot simply try to breathe harder.
Patients with respiratory failure due to neuromuscular disease look remarkably well until just before they have a respiratory arrest.
The terminal problem is failure to clear the airway which requires the ability to generate a cough.
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