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A muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that have been known to damage and weaken your muscles over time. These injuries and weaknesses are due to a lack of a protein called dystrophin, which is essential for normal muscle function. The absence of this protein can cause problems with movement, rolling, and muscle contraction. Muscular dystrophy can occur at any time; however, most analyses occur in adolescence. Younger boys will have this disease more than younger women. The predictability of muscular dystrophy depends on the type and severity of the symptoms. However, many people with muscular dystrophy lose mobility and eventually need a wheelchair. There is no known cure for muscular dystrophy, however, other therapies may be helpful. This article will help you to understand what muscular dystrophy is, the definition of dystrophy, the symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and the types of muscular dystrophy in adults.
Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy
Symptoms of muscular dystrophy are often seen in children. However, some forms of the disease can be seen only in adults. You may experience discomfort, difficulty standing, not being able to run or run, loose gait, calf damage, and difficulty getting up from sitting or lying down.
Different Types of Muscular Dystrophy
It is a group of diseases that can affect different parts of your body, as we have already mentioned. There are three main types of this disease:
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – This is the most common form of the disease, affecting one in 3500 male children worldwide. The disease usually affects children aged 2 to 6 years. Symptoms of the disease include paralysis of the arms, legs, and spine. Many patients are confined to a wheelchair when they are 12 years old.
Becker Muscular Dystrophy -A mild form of Duchenne that occurs between the ages of 2 and 16 years. Becker is a slowly growing disease and has a greater chance of survival than Duchenne.
Limb-Girdle muscular dystrophy – This type of disease is more common in adolescents. It starts with weakness in the hip muscles and gradually progresses to the arms, legs, and shoulders. The disease causes difficulty walking and often leads to the need to use a wheelchair when you are 20 years old.
Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy – This type of disease affects the muscles in the upper arms, shoulders, and face. The disease usually begins in adolescence. This type of infection can cause difficulty chewing, closing their eyes, and moving their arms.
Myotonic muscle dystrophy– This is the most common type of muscular dystrophy in adolescence. It causes muscle spasms and can be described as not being able to move it once it has contracted. The most commonly affected areas are the neck and facial muscles. Treatment of Muscular Dystrophy
Treatment of Muscular Dystrophy
Considering the current situation, no specific treatment is available in clinical science. However, the disease can be reversed with medical help, high-protein diets, and prescriptions. Exercise, yoga, and respiratory meditation are often recommended to prevent the rate of muscle wasting. Treatment of Muscular Dystrophy
Considering the current situation, no specific treatment is available in clinical science. However, the disease can be reversed with medical help, high-protein diets, and prescriptions. Exercise, yoga, and respiratory meditation are often recommended to prevent the rate of muscle wasting.
What causes muscular dystrophy?
Genetic mutations, or mutations, cause many types of muscular dystrophy. One or both parents may pass on the defect to their child even though the parent may not be present. Rarely, a person develops muscular dystrophy automatically, which means there is no known cause.
How is muscular dystrophy diagnosed?
If your healthcare provider suspects muscular dystrophy, you or your child may be tested for one or more of the following:
An enzyme and blood protein test tests high levels of an enzyme called creatine kinase. High levels may indicate muscle damage caused by muscular dystrophy.
Electromyography (EMG) measures the electrical activity of muscles and nerves.
Muscle biopsy looks at cell tissue changes in muscle.
Genetic testing identifies genetic mutations associated with muscular dystrophy.
How can I prevent muscular dystrophy?
Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to prevent muscular dystrophy. If you have this disease, these steps can help you enjoy a better quality of life:
- Eat a healthy diet to prevent malnutrition.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and constipation.
- Exercise as much as possible.
- Maintain a healthy weight to prevent obesity.
- Quit smoking to protect your lungs and heart.
- Get vaccines for flu and pneumonia.
Also read: Important Topic of Biology: Myasthenia Gravis
FAQs
Q. What Are the Causes of Muscular Dystrophy?
Ans: The various causes of muscular dystrophy are described below:
Certain genes are associated with the production of proteins that protect muscle fibers. Muscular dystrophy occurs when one of these genes is injured. Each type of muscular dystrophy is triggered by genetic mutations associated with that type of disease. A large portion of these changes is found.
Q. How to Diagnose Muscular Dystrophy?
Ans: Diagnosis of muscular dystrophy is made as follows:
Various tests can enable your primary care physician to diagnose muscular dystrophy. Your primary care physician can:
- check your blood for enzymes released by the damaged tissue
- check your blood for genetic symptoms of muscular dystrophy
- perform electromyography tests on electrical muscle activity using an anode needle entering your muscle
- perform a muscle biopsy to test your muscular dystrophy muscle sample
