muscular dystrophy; Causes, symptoms, and treatment of muscular dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy Symptoms of some genetic disabilities are not visible in children at the time of birth but after a few years, it is felt in their physical activities. Muscular dystrophy is also one such problem. Learn about it here.

Muscular dystrophy: Due to the recently released film 'Salaam Venky', a genetic disease called muscular dystrophy has become a topic of discussion among people because this film focuses on this disease and its lead character Venky is struggling with this problem. . Why does this happen and what is its treatment? Will know about it in detail in this article.

What is muscular dystrophy?

When the symptoms of several neurological problems are present in the body together, such a physical condition is called muscular dystrophy. Which is a genetic disease, in which the muscles of the child gradually become weak after the birth. In such a situation, the skeletal muscles that control physical activities become weak and damaged. For the development of healthy muscles, some special types of proteins are produced in the body, but when there is such a problem, some mutations (abnormal genes) obstruct this process. In some, this disease can be identified at the time of birth itself, so many times it also happens that such symptoms are seen in the child after entering adolescence.

Why does this happen

The problem of muscular dystrophy occurs due to disturbances in the structure of genes present in the cells. To determine the size and strength of muscles, a specific type of protein is needed and thousands of genes are present in it, which help the cells in this work. Of the 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of each pair is inherited from the parents. In simple words, these 22 pairs of chromosomes, which are called autosomal chromosomes, determine the appearance, physical structure, and brain capacity of the baby after birth. A particular pair of these chromosomes is such that determines the sex of the unborn child. Changes in their structure can cause a deficiency of an essential protein called dystrophin in the body. When the baby's body does not make enough dystrophin, then the symptoms of muscular dystrophy begin to develop in its body. If there is a family history of this disease, then children born in such a family may also have this problem. Since DMD and BMD are carriers of this disease, they are linked to X chromosomes, due to this, the chances of this disease are more in boys because the child's pregnancy depends on this chromosome.

Symptoms of muscular dystrophy

Commonly seen symptoms in children suffering from muscular dystrophy:-

  • falter in step
  • trouble running or jumping
  • falling over and over again
  • difficulty lying down or sitting
  • Weakness in sight
  • muscle stiffness
  • stunting
  • rapid weight loss
  • Stunted intellectual development etc.

Treatment of muscular dystrophy

The help of physiotherapy is taken to control the muscle strain and the pain caused by it. Some painkillers are also given to the patient to prevent muscle damage. Sometimes surgery is also needed. If breathing is difficult, the patient may require oxygen support and if there is a heart problem, a pacemaker may also be required.

If anything unusual is seen in the newborn, then to avoid such a problem, a doctor should be consulted immediately. By starting the treatment at the right time, the damage caused by it can be controlled to a great extent.